Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

Also known as: DBP, di-n-butyl phthalate

Varies by useunder our published method

Varies by use. The concern our method flags differs by product type and market — see the per-use verdicts below.

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Dibutyl phthalate is a plasticizer historically associated with nail polishes and nail hardeners.

Why people ask

People ask because EU and US source cells tell different parts of the same nail-product story.

What our method flags — by use

Cosmetic · EU cosmetics

In EU cosmetics, our method rates DBP as higher-concern because the ingredient is named in the prohibited-substances annex.

The EU restricted by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 dibutyl phthalate through the cosmetic prohibited-substances annex.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
European Union / EUR-Lex	The EU restricted by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 dibutyl phthalate through the cosmetic prohibited-substances annex.	authority_regulatory	2009-11-30	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

Cosmetic · US nail products

In US nail-product scope, our method rates DBP as moderate-concern because FDA describes historical nail-product use and a low occurrence in its latest survey.

The US FDA flagged by nail-care page DBP as historically common in nail polishes and some nail hardeners, while reporting that its latest survey found DBP in only a few nail polishes.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
US FDA	The US FDA flagged by nail-care page DBP as historically common in nail polishes and some nail hardeners, while reporting that its latest survey found DBP in only a few nail polishes.	authority_regulatory	2024-10-15	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Limited (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, DBP contributes a higher concern signal in EU cosmetics and a moderate concern signal in the US nail-product source cell.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

This is what Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.