Diethyl Phthalate DEP | Fragrance Solvent & Fixative

Product Name

Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

CAS No.: 84-66-2

🟢 Difficulty: Beginner

⏳ Lasting: High

🌸 Note: Base / Functional Ingredient

Description

Diethyl Phthalate, commonly known as DEP, is a low-odor functional ingredient widely used in fragrance and perfumery applications. Unlike conventional aroma chemicals, DEP is not primarily valued for contributing a distinctive scent. Instead, it is used as a carrier and solvent to help dissolve and incorporate fragrance materials into formulations.

In fragrance construction, DEP can assist with dilution and handling of aroma chemicals, essential oils and fragrance concentrates. It can also help create a more uniform liquid composition and support the performance of certain fragrance formulations. Because of its relatively neutral odor, it can be useful when a perfumer wants to modify the physical properties of a fragrance without introducing a strong additional odor character. Its use depends on the intended product, formulation requirements and applicable regulations.

Odor Profile

• Very low odor

• Mild

• Neutral

• Slightly oily

• Essentially non-characteristic

• Smooth

• Non-floral

• Non-fruity

Recommended Formulation Level (Educational guideline only)

• Trace: 1–5%

• General use: 5–30%

• High-impact applications: 30–60%

These are formulation guidelines for perfumers and are not IFRA limits.

Works Well With

• Essential Oils

• Aroma Chemicals

• Fragrance Concentrates

• Perfume Compounds

• Floral Materials

• Woody Materials

• Musks

• Amber Materials

• Fruity Materials

• Citrus Oils

• Resinous Materials

• Natural Extracts

Common Applications

• Fine Fragrance

• Attars

• Perfume Compounds

• Body Care

• Soap

• Home Fragrance

• Fragrance Dilution

• Aroma Chemical Blends

• Fragrance Bases

Perfumers' Tip

DEP should be treated primarily as a functional solvent and carrier rather than an odor ingredient. Use it to help dilute concentrated fragrance materials and achieve a workable, homogeneous perfume concentrate while keeping the character of the fragrance materials themselves intact.