7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Solvent · Fragrance ingredient · Preservative · Emollient
Diphenyl Ether
Also known as: Phenyl ether, Dioxybenzene
Molecular Formula
C12H10O
Molecular Weight
170.21 g/mol
Category
Organic Compound
Bottom Line: Diphenyl Ether is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and household products, though caution is advised for sensitive individuals.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in recommended concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- not combined with known irritants
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or nursing
- you are using multiple products containing similar ingredients
✕ Avoid If:
- you have a known allergy to diphenyl compounds
- you experience irritation or adverse reactions
- you are using on broken or damaged skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C12H10O |
| Molecular Weight | 170.21 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 82.0°C |
| Boiling Point | 498.0°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Density | 1.0661 g/cm³ |
| Log P | 4.2 |
Common Use Cases
3 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial creams, sunscreens, shampoos. Generally safe for topical use; avoid sensitive areas.
Pharmaceutical
Topical ointments, medicated creams. Use as directed; monitor for skin reactions.
Household
Cleaning agents, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation during use.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Diphenyl Ether is generally safe for skin contact but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of Diphenyl Ether can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other adverse effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation exposure may cause respiratory irritation, particularly in high concentrations.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Eye contact with Diphenyl Ether can cause significant irritation and potential damage.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- infants_children — Higher susceptibility to adverse effects.
- pregnant — Limited data; caution advised.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with proper use.
- elderly — Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Generally well tolerated, but individual sensitivities may vary. |
| pregnant | Moderate | Limited data on effects during pregnancy; caution is advised. |
| infants_children | High | Children may be more susceptible to adverse effects. |
| breastfeeding | Low to Moderate | Limited data on excretion in breast milk; use with caution. |
| elderly | Low | Generally well tolerated, but monitor for sensitivity. |
Toxicology Data
3 Endpoints
Diphenyl Ether has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 18600 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage | Low acute toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2015) |
| Skin Irritation | non-irritating | Human patch test | No significant irritation observed | SCCS Opinion (2018) |
| Sensitization | not sensitizing | Human repeated insult patch test | No sensitization observed | FDA Regulatory Review (2020) |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Diphenyl Ether has been assessed for safety in cosmetics and household products, showing low toxicity.
- Low acute toxicity in animal studies.
- Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
- Limited evidence of skin irritation.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Diphenyl Ether
Year: 2015
Conclusion: Safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1%.
View Full Report →
SCCS
Report: Opinion on Diphenyl Ether
Year: 2018
Conclusion: Considered safe for use in cosmetic products.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Diphenyl Ether
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Permitted for use in cosmetics and household products.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Diphenyl Ether is permitted for use in cosmetics and household products across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
While generally safe, those with sensitive skin should use caution.
Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions; discontinue use if irritation occurs.
It is often found in facial creams, shampoos, and household cleaners.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T05:21:51.630177Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.