Phthalates and Di(2‐Ethylhexyl) Adipate (DEHA) in Cosmetics Available in Malaysia: Exposure, Health Risks, and Regulatory Considerations

Phthalates are commonly used in cosmetics as solvents, fragrance fixatives, and stabilizers to enhance product stability and shelf life, with potential migration from plastic packaging into the products. This study quantifies dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di‐ n ‐octyl phthalate (DnOP), and di(2‐ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) levels in cosmetics and evaluates their systemic exposure and potential health risks. A total of 100 cosmetic products from seven categories available in Malaysia were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results indicate that 67% of the tested products contained at least one phthalate or DEHA, with DEP in fragrances exhibiting the highest concentrations at 4190.80 ± 33.73 ppm. The detection frequencies were as follows: DEP (49/100) > DEHP (18/100) > DEHA (10/100) > DBP (9/100) > DMP (9/100) > BBP (1/100) > DnOP (0/100). Additionally, banned phthalates (DBP, BBP, and DEHP) were detected in 25 samples, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance monitoring. Systemic exposure dose (SED) calculations revealed that DEP in body lotions (1.92 × 10 −2 mg/kg bw/day) posed the highest exposure risk, while the lowest recorded was DMP in nail polishes (5.95 × 10 −8 mg/kg bw/day). In the noncarcinogenic risk assessment, all phthalates and DEHA exhibited margin of safety (MOS) values more than 100, indicating an adequate MOS under the exposure assumptions applied. In the carcinogenic risk assessment, estimated lifetime cancer risks (LCRs) were below the 1 × 10 −5 criterion applied in this assessment. This study provides Malaysian‐specific evidence on phthalates and DEHA exposure from cosmetics, addressing a critical gap in consumer safety data and supporting local regulatory vigilance.