Dioctyl adipate is an organic compound with the molecular formula (CH2CH2CO2C8H17)2. It is a colorless oily liquid. and related diesters derived from 2-ethylhexanol, decanol, isodecyl alcohol, etc., used as plasticizers

Dioctyl adipate and diisopropyl adipate are used in cosmetics as emollients and bases. These two components have low acute oral and dermal toxicity. Undiluted dioctyl adipate and diisopropyl adipate are, at best, very mild and transient eye irritants. Primary skin irritation tests show that dioctyl adipate is a very mild irritant, while diisopropyl adipate is minimal. Dioctyl adipate is not a skin sensitizer in guinea pigs.

The Ames test for the mutagenic potential of dioctyl adipate was negative. An assay for the carcinogenic potential of dioctyl adipate produced no adverse effects and was not carcinogenic in rats. Mouse studies demonstrated dose-related weight loss and a higher incidence of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas compared with controls. In a lifetime study, dioctyl adipate did not cause skin tumors when 10 mg per week was applied to the skin of the backs of mice. The teratogenic potential of dioctyl adipate was reviewed.

Clinical evaluation of dioctyl adipate in the formulation showed at most minimal erythema and papules when used in the occlusive state. No UV sensitization occurred. Undiluted diisopropyl adipate was not irritating in the 24-hour patch test but was moderately irritating in the 21-day cumulative irritation test. Formulas containing up to 20% Diisopropyl Adipate cause mild to mild irritation and are non-sensitizing and non-photosensitizing. Based on the available data, it can be concluded that dioctyl adipate and diisopropyl adipate are currently safe for use in cosmetic products.

DEHA is sometimes incorrectly called dioctyl adipate.

Adipates exhibit low acute toxicity in animal models. The LD50 of the associated ethyl hexanoate was estimated to be 900 mg/kg (rat, iv).