EU SCCS Drafts Opinion on the UV Filter DHHB

On February 17, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released its preliminary opinion on the safety of diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (CAS No. 302776-68-7) in cosmetics. The opinion, which addresses safety concerns related to impurities in this ingredient, is open for public comments until April 25, 2025.¹

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) is an organic compound renowned for its exceptional UV-absorbing properties, excellent photostability, and compatibility with other UV filters and cosmetic ingredients. Currently, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation) as a UV filter, subject to a maximum concentration of 10%. In 2024, German authorities detected mono-n-hexyl phthalate (MnHexP) in children's urine samples, with assessments indicating it may result from sunscreen exposure. MnHexP can be derived from di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHexP), which is prohibited in cosmetics but could be an impurity in DHHB. Given the potential health risks from cosmetics containing DHHB contaminated with DnHexP, the European Commission has requested SCCS to assess the safety of DHHB, and its possible DnHexP contamination in cosmetics.

Based on the available information, SCCS has calculated a maximum allowable limit of 0.026% (260 ppm) for DnHexP in the UV filter DHHB, applicable when DHHB is used at concentrations up to 10% in cosmetics, and only if DnHexP is an unavoidable contaminant. Furthermore, SCCS observed that DnHexP levels in DHHB can be reduced to as low as 1 ppm. As such, SCCS suggests that 1 ppm should be the target level for DnHexP as an unavoidable trace impurity in DHHB.

EU SCCS Drafts Opinion on the UV Filter DHHB

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