Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB)
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a synthetic chemical UV filter used in sunscreen products to protect the skin from harmful UV-A radiation.
Things worth knowing about "Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate"
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a synthetic chemical UV filter used in sunscreen products to protect the skin from harmful UV-A radiation.
What is Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate?
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (abbreviated as DHHB) is a synthetic, organic UV filter primarily used in cosmetic sunscreen formulations. It is commercially known under the trade name Uvinul A Plus and belongs to the class of benzophenone derivatives. DHHB was specifically developed to effectively absorb long-wave UV-A radiation (in the range of 320–400 nm), thereby protecting the skin from light-induced damage.
Mechanism of Action
DHHB functions as a chemical UV filter. The molecule absorbs UV-A radiation by capturing the energy of photons and converting it into harmless heat energy. This process prevents UV radiation from penetrating deep into the skin layers, where it could cause DNA damage or trigger oxidative stress.
- Absorption maximum: approximately 354 nm (UV-A range)
- Photostability: DHHB is considered photostable, meaning it does not degrade significantly under sun exposure and remains consistently effective.
- Lipophilic properties: DHHB is oil-soluble, enabling effective integration into oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions.
Medical and Cosmetic Application
DHHB is used in a wide range of sunscreen products, daily moisturizers, and after-sun preparations. It is frequently combined with other UV filters to achieve broad-spectrum protection against both UV-A and UV-B radiation. This is important because UV-A radiation penetrates deep into the dermis and contributes to skin aging (photoaging) as well as skin cancer development.
- Typical concentration in finished products: up to 10% according to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Annex VI)
- Compatible with other UV filters such as Tinosorb S, avobenzone, or octocrylene
- Suitable for use in sensitive skin formulations and children's sunscreens
Safety and Tolerability
DHHB is listed as an approved UV filter in cosmetics by the European Commission and is considered safe and well-tolerated based on current research. Systemic absorption through the skin is low, which minimizes the risk of undesired effects within the body.
- Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals with known hypersensitivity to benzophenone compounds.
- No evidence of relevant endocrine (hormonal) activity has been identified.
- The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has classified DHHB as safe when used within the permitted maximum concentration.
Comparison with Other UV Filters
Compared to older UV-A filters such as avobenzone, DHHB offers the advantage of greater photostability. Avobenzone tends to degrade rapidly under UV exposure and therefore requires stabilizing additives. DHHB, by contrast, maintains its protective efficacy over a longer period and requires fewer stabilizing co-ingredients.
References
- European Commission – Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS): Opinion on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB), SCCS/1627/21 (2021).
- Burnett, M. E. & Wang, S. Q.: Current sunscreen controversies: a critical review. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 27(2), 58–67 (2011).
- European Commission – Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products, Annex VI: List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products.
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