Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (INCI) is an organic compound used in sunscreens to absorb UVA radiation. It is marketed as Parsol DHHB by DSM and as Uvinul A Plus by BASF. DHHB has an absorption maximum of 354 nm.UV Absorber Portfolio Performance Data and Regulatory Status , cosmetics.basf.de DHHB has excellent photostability and compatibility with other UV absorbers and other cosmetic ingredients.
The European Commission Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has expressed concerns about di-n-hexyl phthalate contamination from manufacture and recommended a maximum safe level of 260 parts per million in DHHB for suncreams. They further recommended that a trace level below 1 ppm should be the target for manufacturers as the contamination is avoidable. Although DHHB is a safe sunscreen ingredient, di-n-hexyl phtalate has been on the European Chemicals Agency list of Substances of Very High Concern since 2013.
Synthesis DHHB is produced by a reaction between 3-hydroxy-N,N-diethylaniline and phthalic anhydride, followed by esterification with 1-hexanol.
Regulation DHHB has been approved for the use in sunscreens in the European Union since 2005 with a maximum concentration of 10% and is also approved in South America, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan. In the United States it can be used for product protection.
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