On June 30, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific opinion(SCCS/1678/25) on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) (CAS/EC No. 302776-68-7/443-860-6). Previously, on February 17, 2025, the SCCS published the scientific opinion on this substance which was open for comments. The scientific advice released this time is consistent with the assessment conclusions proposed during the comment phase and further confirms the maximum safe level and recommends the target maximal level of DnHexP as an impurity in DHHB.
Scientific Advice on the safety of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
The SCCS concludes the following:
1. Considering the recent concerns over the presence of DnHexP as a contaminant in the production of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) used as a UV filter in cosmetic products, as well as in view of technical and scientific progress and taking under consideration in particular the various health concerns, the SCCS is requested to identify the maximum safe level of DnHexP as a contaminant in DHHB preparations.
Considering the health concerns associated with DnHexP, the SCCS calculated a maximum safe level of 0.026% (260 ppm) for this impurity in the UV filter DHHB. This applies when DHHB is used up to 10% in cosmetic products and only if DnHexP is an unavoidable impurity.
2. The SCCS has noted from the available information that DnHexP was below the level of detection in several DHHB containing sunscreen products and other DHHB sources, provided that a specific manufacturing process is applied. The information also showed that it is technically possible to lower the levels of DnHexP in DHHB down to 1 ppm. Considering the existence of such alternative manufacturing process for DHHB, the SCCS is of the opinion that a trace level of 1 ppm should be the target for the maximal level of DnHexP as an impurity in DHHB.
Regulatory Requirements Interpretation of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
The Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database-Global CosIng, independently developed by CIRS Group indicates that Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB)(CAS No. 302776-68-7) is included in the following key lists globally.
【EU】In EU, DHHB has been included in the List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products, the maximum concentration in ready for use preparation is 10%.
【China】In China, DHHB has been included in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC) (I) and the List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products, the maximum concentration in ready for use preparation is 10%. More details could be found in the following figure.
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