Following concerns about potential contamination of the UV filter Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate by a phthalate, DnHexP, the European Commission has asked the SCCS to reassess its safety in the light of the latest available data. The Scientific Committee has just published the preliminary version of its Scientific Advice, which is open to comments until 25 April 2025.
Background
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB, CAS No.302776-68-7, EC No.443-860-6) is a UV filter listed in Annex VI/28 of European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and authorised at a maximum concentration of 10%.
In 2024, an assessment by the German authorities showed that MnHexP, detected in children’s urine samples, could result from potential exposure to sunscreens, DnHexP being one of the phthalates from which MnHexP could be produced, and could be a contaminant in the DHHB production process.
Given the potential health risks, the Commission has asked the SCCS to provide a Scientific Advice on the safety of DHHB in cosmetic products and on the presence of DnHexP.
For an exhaustive background information, see the article
• UV Filters: two requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
The Scientific Advice
(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 minimum safe level of DnHexP as a …
