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.
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.
The Scientific Committee adopted its Preliminary Opinion in February 2025, setting a maximum level of 0.026% and recommending a target of a maximum level of 1 ppm DnHexP as an unavoidable trace in DHHB.
For an exhaustive background information, see the articles
• UV Filters: two requests for Opinion to the SCCS, CosmeticOBS, 14 October 2024
• Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate: preliminary version of the SCCS Scientific Advice, CosmeticOBS, 24 February 2025
This Advice has been subject to a commenting period of eight weeks after its initial publication (from …
