SCCS - Scientific Advice on the safety of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate - DHHB – S83

SCCS members: U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads (Chairperson and Rapporteur), J. Ezendam, E. Gaffet, C. L. Galli, E. Panteri, V. Rogiers, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, T. Vanhaecke, S. Wijnhoven
SCCS external experts: E. Benfentati, N. Cabaton, E. Corsini, Ch. Delmaar, A. Koutsodimou, H. Louro , W. Uter, N. von Goetz
Contact: SANTE-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1678/25
Adopted on: 26 June 2025

Conclusion of the opinion:

(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) Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns regarding the presence of DnHexP in DHHB as a UV-filter in cosmetic products?

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.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific advice, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, DHHB, S83, Regulation 1223/2009, CAS/EC No. 302776-68-7/443-860-6

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), scientific advice on the safety of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate – DHHB -S83 (CAS/EC No. 302776-68-7/443-860-6) from cosmetic products, preliminary version of 14 February 2025, final version of 26 June 2025, SCCS/1678/25.