Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate*

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, DHHB for short, is a substituted benzophenone used as a UV filter in sunscreens. While the benzophenone structural unit is responsible for UV absorption, the hydrophobic substituents ensure oil solubility and water resistance in dermatological and cosmetic preparations. DHHB has a relatively broad UV absorption spectrum (in the range 340-400 nm) with an absorption maximum λmax in the UV-A range at 354 nm. It can be combined with other UV absorbers (Kawakami CM et al. 2017). In dermal preparations DHHB does not penetrate intact skin but remains in the outer layer (stratum corneum - T. Haque JM et al. 2016). The allergenic potential is negligible. The biodegradability of diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate is considered critical in surface waters.

1. Haque JM et al (2016) Chemical ultraviolet absorbers topically applied in a skin barrier mimetic formulation remain in the outer stratum corneum of porcine skin. Int J Pharm 510: 250-254.
2. Kawakami CM et al. (2017) Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) as additive to the UV filter avobenzone in cosmetic sunscreen formulations - Evaluation of the photochemical behavior and photostabilizing effect. Eur J Pharm Sci 99:299-309.