A photostable long-UVA filter that can replace avobenzone, giving steady UVA protection without stabilisers.
What it is
DHHB absorbs long UVA rays, the part of sunlight linked with premature skin ageing. Brands use it to build avobenzone-free broad spectrum formulas or to add UVA headroom. It is clear on skin and works in light textures.
Good for
Long UVA protectionBroad spectrum protectionNo white cast
How it works
DHHB peaks at about 354 nm, close to avobenzone's peak, but does not break down in light. That gives steady UVA protection through the day without another filter to stabilise it.
Ratings
Evidence
4/5
Well documented in EU safety reviews but has a shorter history.
Gentleness
5/5
Low rates of irritation and sensitisation reported.
Formulation difficulty
2/5
Dissolves readily in common oils and ethanol, with few clashes.
Cost
4/5
Speciality filter, priced above avobenzone.
Popularity
4/5
Common in newer Australian launches, often with bemotrizinol.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
Permitted up to 10% in ARTG-listed sunscreens. Ask suppliers for the level of the phthalate impurity DnHexP, since the EU caps it from 2027.
European Union
Annex VI allows 10%. From 1 January 2027, products placed on the EU market must keep the phthalate impurity DnHexP in the DHHB at or below 10 ppm; the SCCS sees 1 ppm as the target.
United States
Not an approved filter under the FDA sunscreen monograph, so a US sunscreen using it as an active would need an approved new drug application.
Canada
Not in Health Canada's sunscreen monograph, so a Canadian sunscreen using it would need a drug submission backed by its own safety and efficacy data.
In the lab
Specifications
Typical use level
2–10%0525%
Solubility
Oil-solubleAlcohol-soluble
Alongside other filters 2–5% is typical for photostable long-UVA cover, making it a common alternative to avobenzone. It dissolves well in cosmetic oils.
INCI
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Also known as
Uvinul A Plus (BASF), Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Australian Approved Name)
Origin
synthetic
Lab notes
Solubility and phase
Oil phase, or ethanol: about 23% dissolves in C12-15 alkyl benzoate, 17% in caprylic/capric triglyceride and 11% in ethanol (BASF). Melt the granules into the warm oil phase.
Stability
Check very pale formulas for a faint yellow tint, which the melted granules can give.
Regulatory, Australia
Permitted sunscreen active, maximum 10% (Permissible Ingredients Determination No. 3 2026), and the EU's SCCS (2025) set a 1 ppm target for the phthalate impurity DnHexP, so request this specification from suppliers. Primary sunscreens and moisturisers advertised above SPF 15 are therapeutic goods, usually ARTG-listed (AUST L), tested to AS/NZS 2604 and labelled with approved names and set warnings; sunscreen lip products and tinted foundations that meet the Determination’s conditions are excluded.
Claims to take care with
Use only TGA-permitted indications, such as 'SPF 50+ broad spectrum very high protection', and skin-cancer, sunspot or solar keratosis claims need broad spectrum SPF 30 or more. 'Avobenzone-free' is a content claim, not a safety claim.
