Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate on your skin: a safety profile

What is diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate?

The IUPAC name is 2-(2-ethylhexyl)-4,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione.

Also known as: 2-(2-ethylhexyl)-4,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, Uvinul A Plus, DHHB, UVA-absorber.

IUPAC name

2-(2-ethylhexyl)-4,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitro-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione

CAS number

302776-68-7

Molecular formula

C32H47NO3

Molecular weight

489.73 g/mol

SMILES

CC(C)C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)NC2=C(C=CC(=C2)C3=CC=C(O3)CO)OC

PubChem CID

28666900

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate

• sunscreen
• facial_sunscreen
• body_lotion
• premium_formulations

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate:

• Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — no systemic absorption
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Newer-generation organic filters with lower skin penetration (e.g., bisoctrizole)
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• UPF-rated clothing and physical sun protection
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions