Ingredient glossary

Uvinul A Plus (DHHB)

INCI Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

A photostable, oil-soluble UVA filter with peak absorption around 354 nm. Permitted in the EU at up to 10%.

Typical use range
Up to 10% (EU Annex VI) per the literature, not our formula
Also known as
Uvinul A Plus, DHHB
What it does

Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, known by the trade name Uvinul A Plus, is an organic UV filter that absorbs long-wave UVA, with peak absorption around 354 nm. UVA is the part of the spectrum most associated with the appearance of photoageing and uneven tone, and it reaches skin through cloud and glass, so a strong UVA filter is central to a modern sunscreen.

Two properties set it apart from older UVA filters. It is photostable, meaning it does not break down and lose efficacy in sunlight the way unstabilised avobenzone does. And it is oil-soluble with good compatibility with other filters, which lets formulators build a high-UVA sunscreen with a light, non-greasy texture and no white cast.

It is listed in Annex VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation with a maximum concentration of 10%, and is widely used in Europe and Asia. Filters of this generation are the reason today's sunscreens can reach PA++++ ratings while feeling like a light lotion.

In our formulas

Where you will find it.

Percentages are read from each product's stated active complex. Where none is stated the ingredient appears in the full INCI only.

Pairs well with
Questions

Why does a sunscreen need a dedicated UVA filter?

The SPF number measures UVB protection only. UVA protection is rated separately (PA grades or the UVA circle logo) and needs filters that absorb at longer wavelengths, which is what this ingredient does.

Is DHHB a mineral or a chemical filter?

Organic ("chemical"). It works by absorbing UVA energy and releasing it as a small amount of heat, and it is transparent on skin.

Sources
  1. CosIng, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (EU cosmetic ingredient database) ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
  2. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex VI (UV filters allowed in cosmetic products).
  3. Osterwalder U, Sohn M, Herzog B. Global state of sunscreens. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2014;30(2–3):62–80.