Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) is a substituted benzophenone-type organic UV filter. Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate absorbs UVA radiation in the 320–400nm wavelength range through its conjugated aromatic structure and converts the absorbed light energy into heat, thereby protecting the skin from photodamage. Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate can be used in sunscreens, day creams, and other cosmetic products to provide broad-spectrum UVA protection and is applied in anti-photoaging skincare products[1-4].
In vitro, 3T3 Balb/c fibroblasts were pre-treated for 1 hour with a combination containing Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (62.5μg/mL), octocrylene (75μg/mL), and octyl methoxycinnamate (100μg/mL), followed by UVA radiation (5J/cm²). The combination containing Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate did not show phototoxic potential[5]. S. cerevisiae Ogg1 mutant strain (CD138) was pre-treated with Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (100μg/mL) for 6 hours, followed by stimulation with solar simulated light (SSL) (2.5–10kJ/m²). Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate increased cell survival and protected yeast cells from the toxic effects of solar simulator radiation[6].
References:
[1] Fagervold SK, Rohée C, Lebaron P. Marine sediments microbes degrade a limited repertoire of organic UV filters. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Jul;32(33):19823-19835.
[2] Sobańska AW, Sobański AM, Brzezińska E. Organic Sunscreens-Biological Activity from an Enzymatic Perspective. Molecules. 2026 May 14;31(10):1656.
[3] Shamoto Y, Yagi M, Oguchi-Fujiyama N, et al. Photophysical properties of hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate (Uvinul A Plus), a UV-A absorber. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2017 Sep 13;16(9):1449-1457.
[4] Ichikawa M, Shimokawa N, Makuta M, et al. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and enzyme activity effects of UV filters and their chlorinated by-products in human lung epithelial cells (A549). Sci Total Environ. 2025 Sep 24;1002:180516.
[5] Kibwila DM, Simon A, de Abreu LCL, et al. New alternatives in photoprotection: Preparation and evaluation of lamellar silicate derivatives and their use as sunscreens. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2026 Feb;48(1):172-185.
[6] Murai M, Sakurada J, Seki K, et al. Apoptosis observed in BALB/3T3 cells having ingested Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Immunol. 1999;43(7):653-61.