Recently, The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has recently issued a recommendation to limit the use of the UV filter ingredient Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) in cosmetic products to a maximum concentration of 0.026%.
This recommendation follows concerns about the presence of a potential contaminant, DnHexP, which can be found in small amounts in DHHB. DnHexP, a phthalate, is associated with various health risks, including hormonal disruptions.
In response to these concerns, the SCCS was tasked with determining the maximum safe level of DnHexP as an impurity in DHHB. While data has shown that the levels of DnHexP in DHHB-containing sunscreen products are generally below detection limits, the committee has recommended reducing DnHexP levels to no more than one part per million. This would apply when DHHB is used at concentrations of up to 10% in cosmetic products, provided that DnHexP is an unavoidable impurity.
The consultation period for this recommendation is open until April 25, 2025, allowing stakeholders in the personal care industry to provide feedback and engage in further discussions regarding the safety and regulation of UV filters in cosmetics.
