What Is Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate?
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a lab-made ingredient designed to protect products and skin from the sun’s rays. Chemically it is an ester formed from benzoic acid, giving it a stable backbone that holds up well when exposed to light and heat. It does not come from plants or animals; chemists create it by joining a modified benzoic acid with a six-carbon (hexyl) alcohol through a controlled reaction. This process makes a clear oil-like liquid that blends easily with other cosmetic ingredients.
The compound first appeared in European suncare research in the early 2000s when formulators were looking for filters that could cover the long-wave UVA range. Its strong performance in that part of the spectrum quickly made it a favorite in high SPF sunscreens. Over time it moved into everyday products that need steady UV protection.
Today you will most often see Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate in broad-spectrum sunscreens, day creams with SPF, tinted moisturizers, anti-aging serums aimed at preventing sun damage and even some makeup primers. Because it stays stable under sunlight, it is also added to protect color and scent in lotions and hair products that may be stored in bright bathrooms or taken to the beach.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient offers several helpful actions that keep both the product and your skin in good shape:
- Light stabilizer – Helps other ingredients resist breakdown when exposed to sunlight so the product keeps working as promised for its full shelf life
- UV absorber – Soaks up high-energy UVA rays before they can reach the skin surface reducing the risk of sunburn premature aging and dark spots
- UV filter – Works with other filters to build a broad-spectrum shield allowing brands to hit higher SPF numbers without making the texture heavy or greasy
Who Can Use Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
This filter works well for dry, normal, combination and oily skin because it is light and does not leave a heavy film. People with sensitive skin usually tolerate it too since it is fragrance-free and made to be low irritant. Those with a history of allergies to chemical sunscreens should still review the ingredient list, but the rate of reactions reported in studies is low.
The molecule is fully synthetic and contains no animal-derived material, so it is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. Its production does not rely on animal by-products.
Current safety reviews have not flagged any special risk for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The ingredient stays mainly on the surface of the skin and is not expected to reach the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. That said this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product label to a healthcare professional before use to be extra sure.
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is designed to absorb UVA light and does not make skin more sensitive to the sun. It is considered photostable and non-phototoxic, so it will not increase the chance of sunburn when used as directed.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Every person’s skin is different, so reactions can vary. The points below list potential side effects yet these remain uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation – slight redness or stinging can occur in people with very reactive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare itchy rash or bumps in those who develop an allergy to the molecule
- Eye discomfort – temporary watering or burning if the product gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in acne-prone skin – very uncommon and usually linked to the overall formula rather than the filter itself
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is a thin fluid that sits mostly on the skin surface and is used at low levels, so it does not clog pores the way heavier oils or waxes can. Current lab data and consumer reports show little to no tendency to block follicles, which is why it earns a near-non-comedogenic score of 1.
This makes it generally fine for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts, provided the rest of the formula is also lightweight.
Keep in mind that overall pore-clogging potential comes from the full product, not just one ingredient, so texture, additional oils and personal skin type all play a role.
Summary
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate is mainly prized as a UVA filter that absorbs long-wave rays, helping products reach broad-spectrum claims while staying thin and comfortable. It also steadies formulas by soaking up excess light energy so colors, scents and actives hold their strength.
You will spot it most often in European and Asian sunscreens and day creams, though it is gradually appearing in primers, tinted moisturizers and leave-on hair products. It is not as famous as ingredients like avobenzone or zinc oxide, yet formulators appreciate its stability and skin-friendly feel, so its use is quietly growing.
Safety reviews find it low risk with rare irritation reports, and its minimal comedogenic rating makes it suitable for most skin types, even acne-prone ones. As with any new skincare product, do a small patch test before wider use to make sure your skin agrees with the complete formula.