Uvinul A Plus (DHHB)
A photostable long-UVA filter — avobenzone-level UVA1 coverage without the photodegradation, common in Europe but not in the US
INCIDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
- Category
- Sunscreen / UV Filter
- Risk level
- low
- What it covers
- Long-wave UVA1 (~340–400 nm) — the deep rays behind photoaging and melasma
- The avobenzone upgrade
- Covers a similar UVA range to avobenzone but is photostable — it does not need an octocrylene-style stabiliser
- Availability
- Approved across the EU/Asia/Australia; NOT FDA-approved in the US
- Tolerability
- Minimal penetration, allergy essentially unheard of
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This ingredient may appear under any of these names:
Commonly found in
Possible reactions
- Allergic reactions extremely rare
- No photodegradation
- No sun sensitivity
- Minimal systemic absorption
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What is Uvinul A Plus?
Uvinul A Plus (INCI: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate; also DHHB) is a modern chemical UV filter developed by BASF and EU-approved in 2005. It targets long-wave UVA1 (340–400 nm) — the deepest-penetrating UV, responsible for photoaging, DNA damage, and pigmentation disorders like melasma. It covers a similar range to avobenzone but with a decisive advantage: it's photostable. Where avobenzone breaks down in sun and needs a stabiliser (octocrylene) to keep working, Uvinul A Plus stays effective all day on its own.
Like the Tinosorb filters and Mexoryl, it is not FDA-approved in the US, so it's found in European, Australian, Japanese, and other non-US sunscreens.
Why it's so well tolerated
Uvinul A Plus is a relatively large molecule (~398 Da) with minimal skin penetration; patch-test contact dermatitis is very rare, and the EU has confirmed it safe up to 10%.
- Photostable — reliable long-UVA protection that doesn't fade through the day.
- Combines well — synergistic with Tinosorb S/M and other modern filters.
- Gentle — suitable for sensitive, reactive, and rosacea-prone skin.
- Low absorption — less systemic exposure than older filters like homosalate or octinoxate.
How to use it well
- Look for it by name — Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate / DHHB.
- Best in a modern blend — often paired with Tinosorb S/M for complete coverage.
- Reapply every 2–3 hours outdoors; apply generously.
- Prioritise for melasma/pigmentation — deep UVA1 protection is the linchpin.
Alternatives
- Most conservative: mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide).
- Companion modern filters: Tinosorb S/M, Mexoryl (EU/Asia, not US).
- Budget UVA: avobenzone + octocrylene (cheaper, but photostability depends on the stabiliser).
- US users: mineral sunscreens, since DHHB isn't FDA-approved.
The bottom line
Uvinul A Plus is essentially "photostable avobenzone" — strong, reliable long-UVA1 protection without the degradation, and very low-allergy. It's a quiet hero of modern European/Asian sunscreens (and a great pick for melasma); the only catch is it's unavailable in US formulas.
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