What it is
Bis-(Diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Benzoyl) Piperazine is a symmetrical piperazine-based organic UV filter (molecular formula C₄₀H₄₄N₄O₆; MW 676.8 g/mol) that absorbs ultraviolet radiation primarily in the UVA-1 range (350–425 nm). It is practically insoluble in water (1.66 µg/L at 20°C) and has a logPow of approximately 4.8. The compound is commercially available as a dry powder (non-nano) or as aqueous nanoparticle and non-nano dispersions. Nanomilling increases UV absorption efficiency due to greater surface area. Dermal absorption is very low in both forms, limiting systemic exposure. Approved for use up to 10% in EU cosmetic products (nano and non-nano combined); not recommended in spray or aerosol formats that may lead to lung inhalation.
Spectrum coverage
UVA1 · UVA2
Regional approval · max %
Safety & warnings
HAA299 exhibits very low dermal absorption in human skin and negligible systemic bioavailability. Genotoxicity tests (in vitro and in vivo) returned negative results. Phototoxicity and photoallergy risk were not observed; however, the SCCS noted that a possible sensitization potential could not be fully excluded. The ingredient must not be used in formulations intended to be inhaled, as acute inhalation studies in animals showed inflammatory lung effects. The combined concentration of nano and non-nano forms must not exceed 10% in finished cosmetic products.
Origin & sourcing
HAA299 is a fully synthetic organic compound, developed and originally designated as FAT 75'808 by BASF. It is produced by chemical synthesis and formulated either as a milled powder or as an aqueous dispersion of nano- or non-nano particles for use in sunscreen formulations.
History
HAA299 was submitted for EU regulatory review as a candidate UVA filter. In September 2014, the SCCS issued Opinion SCCS/1533/14 concluding that non-nano HAA299 at up to 10% poses no systemic toxicity risk. A second opinion (SCCS/1634/21, July 2021) extended the evaluation to the nano form, finding it safe for dermal use at the same concentration limit but not recommended for inhalable formats. Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2195 of November 2022 formally added HAA299 (nano and non-nano) to Annex VI of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as permitted UV filter entry VI/34.
Questions everyone asks
What type of UV radiation does HAA299 filter?
HAA299 primarily absorbs UVA-1 radiation in the 350–425 nm range, making it a dedicated long-wave UVA filter rather than a UVB filter. It is typically combined with other UV filters for full-spectrum protection.
Is the nano form of HAA299 safe for skin?
The SCCS concluded that nano HAA299 is safe for dermal application at concentrations up to 10%. Its nanoparticle form is practically insoluble and shows very low skin penetration, so systemic exposure remains minimal.
Can HAA299 be used in spray sunscreens?
No. The SCCS does not recommend HAA299 (nano) in any formulation that could lead to lung exposure through inhalation, such as sprays or aerosols, due to inflammatory effects observed in acute inhalation animal studies.
What is the maximum permitted concentration of HAA299 in cosmetics?
Under EU Regulation 1223/2009 (Annex VI, entry VI/34, as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2195), the maximum combined concentration of HAA299 in both nano and non-nano form is 10% in finished cosmetic products.