Padimate O
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Ultraviolet filter
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreen, cosmetic products
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PADIMATE O ?
Padimate O is able to filter ultraviolet-B light damage by absorbing energy along that spectrum.
WHAT IS PADIMATE O?
Padimate O (i.e., ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA) is an organic ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light filter related to the compound PABA (i.e., 4-aminobenzoic acid).
IS PADIMATE O SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Padimate O has been associated with photoinduced DNA damage associated with absorption of ultraviolet light energy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Padimate O, because of its relation to the compound PABA, should be avoided in individuals with a reaction to PABA or Padimate O itself. It may be associated with contact reactions, though in vivo testing has not demonstrated this conclusively. Mutagenicity has been reported after exposure to light, which may or may not be related to carcinogenicity.
Sources:
Edwards EK Jr, Edwards EK Sr. Ultraviolet radiation-induced suppression of contact hypersensitivity in relation to Padimate O and oxybenzone. J Invest Dermatol. 1989;93(5):708.
Knowland J, McKenzie EA, McHugh PJ, Cridland NA. Sunlight-induced mutagenicity of a common sunscreen ingredient. FEBS Lett. 1993;324(3):309-313.
Pantelic MN, Wong N, Kwa M, Lim HW. Ultraviolet filters in the United States and European Union: A review of safety and implications for the future of US sunscreens. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88(3):632-646.
