Is Padimate O Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Padimate O is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (uv filters).
INCI name PADIMATE O. Also called OD-PABA. CAS 21245-02-3.
Other names: Octyl Dimethyl PABA, OD-PABA, Escalol 507
Is Padimate O banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Some older-formulation Coppertone products, Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF |
| CAS number | 21245-02-3 |
What is Padimate O?
Padimate O (octyl dimethyl PABA) is an oil-soluble UVB-absorbing UV filter derived from PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). It was once one of the most common UVB filters in US sunscreens but has declined in use since the 1990s.
Why is Padimate O used in personal-care products?
Absorbs UVB radiation (290–315 nm) to prevent sunburn. It is very soluble in oil-based sunscreen systems.
Is Padimate O dangerous? Documented risks
Padimate O is FDA-approved at up to 8%. It is a PABA derivative and carries a rare risk of photoallergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to PABA-related compounds. There are some in vitro studies suggesting potential DNA damage from padimate O under UV exposure, though this has not been substantiated in human studies at cosmetic use levels. The CIR has assessed it as safe. Its use has largely been replaced by more modern, better-tolerated filters.
Products that may contain Padimate O
- Some older-formulation Coppertone products
- Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF
How to avoid Padimate O: safer alternatives
Octisalate or ensulizole as alternative UVB filters without PABA-related sensitization risk.
Frequently asked questions about Padimate O
Why is padimate O less popular now?
It declined due to the PABA-sensitivity risk and availability of better-tolerated, more photostable alternatives like octisalate and modern broad-spectrum filters.
Is padimate O safe?
It is FDA-approved and CIR-safe. Rare PABA-sensitized individuals may react; for everyone else, it is safe at approved concentrations.
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Sources
- FDA OTC Sunscreen Monograph — Padimate O — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- EWG Skin Deep: Padimate O — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.