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Quick answer: Oxybenzone carries the heavier risk profile. Oxybenzone is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Padimate O is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Oxybenzone | Padimate O |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Allowed |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | — |
| Category | uv filter | uv filter |
| Where it hides | sunscreen, SPF makeup, lip balm | Some older-formulation Coppertone products, Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF |
Oxybenzone is an organic UV filter (benzophenone-3).
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.
Oxybenzone: An endocrine disruptor that is also banned in some reef regions. The EU restricts its concentration; it remains widely used in the US.
Padimate O: 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 Its use has largely been replaced by more modern, better-tolerated filters.
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