Padimate O (OD-PABA)
padimate o · octyl dimethyl paba · od-paba
A chemical UVB filter largely discontinued due to serious safety concerns. When exposed to UV light, padimate O becomes mutagenic — directly damaging DNA. It is banned in the EU and Canada, and the FDA denied it GRASE status in 2021. Few modern products use it.
- Verdict
- Avoid
02Concerns
- Sunlight-induced mutagenicity: UV exposure causes direct DNA damage
- Banned in the EU and Canada
- FDA denied GRASE status (2021) — no longer considered safe or effective
- Weak anti-estrogenic activity [Inference]
03Regulatory flags
- PABA derivative — may cause photoallergic reactions
- FDA requires additional safety testing data
04Commonly found in
Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.
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