Padimate O on your skin: a safety profile

What is padimate o?

The IUPAC name is 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate.

Also known as: 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, OD-PABA, octyl DMAB, 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate.

IUPAC name

2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate

CAS number

21245-02-3

Molecular formula

C17H26NO2

Molecular weight

272.4 g/mol

SMILES

C=CCC1(C(=O)NC(=NC1=O)[O-])C2CCC=C2.[Na+]

PubChem CID

9329

Regulatory consensus

2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Padimate O. The classifications differ — that's the data.

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter padimate o

• sunscreen
• moisturizer
• body_lotion
• legacy_formulations

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Padimate O:

• Mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — no systemic absorption
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Newer-generation organic filters with lower skin penetration (e.g., bisoctrizole)
  Trade-offs: Alternative approach; specific tradeoffs depend on application context, scale, and regulatory requirements. Full hazard assessment of alternative recommended before adoption to avoid regrettable substitution.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• UPF-rated clothing and physical sun protection
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions