Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA
a.k.a. Padimate O
CAS 21245-02-3
Padimate O (Ethylhexyl Dimethyl PABA) is an older organic UVB filter that is not photostable on its own. It is approved up to 8% in the EU, Korea, and US, and 10% in Japan. Available safety data shows EWG 4 with no endocrine or reef flags, and current usage in this catalog is essentially zero.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Padimate O rarely used now?
It is a PABA-derivative UVB filter that is not photostable on its own, and consumer preference has shifted away from PABA-related ingredients. Available data shows it in essentially zero current products in this catalog.
What does Padimate O protect against?
It absorbs UVB only and must be combined with UVA filters for broad-spectrum protection. Because it is not photostable, formulas using it typically include co-filters that help maintain UVB performance.
Is it considered safe?
Available data shows EWG 4 with no endocrine or reef-toxicity flags. The moderate EWG score reflects PABA-family irritation and sensitization concerns historically associated with this group.
What are the legal limits?
In this data the caps are 8% in the EU, Korea, and US, and 10% in Japan, where it is regulated as a quasi-drug active. It is approved in all four markets in this dataset.