Chemical filter
Padimate O
PABA-family UVB filter. Australia still allows 8%. More historical sensitisation than modern triazines. Uncommon in good 2026 formulas.
Padimate O is the 2-ethylhexyl ester of 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid, a PABA derivative used as a UVB filter. Australia and the EU allow 8%. FDA still wants more modern GRASE data.
It is less allergenic than free PABA but still carries more historical photoallergy and sensitisation baggage than ethylhexyl triazone or bemotrizinol. Not a filter to seek out.
Sources
Sunscreens with Padimate O
No sunscreens we list use this filter yet.