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Common Name(s): Octyl dimethyl paba,od-paba,escalol 507

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides efficient uvb filtration from an improved paba derivative with better skin tolerance.

Why It's Used: Tolerable paba derivative providing efficient uvb protection without the contact sensitisation issues of parent paba compound.

How It Works: Paba ester with higher lipophilicity and better skin tolerance than free paba. absorbs uvb (ฮปmax 311nm). ester modification reduces free amine sensitisation potential vs paba. oil-soluble for lipid phase formulation.

Typically Found In: Sunscreens (us, declining use)

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient โ€“ paba-derived uvb filter

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: Up to 8% (us fda)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ€“ very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ€“ non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Fda otc: 8%. not eu approved as uv filter. cross-reactivity with sulfonamides and paba possible. ewg score: 4-6. use declining as safer alternatives available.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Padimate o's improvement over paba (removed from the us approved uv filter list due to sensitisation concerns in the 1990s) demonstrates how esterification can reduce hapten formation potential: the free amine in paba can directly bind skin proteins causing sensitisation, while padimate o's tertiary dimethylamino group is far less reactive toward protein binding, reducing sensitisation risk.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,fda uv filter otc monograph