Padimate O

Padimate O is an organic compound that is an ingredient in some sunscreens. It is a derivative of PABA, an ester formed by the condensation of 2-ethylhexanol and dimethylaminobenzoic acid. It is a yellowish oily liquid that is insoluble in water. It absorbs ultraviolet rays, thereby preventing direct DNA-damage by UV-B. Unfortunately the excited padimate O molecule reacts bimolecularly with DNA and produces indirect DNA-damages, that are similar to those done by ionizing radiation. Therfore padimate o is presumably photocarcinogenic.^[1]

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See also

• Padimate A, a related sunscreen ingredient

References

1. ^ Melanie Gulston, John Knowland; S. H. Moss, D. J. Davies (1999). "Illumination of human keratinocytes in the presence of sunscreen ingredient padimat-O .... increases strand breaks.". Mutation Research 1999 (444): 49-60.