padimate o + oxybenzone (Coppertone)

Combination sunscreen active ingredients **padimate o** (a UVB-absorbing ester derivative of PABA) and **oxybenzone** (a broad-spectrum benzophenone filter) have historically been used together to provide moderate SPF and extended protection against UVB and some UVA rays. Padimate o is a potent UVB absorber but offers little to no UVA protection; oxybenzone absorbs UVB and short-wave UVA, widening the spectrum of coverage[1][2][3][9][10]. The combination mechanism relies on both agents' ability to absorb solar UV radiation upon topical application, protecting skin from direct DNA damage, sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. However, padimate o is largely discontinued due to safety issues, including allergic reactions, DNA damage, potential carcinogenicity, and severe cosmetic staining[1][2][3][4]; while oxybenzone remains in some sunscreens but is controversial due to endocrine disruption and environmental impact concerns the combination is rarely found in modern products[3][4]. The combination's developers were various sunscreen manufacturers, but current production is nearly obsolete and discouraged due to documented safety risks[1][2][3].

Brand names

None known specifically for the combination; historical sunscreens such as "Hawaiian Tropic SPF 8"Coppertone SPF 15Banana Boat SPF 25" included padimate o + oxybenzone as active ingredients, but not as unique combination brand names

Other names

octyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoate (for padimate o)OD-PABA (for padimate o)2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (for padimate o)Escalol 507 (for padimate o)ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA (for padimate o)benzophenone-3 (for oxybenzone)