An ester of dimethyl-PABA, used as a UV filter and regulated in Annex VI.
What it is
Ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA is 2-ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate, the ester of 2-ethylhexanol and dimethyl p-aminobenzoic acid, also known as padimate O. CosIng lists it as a light stabiliser, UV absorber and UV filter. In the EU it is listed in Annex VI (UV filters).
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Light stabilizer
- Protecting the cosmetic product from deterioration effects of light.
- UV absorber
- Protecting the cosmetic product from the effects of UV-light.
- UV filter
- Exclusively or mainly intended to protect the skin and/or hair against certain UV radiation by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV radiation. All authorised UV filters are substances in the positive list of Annex VI to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- Maximum concentration
- 8%
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
1 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- ParaSol – Extreme Durability Sun Care (2025-09-24)