The Effect of OD-PABA

Sunscreens protect the dermal layer from UV-induced cell damage. There are two broad categories of sunscreens based on their protective mechanism: those that use inorganic chemicals that reflect light, and those that contain organic chemicals to absorb UV light. A commonly used filter chemical in organic sunscreens is Octyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid (OD-PABA or Padimate O).  The Khetan-MacManus Spencer collaborative group has previously determined what concentrations of OD-PABA and its photolytic products are toxic to dermal fibroblast cells. However, the effects of subtoxic concentrations of these compounds on important aspects of cell behavior, including morphology, have not yet been researched in depth. Our latest findings suggest that indeed these behaviors are negatively affected by treatment with OD-PABA and its derivatives.