Is Padimate O safe during pregnancy?
Chemical sunscreen filter FDA wants more safety data on. Mineral sunscreen is the dermatologist pick in pregnancy; sun protection still matters.
What the sources say
FDA has asked for more safety data on padimate o before calling it generally recognized as safe, while stressing this is not a finding that it is unsafe. It is a PABA derivative. AAD recommends a zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunscreen during pregnancy. Limit: when possible choose mineral sunscreen; if a chemical sunscreen is what you have, using it is better than burning. No breastfeeding-specific guidance beyond keeping products off the nipple.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
ethylhexyl dimethyl paba, octyl dimethyl paba, padimate-o
Sources
- FDA: Questions and Answers: FDA's regulatory actions on over-the-counter sunscreen
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.