What Is PABA?

PABA stands for Para-Aminobenzoic Acid and it was once a commonly used ultraviolet light absorber. PABAs were introduced into sunscreen formulations in the 1970s, but because of the high number of allergic reactions to it, it was removed as a common sunscreen ingredient.

According to the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database, "Research indicates PABA has carcinogenic potential. PABA derivatives are now more commonly used, but these too may have health concerns." They are listed as a high hazard by the Environmental Working Group.

"Here's the interesting thing about PABAs: sunscreens don't really use it anymore because it's highly allergenic," says Alexandra Spunt, co-author of No More Dirty Looks: The Truth About Your Beauty Products. "That, and some bad press, meant it's been phased out for some time now. Despite this, companies love to boast that their formulation is 'PABA-free' on the label, giving the false sense that their product is somehow safer than others. It's another reminder not to find too much comfort in label promises."

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