Ingredient · INCI reference
Aminobenzoic Acid
a.k.a. PABA
CAS 150-13-0
PABA is an older UVB-only organic filter that is not photostable. Japan approves it as a quasi-drug up to 4% and Korea up to 5%, while the EU and US do not approve it. EWG rates it 4.
Legacy organic Pre-2000 chemical filters; broadly approved. ! UNSTABLE Photo-unstable — degrades under sunlight without stabilising filters. Gen · old organic
01 Spectrum coverage UVB
02 Regional approval · max %
JP ✓ 4% Japan: Approved · max 4% KR ✓ 5% South Korea: Approved · max 5% EU — — Europe: No data US — — United States: No data
03 Safety profile
EWG score
4
Reef-toxic
No
Endocrine disruptor
No
Comedogenicity
0
Reference
Frequently asked questions
What does PABA do in sunscreen?
PABA absorbs UVB only and does not cover UVA. It is an older-generation organic filter that breaks down under sunlight, so it is usually paired with photostable UVA filters.
Is PABA allowed in US sunscreens?
No. The US does not approve PABA as a sunscreen active. Among the markets tracked here, only Japan (up to 4%, as a quasi-drug) and Korea (up to 5%) currently approve it.
Why is PABA rarely used today?
PABA is not photostable, covers UVB only, and is not approved in the EU or US. Modern formulations more often use newer broad-spectrum, photostable filters.