Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is PABA Sunscreen?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Para-amino-benzoic acid (PABA) sunscreen is a lotion commonly used to absorb the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to prevent burning. It was developed in the 1970s and was considered the first commercially available sunscreen. A report was later issued in the late 1980s that stated PABA may cause cellular damage. It was also reported to caused allergic reactions in some people and was known to stain clothes. As a result, PABA sunscreen — and use of PABA as an ingredient in any type of cosmetic product — has been limited.

There are some distinct advantages to using a PABA sunscreen. For example, it readily sticks to the cells making up the skin or epidermis. Because PABA sunscreen tightly attaches to the skin, it does not easily wipe away with a damp towel or rinse off in the water. This means that it does not need to be re-applied every 90 minutes, as most PABA-free sunscreens do.

PABA sunscreen was the first commercially available sunscreen.
PABA sunscreen was the first commercially available sunscreen.

In most cases, PABA sunscreen does block UVB rays effectively. The UVB rays are rays of the sun that burn the skin. These rays are the main causes of skin cancer and sunburn. However, there are also ultraviolet A (UVA) rays that are emitted from the sun, causing wrinkles and age spots. PABA sunscreen does not protect against UVA rays.

In addition to not protecting the skin from the sun’s damaging UVA rays, there are other disadvantages to using PABA sunscreen. For example, in a small percentage of the population an allergic reaction is possible. Some symptoms of a PABA allergy include red spots on the skin, itching, burning and acne breakouts.

Regularly applying sunscreen will help keep skin looking younger longer.
Regularly applying sunscreen will help keep skin looking younger longer.

Scientific reports linking PABA to skin cancer are the main reasons why PABA sunscreens are rarely produced today. For example, one report indicated that PABA actually damaged people’s cellular DNA. Consequently, it was linked to an increased likelihood of skin cancer. Although there was never any direct evidence that PABA causes cancer, many companies ceased using PABA in sunscreen.

It is important to read the label,  as many brands of sunscreen clearly indicate whether or not they are free of PABA.
It is important to read the label, as many brands of sunscreen clearly indicate whether or not they are free of PABA.

Most researchers and health professionals recommend that people use sunscreens that are PABA-free. They claim that sunscreens that reflect the sun’s rays, instead of absorbing them, are better for the body. In addition, it is believed that people should use sunscreens that reflect both UVA and UVB rays. Although PABA is rarely used, there are some derivatives, such as octyl-dimethyl-para-amino-benzoic acid that are used in a few brands of sunscreens. Although it is important to read the label of any cosmetic or skin care product, many brands of sunscreen clearly indicate whether or not they are free of PABA.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • PABA sunscreen was the first commercially available sunscreen.
      By: seen
      PABA sunscreen was the first commercially available sunscreen.
    • Regularly applying sunscreen will help keep skin looking younger longer.
      By: Maridav
      Regularly applying sunscreen will help keep skin looking younger longer.
    • It is important to read the label,  as many brands of sunscreen clearly indicate whether or not they are free of PABA.
      By: Maksim Å meljov
      It is important to read the label, as many brands of sunscreen clearly indicate whether or not they are free of PABA.
    • Overexposure to UV rays can cause sunburns.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Overexposure to UV rays can cause sunburns.
    • PABA sunscreen is able to effectively block UVB rays in most cases.
      By: lulu
      PABA sunscreen is able to effectively block UVB rays in most cases.
    • Itchiness can be an indication of an allergy.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      Itchiness can be an indication of an allergy.
    • Because PABA sunscreen tightly attaches to the skin, it does not easily wipe away with a damp towel.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Because PABA sunscreen tightly attaches to the skin, it does not easily wipe away with a damp towel.