What is PABA and why do so many sunscreens say they are “PABA-free”?
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) was once a very popular sunscreen ingredient that fell out of favor with manufacturers because of problems with allergic dermatitis and photosensitivity and because it tended to stain clothes yellow. The exceptionally common “PABA-free” marketing claim is almost meaningless since virtually zero sunscreens still contain PABA. A derivative of PABA called Padimate O is still used, however, and may be found in sunscreens labeled as PABA-free. Padimate O appears to be safer than PABA, but still shares some of the same health concerns as its parent chemical.
