Ingredient Dictionary

PABA

4-aminobenzoic acid is an aminobenzoic acid in which the amino group is para to the carboxy group.

Definition

4-aminobenzoic acid is an aminobenzoic acid in which the amino group is para to the carboxy group. It has a role as an allergen, a plant metabolite and an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is functionally related to a benzoic acid. It is a conjugate base of a 4-carboxyanilinium. It is a conjugate acid of a 4-aminobenzoate. It is a tautomer of a 4-ammoniobenzoate.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII TL2TJE8QTX · registered name Aminobenzoic acid · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

PABA is the aromatic acid that conforms to the formula:

Cosmetic roles

Protects colour and scent from lightLIGHT STABILIZERAbsorbs UV (including to protect the product)UV ABSORBER

Safety & regulatory references

Banned: Argentina · ASEAN · Brazil · China · European Union · South Korea · United Kingdom
Restricted or banned: Argentina · ASEAN · Brazil · Canada · China · European Union · Japan · South Korea

Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation · MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information · UK cosmetics regulations (OPSS)

United States

Specific Limitations and Comments : Use of the term "sunscreen" or similar sun protection wording in a product's labeling generally causes the product to be subject to regulation as a drug or a drug/cosmetic, depending on the claims. However, sunscreen ingredients may also be used in some cosmetic products to protect the products’ color. The labelling must also state why the sunscreen ingredient is used, for example, "Contains a sunscreen to protect product color." If this explanation isn’t present, the product may be subject to regulation as a drug (21 CFR 700.35). For more information on sunscreens, refer to Tanning Products

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex II (prohibited substances), entry 167

Source: EU prohibited substances (Annex II)

Restriction II/167 · Other restriction: ban substances that deplete the ozone layer

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name ＰＡＢＡ: 本品は、次の化学式で表される芳香族化合物である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

PABAINCI파바Korean label name (MFDS standard)Benzoic acid, 4-amino-Synonym

CAS No.chemical registry number: 150-13-0
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 205-753-0
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID6024466
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID404466

IUPAC: 4-Aminobenzoic acid
Molecular formula: C7H7NO2
Molecular weight: 137.138 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: P-aminobenzoic acid appears as colorless crystals that discolor on exposure to light and air. (NTP, 1992) · Light beige, odorless solid, pure form is white, discolor on exposure to light and air, [Hawley] White crystalline solid, [MSDSonline]
Odour: Odorless · odourless
Melting point: 370 to 372 °F (NTP, 1992) · 188.5 °C
Solubility: 6110 mg/L (at 30 °C) · In water, 5,390 mg/L at 25 °C, 6,110 mg/L at 30 °C
Density: 1.37 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water, will sink
Stability: Chemical stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. · Conditions to avoid: Exposure to light. May discolor on exposure to air and light.
pH: pH (0.5% solution): 3.5 · 3.5 ()
Dissociation constant: 4.874 · 2.38 (at 25 °C)
Melting/freezing point: 187~189 ℃
Flash point: &amp, gt, 93.3 ℃
Water solubility: 6110 ㎎/ℓ (at 30C)
Relative density: 1.374 ()
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 0.83
Molecular weight: 137.14

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 8 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

UV stabilizer6
No specific technical function1
Flavouring and nutrient1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

2 skin studies and 2 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 4 studies

Category 6.3A (Category 2)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) not reported according to
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) not reported according to