Ingredients A-Z

PABA (Para-Aminobenzoic Acid)

Overview

 

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is also known as vitamin B10. It is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It is also found in several foods including grains, eggs, milk, and meat. PABA plays a key role in the production of folic acid, and also important for cell growth and DNA synthesis¹. Besides helping with skin health, it is also used for the production of hair dyes and sunscreens due to its ability to absorb UV radiation². Additionally, PABA is used as an ingredient in hair care formulations, as it demonstrated significant advantages for promoting hair well-being, such as the mitigation of premature greying and hair loss¹. Besides that, anticancer, anti-Alzheimer’s, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed in PABA compounds¹. Hence, researchers are being engaged in exploring the use of PABA as a dietary supplement or as an ingredient in functional foods, as it has been shown to have antioxidant properties that protect against cellular damage.4.

Key indications

Cellular Health and Proper Metabolism

PABA plays a crucial role in the synthesis of folic acid (vitamin B9), which is essential for numerous biological processes, especially DNA synthesis and cell division³. Folic acid is vital for tissue growth, red blood cell formation, and proper development during pregnancy. While the body cannot directly use PABA as folic acid, it participates in the conversion process leading to folic acid formation¹. Studies suggest that PABA plays a role in cellular health and proper metabolism by supporting folate synthesis, which is essential for DNA replication, cell growth, and enzymatic functions⁴. This indirect relationship highlights PABA’s essential function in supporting cellular health and maintaining proper metabolism.

Skin Health

PABA can absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, especially UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn⁵. By absorbing and scattering these harmful rays, PABA can help protect the skin from UV damage, including skin ageing and the risk of skin cancer⁵. PABA’s inclusion in topical products was once considered important in reducing the harmful effects of UV exposure. Some studies have shown that PABA may also help in the treatment of disorders related to the skin, such as vitiligo (a condition where the skin loses pigment)⁶.

Hair Growth

PABA is thought to support healthy hair growth by promoting the function of hair follicles. PABA’s role in maintaining follicle health likely comes from its involvement in cellular processes like DNA synthesis and repair, which are essential for the proper function of hair-producing cells¹. Research suggests that PABA may influence melanin production in hair follicles, potentially leading to a darkening effect on gray hair⁷. The potential role of PABA in promoting hair growth is tied to its indirect effects on folate production, hair follicle function and anti-greying of hair.

Antioxidant

PABA has been identified as having mild antioxidant properties. PABA’s chemical structure allows it to potentially scavenge free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage⁸. By neutralising free radicals, PABA helps protect the body’s cells and tissues from oxidative damage, which could reduce the risk of inflammation, ageing, and degenerative diseases⁸. By acting as an antioxidant, PABA may reduce this damage, supporting overall cell health and longevity. This action is beneficial in maintaining the integrity of tissues and organs, including the skin and hair follicles, where damage from free radicals can lead to premature ageing or hair loss⁷. Studies also found that when PABA is used alongside other antioxidants, it significantly deceases the oxidative damage and enhances cell viability⁹.

Cellular Health and Proper Metabolism

PABA plays a crucial role in the synthesis of folic acid (vitamin B9), which is essential for numerous biological processes, especially DNA synthesis and cell division³. Folic acid is vital for tissue growth, red blood cell formation, and proper development during pregnancy. While the body cannot directly use PABA as folic acid, it participates in the conversion process leading to folic acid formation¹. Studies suggest that PABA plays a role in cellular health and proper metabolism by supporting folate synthesis, which is essential for DNA replication, cell growth, and enzymatic functions⁴. This indirect relationship highlights PABA’s essential function in supporting cellular health and maintaining proper metabolism.

Skin Health

PABA can absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, especially UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburn⁵. By absorbing and scattering these harmful rays, PABA can help protect the skin from UV damage, including skin ageing and the risk of skin cancer⁵. PABA’s inclusion in topical products was once considered important in reducing the harmful effects of UV exposure. Some studies have shown that PABA may also help in the treatment of disorders related to the skin, such as vitiligo (a condition where the skin loses pigment)⁶.

Hair Growth

PABA is thought to support healthy hair growth by promoting the function of hair follicles. PABA’s role in maintaining follicle health likely comes from its involvement in cellular processes like DNA synthesis and repair, which are essential for the proper function of hair-producing cells¹. Research suggests that PABA may influence melanin production in hair follicles, potentially leading to a darkening effect on gray hair⁷. The potential role of PABA in promoting hair growth is tied to its indirect effects on folate production, hair follicle function and anti-greying of hair.

Antioxidant

PABA has been identified as having mild antioxidant properties. PABA’s chemical structure allows it to potentially scavenge free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage⁸. By neutralising free radicals, PABA helps protect the body’s cells and tissues from oxidative damage, which could reduce the risk of inflammation, ageing, and degenerative diseases⁸. By acting as an antioxidant, PABA may reduce this damage, supporting overall cell health and longevity. This action is beneficial in maintaining the integrity of tissues and organs, including the skin and hair follicles, where damage from free radicals can lead to premature ageing or hair loss⁷. Studies also found that when PABA is used alongside other antioxidants, it significantly deceases the oxidative damage and enhances cell viability⁹.

Adverse effects

PABA is generally considered safe for adults when taken at a dosage of up to 400mg per day¹⁰. However, possible side effects above 400mg are usually nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, anorexia, and skin rash¹⁰. Taking more than 12g per day can cause serious side effects such as liver, kidney, and blood problems¹¹.

Dosage range

Most PABA supplements on the market recommend 500mg per day up to 1000 mg¹⁰ Taking more than 12g per day can cause serious side effects¹¹.

Contraindications/cautions

Medications for Dermatitis
PABA can interfere with drugs like dapsone, which are used for conditions like leprosy or dermatitis herpetiformis. High concentrations of PABA can counteract the therapeutic effects of dapsone by competing for the same enzyme in folate metabolism¹².

 

Medications for Blood Thinning
Using PABA along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Examples of medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and others¹².

 

Antibiotics
PABA can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics called sulfonamides¹².

 

Allergic Reactions
People with a known allergy to PABA should avoid its use. It can cause skin reactions, including rashes, itching, and hives¹².

 

Insufficient reliable information available for children and lactation.

Adverse effects

PABA is generally considered safe for adults when taken at a dosage of up to 400mg per day¹⁰. However, possible side effects above 400mg are usually nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, anorexia, and skin rash¹⁰. Taking more than 12g per day can cause serious side effects such as liver, kidney, and blood problems¹¹.

Dosage range

Most PABA supplements on the market recommend 500mg per day up to 1000 mg¹⁰ Taking more than 12g per day can cause serious side effects¹¹.

Contraindications/cautions

Medications for Dermatitis
PABA can interfere with drugs like dapsone, which are used for conditions like leprosy or dermatitis herpetiformis. High concentrations of PABA can counteract the therapeutic effects of dapsone by competing for the same enzyme in folate metabolism¹².

 

Medications for Blood Thinning
Using PABA along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Examples of medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and others¹².

 

Antibiotics
PABA can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics called sulfonamides¹².

 

Allergic Reactions
People with a known allergy to PABA should avoid its use. It can cause skin reactions, including rashes, itching, and hives¹².

 

Insufficient reliable information available for children and lactation.

References :

  1. Haroon, F., Farwa, U., Arif, M., Raza, M. A., Sandhu, Z. A., Oirdi, M. E., Farhan, M., & Alhasawi, M. A. I. (2023). Novel Para-Aminobenzoic Acid Analogs and their potential therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines, 11(10), 2686. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102686
  2. DiNardo, J. C., & Downs, C. A. (2017). Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12449
  3. Krátký, M., Konečná, K., Janoušek, J., Brablíková, M., Janďourek, O., Trejtnar, F., Stolaříková, J., & Vinšová, J. (2019). 4-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives: converting folate precursor to antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Biomolecules, 10(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10010009
  4. Krátký, M., Konečná, K., Janoušek, J., Brablíková, M., Janďourek, O., Trejtnar, F., Stolaříková, J., & Vinšová, J. (2019b). 4-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives: converting folate precursor to antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Biomolecules, 10(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10010009
  5. Nitulescu, G., Lupuliasa, D., Adam-Dima, I., & Nitulescu, G. M. (2023). Ultraviolet filters for cosmetic applications. Cosmetics, 10(4), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040101
  6. Thawabteh, A. M., Jibreen, A., Karaman, D., Thawabteh, A., & Karaman, R. (2023). Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment—A Review. Molecules, 28(12), 4839. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124839
  7. Yale, K., Juhasz, M., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2019). Medication-Induced Repigmentation of Gray Hair: A Systematic review. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1159/000504414
  8. Hu, M., Chen, Y., Chen, L., & Sano, M. (1995). Para-aminobenzoic acid scavenges reactive oxygen species and protects DNA against UV and free radical damage. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 6(9), 504–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/0955-2863(95)00082-b
  9. Chen, S., Su, Y., Wu, W., Chen, Y., Lin, T., & Liu, Y. (2025). Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of 4-aminobenzoic acid in neuropsychiatric disorders: a comprehensive review of neurotransmitter modulation, anti-inflammatory pathways, and antioxidant defense. Exploration of Drug Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.37349/eds.2025.100898
  10. Tootoonchi, P. (2018). Hemolytic anemia and other side effects of para-amino benzoic acid in an 8-Year-Old girl. Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, 8(3), 187–192. https://ijpho.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-394-en.html
  11. PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (PABA): Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1004/para-aminobenzoic-acid-paba
  12. Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA): Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions. (2021, June 11). RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/para-aminobenzoic_acid_paba.htm

References :

  1. Haroon, F., Farwa, U., Arif, M., Raza, M. A., Sandhu, Z. A., Oirdi, M. E., Farhan, M., & Alhasawi, M. A. I. (2023). Novel Para-Aminobenzoic Acid Analogs and their potential therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines, 11(10), 2686. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102686
  2. DiNardo, J. C., & Downs, C. A. (2017). Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone‐3. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 15–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12449
  3. Krátký, M., Konečná, K., Janoušek, J., Brablíková, M., Janďourek, O., Trejtnar, F., Stolaříková, J., & Vinšová, J. (2019). 4-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives: converting folate precursor to antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Biomolecules, 10(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10010009
  4. Krátký, M., Konečná, K., Janoušek, J., Brablíková, M., Janďourek, O., Trejtnar, F., Stolaříková, J., & Vinšová, J. (2019b). 4-Aminobenzoic acid derivatives: converting folate precursor to antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents. Biomolecules, 10(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10010009
  5. Nitulescu, G., Lupuliasa, D., Adam-Dima, I., & Nitulescu, G. M. (2023). Ultraviolet filters for cosmetic applications. Cosmetics, 10(4), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040101
  6. Thawabteh, A. M., Jibreen, A., Karaman, D., Thawabteh, A., & Karaman, R. (2023). Skin Pigmentation Types, Causes and Treatment—A Review. Molecules, 28(12), 4839. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124839
  7. Yale, K., Juhasz, M., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2019). Medication-Induced Repigmentation of Gray Hair: A Systematic review. Skin Appendage Disorders, 6(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1159/000504414
  8. Hu, M., Chen, Y., Chen, L., & Sano, M. (1995). Para-aminobenzoic acid scavenges reactive oxygen species and protects DNA against UV and free radical damage. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 6(9), 504–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/0955-2863(95)00082-b
  9. Chen, S., Su, Y., Wu, W., Chen, Y., Lin, T., & Liu, Y. (2025). Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of 4-aminobenzoic acid in neuropsychiatric disorders: a comprehensive review of neurotransmitter modulation, anti-inflammatory pathways, and antioxidant defense. Exploration of Drug Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.37349/eds.2025.100898
  10. Tootoonchi, P. (2018). Hemolytic anemia and other side effects of para-amino benzoic acid in an 8-Year-Old girl. Iranian Journal of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, 8(3), 187–192. https://ijpho.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-394-en.html
  11. PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (PABA): Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1004/para-aminobenzoic-acid-paba
  12. Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA): Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions. (2021, June 11). RxList. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/para-aminobenzoic_acid_paba.htm
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The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.

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