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PABA

Also known as: Para-aminobenzoic acid, Aminobenzoic acid, Vitamin B10

A compound historically called vitamin B10, but not an essential human vitamin; removed from the U.S. OTC sunscreen monograph in 2026.

Pencil still life of an amber jar, powder and ochre fabric
Editorial illustration

PABA is para-aminobenzoic acid, not a recognized essential human vitamin despite the old name vitamin B10. On September 10, 2026, FDA removed aminobenzoic acid from the U.S. OTC sunscreen monograph after concluding that its sunscreen risks outweigh benefits. Older permitted-filter lists should not be read as current clearance.1, 2, 3

  • Chemical identity: para-aminobenzoic acid, also called aminobenzoic acid.1
  • Not one of the 13 recognized essential human vitamins.2
  • FDA removed PABA from the OTC sunscreen monograph on September 10, 2026.3

What is PABA?

PABA illustrates how historical names can outlast the evidence and regulation behind them. It appears in supplement marketing under a vitamin-like name and in older sunscreen references as a UV filter. Neither context makes it one of the 13 vitamins recognized as necessary for human health, and the recent sunscreen action must stay visible.1, 2

Where it comes from

Natural sources

  • A compound found in biological and chemical contexts; its occurrence does not establish a human vitamin requirement.

How it's made

Commercial PABA is manufactured as a defined compound. Potassium aminobenzoate is a separate salt and drug context.

What it does in products

  • Historical sunscreen ingredient
  • Ingredient in some oral supplement marketing

Benefits

Historical sunscreen role, now removed from the U.S. monograph

insufficient evidence

PABA's former sunscreen use is not a current recommendation. FDA's 2026 final action removed it from the list for monograph-marketed OTC sunscreen products.3

The regulatory decision applies to the sunscreen use assessed. It is not proof of an oral supplement benefit, and old lists of permitted concentrations may be superseded.

Evidence scope and limitations

PABA identity, human vitamin classification and U.S. OTC sunscreen status checked October 1, 2026; not potassium aminobenzoate drug treatment.

  • No evidence-based oral beauty supplement dose is established here.
  • PubChem supports identity only.
  • Older sunscreen monographs must be read with subsequent final orders.

Evidence last checked: 2026-10-01

Side effects & safety

Safety concerns in sunscreen use (varies)FDA determined that the risks for PABA sunscreen use outweigh benefits; this guide does not calculate risk from a particular legacy product.

Safety considerations

  • These sources do not establish safety or benefit of concentrated oral PABA during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • The sunscreen decision cannot establish compatibility of oral PABA with medicines; do not substitute supplement PABA for a prescribed aminobenzoate drug.
  • Not for: Do not rely on PABA as a current U.S. monograph sunscreen option.
  • Not for: A vitamin-like name is not evidence that supplementation is needed.
3, 4

Amounts studied & product use

These figures describe research or common product use, not a personal dose or treatment recommendation.

In supplement studies and products

No nutritional requirement or routine supplement dose is established by these sources. A historical sunscreen concentration is not an oral dose.

In skincare studies and products

Old monograph listings for PABA must be interpreted with the September 2026 final removal. No PABA sunscreen concentration is recommended here.

2, 3

Regulatory status

  • September 10, 2026: FDA final order OTC000008-1 removed aminobenzoic acid (PABA) from the OTC sunscreen monograph. Oral supplement labeling is a separate framework and does not prove efficacy.
3, 4

Why this page remains in the vitamin index

The vitamin-category placement makes the historically vitamin-like search term findable. It is not a nutritional classification or an endorsement of the vitamin B10 label.

The page separates three questions: what the molecule is, whether humans require it as a vitamin, and whether a particular sunscreen use is permitted. Each needs its own source; one answer cannot stand in for the others.

1, 2, 3

Frequently asked questions

Is PABA an essential B vitamin?

No. It is not included among the recognized essential human vitamins in MedlinePlus's list. The historical vitamin B10 alias should not be read as a deficiency diagnosis.2

Must consumers take action because of the 2026 sunscreen decision?

FDA said it was not aware of currently sold U.S. sunscreens containing PABA and did not ask consumers to take action. The change does not negate the importance of sun protection with appropriate products.3

The bottom line

Do not let an old vitamin name or an old sunscreen table override current nutritional classification and the September 2026 FDA decision.

References

  1. 4-Aminobenzoic acid: compound summary. PubChem, National Library of Medicine (2026) · ingredient monograph · CID 978; identity only
  2. Vitamins. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (2024) · government guidance
  3. Questions and Answers: FDA's regulatory actions on over-the-counter sunscreen. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026) · government guidance · Final Order OTC000008-1; September 10, 2026
  4. Dietary Supplements. U.S. Food and Drug Administration · government guidance · Undated live resource; accessed October 1, 2026

Revision history

  1. Initial AI-assisted evidence compilation with source-linked claims, formulation distinctions and explicit research limitations; not independent medical review.