What is 4-aminobenzoic acid used for?

4-Aminobenzoic acid, more commonly known as PABA, is a naturally occurring chemical that has found applications in both medicine and cosmetics, though its use has evolved over time. Historically, it was most widely recognized as an active ingredient in sunscreens, where its ability to absorb ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation made it an effective chemical filter for protecting the skin from sun damage. While PABA itself is less common in modern sunscreens due to concerns about skin sensitivity, its derivatives are still frequently used. Beyond sun protection, PABA is also a crucial intermediate in the industrial synthesis of folic acid (Vitamin B9) and various other organic compounds, including some azo dyes. In the medical field, a form of PABA called potassium para-aminobenzoate has been used orally to treat certain connective tissue and skin conditions characterized by scarring or hardening, such as Peyronie's disease, scleroderma, and dermatomyositis, due to its proposed anti-scarring and antifibrotic properties, although its efficacy for these uses is still debated and it is often considered a supplement rather than a standard pharmaceutical.

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