Is PABA safe during pregnancy?
FDA has removed PABA as a sunscreen active over safety concerns. Choose another sunscreen.
PregnancyNot recommended
BreastfeedingNot recommended
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
FDA determined that sunscreens with PABA are not generally recognized as safe and effective because of safety issues, and a 2026 final order removed PABA from the US sunscreen monograph. This applies to everyone, not just pregnancy. Older or imported products may still list it; choose a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen, which AAD recommends in pregnancy.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
4-aminobenzoic acid, aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, para-aminobenzoic acid
Sources
- FDA: Questions and Answers: FDA's regulatory actions on over-the-counter sunscreen
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.