PABA: is it allowed in sunscreen? Korea vs US vs EU
PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid) is an organic (chemical) UV filter covering UVB. It is not allowed as a UV filter in Korea. In the United States it is being removed from the list of sunscreen active ingredients (FDA order, September 2026; effective September 2027). In the EU it is banned.
| INCI name | PABA |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Aminobenzoic Acid |
| Name on Korean labels | 파바 |
| CAS number | 150-13-0 |
| Protects against | UVB |
Where PABA is allowed — country by country
| Region | Status | Official conditions |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | ✗ banned | |
| United States | ⚠ being removed (2027) | FDA final order OTC000008-1 (September 2026) removes PABA from the sunscreen monograph, effective September 2027. source |
| European Union | ✗ banned | |
| Japan | ✓ up to 4% | |
| China | ✗ banned | |
| Canada | ✓ up to 15% | Maximum Concentration Permitted : ≤ 15% |
| ASEAN | ✗ banned | |
| Taiwan | — | |
| Brazil | ✓ up to 15% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 15% |
| Argentina | ✓ up to 15% | Maximum concentration permitted at final product : 15% |
✓ = allowed as a UV filter, with the maximum concentration in the finished product. * = the limit depends on product type (see the filter page). ✗ = banned. — = no entry in the official list compiled by Korea's MFDS (for the US this means it is not an approved sunscreen active; for other regions, check the regulator's own list).
Source: Korea MFDS "Cosmetic ingredients with use restrictions" (international regulations compiled by MFDS, data.go.kr), refreshed weekly; US changes checked against FDA orders (October 2026). Regulations change — confirm with the regulator before formulating or importing.
Checking a Korean sunscreen
Korean ingredient lists use the Korean name above (파바). To check that a Korean sunscreen is officially registered with its SPF/PA, search the MFDS registry.