Common Name(s): Peg-25 paba,peg-25 paba,uv filter cosmetic sunscreen,photoprotection active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Absorbs uv radiation in the 280-400 nm range and dissipates the energy as heat, preventing uv-induced skin dna damage, photocarcinogenesis, premature photoageing, and formulation ingredient photodegradation.

Why It's Used: Uv filters provide the primary active protection in sunscreens — the uv absorbing chromophore intercepts photons before they reach viable skin cells, preventing the thymine dimer formation and oxidative dna damage that leads to photocarcinogenesis and photoageing.

How It Works: Paba (para-aminobenzoic acid) and its esters absorb uvb radiation via pi-pi* transition of the aminobenzoate chromophore (lambda-max 290-305 nm). the amino group extends the conjugation providing higher molar absorptivity than non-amino benzoate uv absorbers.

Typically Found In: Sunscreens,uv protective products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: Per annex vi maximum

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Paba and some paba esters are associated with contact photoallergy and are no longer recommended as uv filters — many formulators have replaced them with alternative uvb filters. check current eu annex vi approval status; paba itself is not listed in current eu approved uv filters.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Eu regulation 1223/2009 annex vi,peg-25 paba uv filter review