What Is 4-Aminobenzoic acid?
4-Aminobenzoic acid is a substance that can protect against the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun. It is often used in cosmetic products as a light stabilizer and UV absorber. However, it can discolor when exposed to light and air. In its pure form, it appears as a white crystalline solid but may turn beige over time. 4-Aminobenzoic acid used to be commonly used in sunscreening agents until it was found to sensitize some people's skin. The potassium salt form of this substance has therapeutic uses for fibrotic skin disorders. It has also been found to have hormone antagonist effects on thyroid hormones which can prevent hyperthyroidism. Because DNA defects contribute to skin cancer, 4-aminobenzoic acid is no longer widely used in sunscreen formulations today due to its allergenic properties and other health effect classifications such as pharmaceutical, antibacterial agent, pesticide, and antidote.
What is the purpose of 4-Aminobenzoic acid in personal care products?
It is used for its light stabilizer
and UV absorber characteristics.
4-Aminobenzoic acid shields ingredients from damage caused by light exposure and protects products from UV light damage.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: 4-Aminobenzoic acid and Paba.
What Are Light Stabilizer Ingredients?
4-Aminobenzoic acid has light stabilizer characteristics.
Light stabilizer ingredients are commonly added to cosmetic products to protect them from light's damaging effects. These ingredients work by preventing light from breaking down the active ingredients in the cosmetic product, which can lead to the ingredients becoming less effective or even causing harm to the skin.
When a cosmetic product is exposed to light, the energy from light can cause chemical reactions to occur within the product. These reactions can break down the active ingredients, causing them to become less effective. In addition, these reactions can create new compounds that may harm the skin. Light stabilizer ingredients prevent these reactions from occurring by absorbing the energy from the light and dissipating it as heat. This process protects the active ingredients in the product and prevents the formation of harmful compounds.
Light stabilizer ingredients are essential in skincare products that contain active ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients are known to be particularly sensitive to light, and their effectiveness can be significantly reduced if they are not protected.
In addition to protecting the active ingredients in the product, light stabilizer ingredients can also help maintain the product's appearance and texture. Light exposure can cause cosmetic products to change color, become cloudy, or separate. Light stabilizer ingredients prevent these changes from occurring, ensuring that the product remains stable and effective.
What Are UV Absorber Ingredients?
4-Aminobenzoic acid has UV absorber characteristics.
UV absorber ingredients are commonly found in cosmetics such as sunscreens, moisturizers, and makeup. Their primary function is to protect the product from the damaging effects of UV light. When exposed to UV light, cosmetic products can degrade and become less effective over time, causing color, texture, and scent changes.
UV absorbers work by absorbing the UV radiation from the sun and converting it into less harmful energy, such as heat. This prevents UV light from penetrating the cosmetic product, which helps to maintain its stability and prolong its shelf life. Additionally, UV absorbers can help protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV light, such as sunburn and skin damage.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.