PABA Free Sunscreen

Many of our customers ask us about what a “PABA-free sunscreen” label means—and that’s totally understandable, considering how big-name brands have the tendency to provide a laundry list of ingredients that you can barely pronounce, let alone decipher between good and bad.

In the simplest of terms, PABA-free sunscreen means that your SPF formula does not include para-aminobenzoic acid, which is an ingredient you should avoid in the interest of protecting your overall well-being.

Unfortunately, PABA in sunscreen isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye out for when browsing products in the cosmetic aisle. Too many companies take the cheap way out and pack their products with inexpensive fillers to get the job done. If you scan the ingredient labels on most chemical sunscreens, you’ll find all sorts of toxins, like oxybenzone, that are known for quickly absorbing through our skin and into our bloodstream where they then disrupt our bodies’ regular functioning.

It’s a bit of a catch-22: your goal is to protect your skin—the largest human organ—but you shouldn’t have to jeopardize your general health while doing so.

And you don’t have to! Now consumers have the knowledge they need to choose gentle but effective SPF formulas, including pregnancy safe sunscreen and safe sunscreen for babies, so parents can stop worrying about what happens after icky ingredients absorb into skin.

Ditch the big-name brands that offer PABA sunscreen and align yourself with trusted providers like Colorescience. We believe in preserving vitality through and through—and we don’t take questionable shortcuts to do so. When you shop our non-toxic sunscreen, you don’t need to scan through a long list of ingredients that are designed to overwhelm you and keep you in the dark.

In our book, the more natural, the better. That’s why we make all of our formulas using only wholesome ingredients that we’re proud to stand behind. We don’t stop at eliminating PABA in sunscreen—we make sure to scratch off toxins like oxybenzone (and many more) from our list and guarantee paraben-free sunscreen, too!

PABA is an amino acid that’s present in a variety of B-complex vitamins. That means it’s a naturally occurring chemical found in folic acid vitamins as well as foods like eggs, milk, meat, and grains. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong.

Here’s the problem: back in the 1970s, manufacturers discovered that PABA had a natural ability to absorb UV rays, so they started adding the chemical to SPF formulas. However, for PABA to be fully active, it needs to be mixed with synthetic materials, the main ingredient being alcohol.

Alcohol can be a major skin irritant, and many people who applied sunscreen with PABA reported cases of allergic dermatitis, or an allergic reaction to the skin upon contact that can sometimes sting or burn. If you or your little ones have sensitive skin, it’s best to buy PABA-free sunscreen to avoid the risk of any itchy, painful flare-ups.

The damage doesn’t stop there, though. Not only does it have a reputation for causing skin abnormalities and staining clothing, but it can and will absorb into the skin and circulate throughout your system, as research has proven that traces of PABA can be found in urine samples following application just like its close cousin, oxybenzone.

That’s when some other eye-raising concerns come into play. PABA sunscreen has shown to breakdown when exposed to sunlight, releasing free radicals that could damage DNA and potentially contribute to the formation of cancerous cells—the exact opposite of what you’re trying to accomplish when applying SPF!

It’s also been linked to liver damage among several concerning findings that make it wise for health-conscious consumers to choose PABA-free sunscreen regardless of whether they experience skin sensitivity. If you ask us, the fewer toxins in your bloodstream, the better, so stick with Colorescience to steer clear of concerning chemicals and take advantage of organic ingredients you can trust are safe.

Colorescience offers the perfect solution for people looking for PABA-free sunscreen that protects their skin without causing itchy irritation or possible internal harm. Our brush-on SPF is easy to apply (and reapply) on the go, so pack it in your purse and touch up your coverage every 90 minutes of sun exposure.

Prefer a liquid-based PABA-free sunscreen? No problem! We offer mineral sunscreens that are non-comedogenic, meaning you don’t have to worry about them clogging pores or contributing to breakouts.

Whether you prefer a brush-on powder or rub-on cream, you can count on either formula to be packed with nourishing antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients that treat your skin and tend to its health, while also providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage. That means our products actually work to reverse existing sun damage as they prevent future harm!

As an added bonus, Colorescience PABA-free sunblock* is available in a light tint. Other mineral SPFs might contain active ingredients that make your complexion appear white or chalky, but our formulas add a radiant touch that shields as it beautifies.

Pro tip: Be sure to apply our PABA-free sunblock* at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to ensure the minerals have enough time to settle in. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide work by physically reflecting and refracting the sun’s UV rays, whereas chemical formulas absorb into the skin and convert sunlight into heat.

Yes! If the coverage offered by the tint in our PABA-free sunscreen isn’t enough to achieve your desired look, it’s definitely possible to apply foundation over your product while still enjoying its protective properties.

Colorescience makes it easy to incorporate everyday sun protection and mindful skincare into your morning beauty routine. Start with a good primer tailored to dry, oily, or sensitive skin. Each of our formulas contains PABA-free SPF, so you can ward off the harmful effects of the sun while prepping your canvas for foundation application—and avoiding harsh chemicals when doing so!

Primer helps to seal in moisture, fill in fine lines, and make your makeup last all day long. After you apply SPF, add the Colorescience foundation of your choice to achieve fuller coverage. Our water-based liquid formulas are PABA free, offer breathability, and help cut down on shine.

Looking for a more natural look? We also offer powder makeup that’s designed to brush on in thin layers. If you need a touchup during the day, simply reapply a coat of our brush-on foundation for a quick and effortless application.

Our PABA-free sunscreens and safe mineral powders are crafted to suit a variety of skin types and lifestyles. Whether you’re dealing with dry, cracking skin or looking for products that cut down on oily shine, use our high-quality cosmetics that revitalize your beauty routine with skincare in mind.

Colorescience is your one-stop-shop for all your chemical-free skincare needs. With complimentary shipping and returns, you can always shop with confidence in your purchase.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.