Synthesis, Characterization and Sunscreen Protection Factor of Novel Synthesized Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) Esters

摘要

Human exposure to sunlight can activate various biological responses from erythema to skin cancer. Precise use of sunscreen is the most efficient way to prevent the development of these diseases. Ingredients of sunscreen can be organic and inorganic ultraviolet (UV) filters. One of such organic ingredients is para amino benzoic acid (PABA), which is being used as sunscreen filter. The purpose of this study was to enhance the sun protection factor (SPF) value of PABA and minimize the harmful effects of PABA due to its deep penetration into skin. For this purpose, synthesis of two novel sunscreen filters PABA methyl stearate and PABA methyl ester were done by reacting PABA with olive oil at various conditions. The SPF value of each solution was determined by the standard spectrophotometric method. From SPF calculations, it was observed that both novel sunscreen filters showed high SPF number of 20.60 and 26.17 PABA methyl ester and PABA methyl stearate respectively while PABA showed the low SPF number of 17.60 at the same concentration. The PABA methyl stearate is less harmful to human skin because it has less penetration due to large size as compared to PABA.