Key Takeaways:
- SPF measures UVB protection (burns and acute damage), while PA measures UVA protection (aging and pigmentation).
- PA ratings run from PA+ to PA++++, with higher plus signs indicating stronger UVA protection based on PPD testing.
- PA++++ offers 94% or higher UVA protection, making it the gold standard for daily Korean sunscreen.
Korean sunscreen labels tend to have two ratings side by side, and they're not redundant. Each one measures something different. Here's what they mean and why both matter.
SPF: Your UVB Shield
SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn and acute skin damage. An SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 gets you to 98%. The numbers get close fast, which is why SPF 30 is widely accepted as the daily minimum.
PA: Your UVA Shield
PA ratings measure protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and drive long-term damage like collagen loss, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. The PA system uses Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) testing to determine how well a sunscreen blocks UVA rays, and the results get sorted into four grades.
Breaking Down the PA Grades
- PA+ equals a PPD of 2 to 4, blocking 50 to 75% of UVA rays.
- PA++ equals a PPD of 4 to 8, blocking 75 to 88% of UVA rays.
- PA+++ equals a PPD of 8 to 16, blocking 88 to 94% of UVA rays.
- PA++++ equals a PPD of 16 or more, blocking 94% or higher of UVA rays.
Why PA++++ Is the Gold Standard
For daily wear, PA++++ gives you the strongest available UVA defense. K-beauty sunscreens are formulated with this level of protection in mind, which is part of why they're so well regarded globally.
Two Strong Korean Options for Daily SPF
Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen and Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen both carry SPF 30 PA+++ ratings, delivering broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays. Beam Blocker brings weightless, dewy coverage for oily, dry, and combination skin. Sun Cover's 100% mineral filters and ZincSync™ Tint Tech make it the pick for sensitive and hyperpigmentation-prone skin.
