PA++++ is the highest common PA grade and signals very high UVA protection, typically corresponding to a UVAPF or PPD value of about 16 or higher. PA is the Japanese and Korean grading system for UVA defense, and it works alongside SPF rather than replacing it. When you shop for a Korean or Japanese sunscreen, check the SPF number and any Broad Spectrum wording too, since both pieces matter for full coverage.
TL;DR:
- A PA++++ sunscreen provides a UVA protection with a UVAPF of at least 16, but actual UVA coverage can vary significantly between products with the same grade.
- The PA grading system is based on an in vivo PPD test following ISO24442 standards, which measures persistent pigment darkening caused by UVA exposure.
- PA++++ does not indicate water resistance, wear time, skin compatibility, or how well the sunscreen performs under makeup, all of which matter for practical use.
- Comparing PA++++ sunscreens requires reviewing the SPF number, Broad Spectrum status, and any transparency about actual UVA protection levels, as the grade alone does not specify the exact UVA defense.
- To maximize protection, pair a high-SPF, PA++++ sunscreen with regular reapplication, especially outdoors, since the grade does not guarantee prolonged or comfortable wear.
Table of Contents
- How PA (PPD/UVAPF) testing works and the plus-sign mapping
- How PA++++ fits with SPF and Broad Spectrum labeling rules
- What PA++++ means in practice: strengths and limitations
- Why two PA++++ sunscreens can still differ
- Quick shopping checklist before you buy
- Expert take: integrating PA++++ sunscreens into routines
- Where to buy curated PA++++ sunscreens
- Sources
- FAQ
How PA (PPD/UVAPF) testing works and the plus-sign mapping
PA grading comes from an in vivo test that measures persistent pigment darkening, or PPD. Researchers expose skin to UVA light and note how much lasting pigment change occurs compared to unprotected skin. The ratio between protected and unprotected skin is the UVAPF, or UVA Protection Factor, and it’s this number that gets translated into a plus-sign grade.
Persistent pigment darkening is a recognized method for evaluating UVA protection, and its reproducibility across test centers has been documented in the scientific literature. The grading itself follows a standard scale set by JCIA notifications:
- PA+ corresponds to a UVAPF of roughly 2 to 4, offering some UVA protection.
- PA++ corresponds to a UVAPF of roughly 4 to 8, offering moderate protection.
- PA+++ corresponds to a UVAPF of roughly 8 to 16, offering high protection.
- PA++++ corresponds to a UVAPF of 16 or higher, offering very high protection.
The test method itself is ISO24442, the international standard for in vivo UVA testing, and recent updates have refined how subjects are selected and how results get reported. It helps to remember that UVA and UVB are different wavelength ranges. SPF measures UVB defense, the rays mainly responsible for sunburn, while PA measures UVA defense, the rays linked more closely to pigmentation and photoaging. A sunscreen needs both numbers to tell the full story.
How PA++++ fits with SPF and Broad Spectrum labeling rules
If you’re shopping from within a market where SPF is the primary label, you won’t see PA markings on most domestic packaging, and that’s worth understanding before you compare a Korean sunscreen to a familiar bottle. SPF measures UVB protection specifically. The FDA’s small entity compliance guide explains that a Broad Spectrum claim depends on a critical-wavelength test, where a product needs a critical wavelength of 370 nanometers or higher to earn that label. This is a different method than PA grading, and PA++++ is not an FDA-recognized rating.
Federal regulation 21 CFR 201.327 sets out the required wording and testing conditions for SPF and Broad Spectrum statements, along with water-resistance labeling rules. Imported sunscreens sold domestically still need to meet these same labeling standards, even if the packaging also displays a PA rating from its country of origin. Our guide to how Korean SPF formulas differ walks through more of these formulation and testing gaps.
When you’re comparing products, check for:
- The SPF number, which tells you the UVB protection level.
- A Broad Spectrum statement, if the product carries U.S. labeling.
- The PA rating, if present, for a separate read on UVA strength.
Our breakdown of Korean sunscreens and FDA rules covers this reconciliation in more detail if you want the fuller picture.
What PA++++ means in practice: strengths and limitations
PA++++ tells you a sunscreen has been tested and shown to offer strong UVA defense, which matters if pigmentation, melasma, or early photoaging concern you. UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin and contribute to collagen breakdown and dark spots over time, so a high PA grade is a genuine plus for anyone managing those issues.
That said, the rating has real boundaries:
- PA++++ doesn’t promise water resistance. Check the label separately for that claim.
- PA++++ doesn’t guarantee wear time or comfort. Formula, finish, and how it feels under makeup are separate questions.
- PA++++ doesn’t replace proper application. A thin layer weakens any sunscreen’s real-world performance, regardless of its lab grade.
- PA++++ doesn’t confirm skin compatibility. Sensitive or acne-prone skin still needs the right base formula.
If you have sensitive skin, look for mineral or hybrid formulas with minimal fragrance. If you’re acne-prone, a gel or fluid finish tends to sit better than a heavy cream. For layering under makeup, a lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen avoids pilling.
Pro Tip: Apply about a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen to your face, a fingertip’s worth for coverage, and don’t skip the neck and ears.
Why two PA++++ sunscreens can still differ
PA is a category label, not a precise number, and that distinction matters more than it first appears. A product with a UVAPF of 17 and one with a UVAPF of 40 can both carry the PA++++ mark, since the grade only confirms a minimum threshold rather than an exact figure.
A few other sources of variation are worth knowing:
- Lab-to-lab variability exists even within standardized testing, since PPD results depend on subject skin type and testing conditions.
- Reporting practices differ between brands, with some disclosing the underlying UVAPF number and others listing only the PA grade.
- ISO24442 updates have changed elements of testing, including subject selection criteria and standard reference samples, meaning older PA data may not align precisely with results measured under the current standard outlined in the 2022 JCIA notice.
When a brand includes a note referencing ISO24442 or JCIA test methods on its packaging or product page, that’s a small but useful signal of transparency.
Quick shopping checklist before you buy
A fast scan of the label answers most of what you need to know:
- Confirm the SPF number. Choose 30 or higher for daily wear, 50 or higher for extended time outdoors.
- Look for a Broad Spectrum claim alongside the SPF, if the product carries domestic labeling.
- Check the PA rating, and note any ISO24442 or JCIA reference if the brand includes one.
- Consider water resistance, finish, and formula fit for your skin type, plus the reapplication guidance on the label.
- Prioritize consistency over chasing the highest number. Daily use and reapplication protect your skin more than small differences between high UVAPF values.
Expert take: integrating PA++++ sunscreens into routines
Pairing a PA++++ sunscreen with an adequate SPF and a daily antioxidant step gives you the most complete defense against pigmentation and photoaging. Apply a generous layer every morning as the last step in your routine, and if you’re outdoors past midday, reapply with a sun stick or pressed powder rather than skipping it. Our comparison of sun sticks and sunscreen lotion can help you choose the easiest reapplication method for your day. For browsing options with clear SPF and PA labeling, our curated sunscreen collection is a practical starting point.
— Lunara
Where to buy curated PA++++ sunscreens
Comparing PA and SPF claims across dozens of tabs gets tedious fast. Our Face Sunscreens collection groups options with SPF, PA marking, finish, and application notes listed right on the product page, so you can compare without digging through separate ingredient lists and marketing copy.
If you want a real example of how this reads on packaging, the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun lists SPF 50+ and PA++++ together on its label, which is the kind of pairing worth looking for. If you’re building out a fuller routine, our All Face Care Products page covers everything from cleansers to moisturizers that pair well with daily sunscreen. When you’re ready, browse the collection and check availability for the formula that fits your skin.
Sources
- What is PA? — Colorescience (explanatory article referencing JCIA)
- JCIA notifications: SPF and PA (JCIA guidance)
- Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use — Small Entity Compliance Guide (FDA)
- eCFR § 201.327 — Over-the-counter sunscreen drug products; required labeling based on effectiveness testing
FAQ
What does PA++++ mean on a sunscreen label?
PA++++ means the sunscreen offers very high UVA protection, commonly corresponding to a UVAPF or PPD value of 16 or higher. It’s the top grade in the plus-sign scale used on Japanese and Korean sunscreen labels.
Is PA++++ the same as SPF 50?
No, they measure different things. SPF measures UVB protection, while PA measures UVA protection through a separate PPD test, so a sunscreen needs both numbers to describe its full coverage.
Does the FDA recognize PA ratings?
No, the FDA does not use PA grading. U.S. labeling relies on SPF and a Broad Spectrum critical-wavelength test, which is a different method that requires a critical wavelength of 370 nanometers or higher.
Can two PA++++ sunscreens offer different protection levels?
Yes, since PA++++ only confirms a minimum UVAPF of 16 or higher rather than an exact number. Two products can both carry the PA++++ mark while differing in their actual measured UVA protection.
What should I check besides the PA rating when buying sunscreen?
Look at the SPF number, any Broad Spectrum statement, water resistance, and the formula’s fit for your skin type. Consistent daily application and reapplication matter more for real-world protection than small differences between high PA or UVAPF values.
