What PA++++ and PPD Actually Mean on Asian Sunscreen Labels
Those plus signs on your K-beauty sunscreen aren't marketing fluff — PA++++ is a real UVA rating, and here's the number behind it.
PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) method, and a PA++++ rating corresponds to a PPD of 16 or higher — signaling the highest tier of UVA protection.
Sun-care educators note that because SPF only reflects UVB defense, the PA scale exists to communicate UVA protection — so a PA++++ product paired with a high SPF gives a fuller picture than SPF alone.
Questions we get a lot
What does PA++++ mean on a sunscreen?
PA (Protection Grade of UVA) rates a sunscreen's UVA protection, and PA++++ is the highest tier. It corresponds to a PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) value of 16 or higher. The more plus signs, the greater the measured UVA protection.
How is PA different from SPF?
SPF measures protection against UVB, the rays mainly responsible for sunburn, while PA reflects UVA protection, which drives aging and pigmentation. PA is derived from the PPD method, a separate test from the one used for SPF. For full broad-spectrum coverage you want both a high SPF and a high PA rating.
r/AsianBeauty: 'I see PA++++ on every Japanese sunscreen I buy but no one explains it — is more pluses always better and what's PPD?'