Korean Sunscreen Guide: SPF and PA Ratings Made Simple

Korean sunscreens are known worldwide for being clear, comprehensive, and trustworthy. Unlike many Western products, the labelling system in Korea makes it easy for consumers to know exactly what kind of protection they are getting.

This guide explains how the system works, what the numbers and signs really mean, and why it matters when choosing the right sunscreen.

1. Who Regulates Korean Sunscreens?

In South Korea, sunscreens are regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). This government body requires brands to run rigorous in-vivo (tested on humans) and in-vitro (lab-based) tests before they can print SPF and PA claims on packaging.

This means when you see SPF 50+ PA++++ on a Korean sunscreen, you can trust it has passed strict testing for both UVB and UVA protection.

2. SPF: Sun Protection Factor (UVB Protection)

What It Measures

SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn and are the primary cause of most skin cancers.

How It Works

SPF is a multiplier. If your unprotected skin burns after 10 minutes in the sun, SPF 50 would extend that to about 500 minutes (50 × 10).

The Korean SPF Scale

• Sunscreens are labelled with exact numbers (SPF 15, 30, 50).
  
• By law, the maximum printed value is SPF 50+. Even if a sunscreen tests at SPF 60 or 70, it will be labelled SPF 50+.
  
• This ensures clarity: SPF 50+ is the highest UVB protection you’ll see on the shelf.
  

Key takeaway: SPF measures protection against burning. Most Korean sunscreens are formulated at SPF 50+ for maximum UVB defence.

3. PA: Protection Grade of UVA

What It Measures

The PA system measures protection against UVA rays, which cause skin ageing (wrinkles, sagging, pigmentation) and also contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays can pass through clouds and glass, so protection is important every single day.

How It Works

The PA system is based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) test, which measures the time it takes for skin to tan or darken under UVA when sunscreen is applied, compared to unprotected skin.

The PA Scale in Korea

• PA+ = UVA-PF 2–4 (low protection)
  
• PA++ = UVA-PF 4–8 (moderate protection)
  
• PA+++ = UVA-PF 8–16 (high protection)
  
• PA++++ = UVA-PF 16+ (extremely high protection)
  

What It Means in Real Life

If your skin normally starts tanning after 15 minutes of UVA exposure:

• PA+ gives you 30–60 minutes of UVA resistance.
  
• PA++ gives you 60–120 minutes.
  
• PA+++ gives you 120–240 minutes.
  
• PA++++ gives you 240+ minutes (at least 4 times longer).
  

Important: This is a theoretical lab measure. In reality, sunscreen wears off with sweat, water, and friction. That’s why reapplication is always necessary.

Key takeaway: PA measures protection against ageing. Most modern Korean sunscreens are PA++++, the highest available standard.

4. Why the Korean System Is Considered the Best

Clarity

Korean sunscreens display both SPF (UVB) and PA (UVA), so you know exactly what you’re protected against.

Emphasis on UVA

Unlike the U.S., where UVA coverage is vague (“Broad Spectrum”), Korea gives a clear grading system. This makes it easy to choose products that truly defend against long-term skin damage.

Strict Testing

Brands cannot claim SPF 50+ PA++++ without passing MFDS-approved tests. This makes labelling highly reliable.

5. Comparison With Western Systems

6. Why PA Ratings Don’t Equal Hours of Wear

Unlike SPF, which roughly relates to “time to burn,” PA is about intensity of protection, not duration.

• SPF = how long before you burn (UVB).
  
• PA = how much UVA your skin can handle before darkening.
  

Because UVA intensity changes throughout the day (stronger at noon, weaker in the afternoon, weaker indoors), PA ratings cannot be turned into exact “hours.”

This is why reapplying every 2 hours remains the golden rule, even with SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreens.

7. The Golden Rules of Sunscreen Use

• Apply enough: About ½ teaspoon for face and neck.
  
• Reapply every 2 hours: Protection fades with time, sun, sweat, and rubbing.
  
• Reapply after water or sweat: Even “water-resistant” sunscreens lose effectiveness after swimming or heavy sweating.
  

8. The Bottom Line

When you pick up a Korean sunscreen that says SPF 50+ PA++++, you’re getting:

• The highest regulated level of UVB protection (burn prevention).
  
• The highest regulated level of UVA protection (ageing prevention).
  
• A product tested and approved under strict MFDS guidelines.
  

That’s why Korean sunscreens are trusted not just in Korea but around the world. They’re clear, comprehensive, and designed to give you confidence in your sun protection every day.