K-Beauty Glossary
What is PA Rating?
Japanese/Asian UVA protection scale
PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is the Japanese system for grading sunscreen UVA protection, widely adopted across Asia. PA+ = low UVA protection. PA++ = moderate. PA+++ = high. PA++++ = very high. PA++++ is the standard for quality Asian sunscreens. Paired with SPF (UVB), PA gives full-spectrum protection info. The EU uses a UVA/PPD seal instead; the US has no standardized UVA rating system, which is why Asian and European sunscreens often outperform US ones on photoaging prevention.