What Does the PA Rating on Sunscreen Mean?
The PA rating on a sunscreen label indicates its level of protection against UVA rays, with more plus signs indicating a higher tested level of UVA protection, separate from the SPF number, which measures UVB protection.
SIX:AM products are developed with Korean skincare expertise, where the PA rating system is widely used and remains a standard part of how sunscreen protection is communicated. The Daily Call Sun Serum carries a PA++++ rating alongside SPF 50, indicating broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF and PA Measure Two Different Things
SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the type primarily responsible for sunburn. PA measures protection against UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply into the skin and are more closely associated with long-term skin aging and pigmentation. A sunscreen is generally considered more comprehensively broad-spectrum when it carries both a tested SPF and a tested PA rating, since a high number in one doesn't indicate performance in the other.
How the PA Rating Scale Works
The PA scale ranges from PA+ to PA++++, with each additional plus sign indicating a higher tested level of UVA protection. PA++++ currently represents the highest tier on this scale. The rating reflects a standardized test result for the finished product, not an estimate based on individual ingredients.
Why UVA Protection Matters as Much as UVB
UVA rays are present at consistent levels throughout the year and can penetrate glass, meaning exposure isn't limited to direct sunlight or summer months. Because UVA is more closely linked to premature skin aging and uneven tone over time, a sunscreen with a high SPF but no PA rating may leave a meaningful gap in daily protection against these longer-term effects.
How to Check for Both Ratings When Choosing a Sunscreen
Look for both numbers on the label, an SPF value and a PA rating with plus signs, rather than assuming a high SPF number alone means comprehensive protection. A sunscreen described as broad-spectrum should carry both ratings, tested and stated clearly on the packaging.
The Daily Call Sun Serum's Rating
The Daily Call Sun Serum is rated SPF 50 PA++++, combining high-level UVB and UVA protection in one formula, using four UV filters, Ethylhexyl Triazone, BEMT, TDSA, and DHHB. Shop the Daily Call Sun Serum, or explore SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreens.
Read More on Sun Serum Ingredients and Indoor Protection
For more, read:
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Sun Serum Ingredients Explained: What's Actually in a Serum-Format SPF
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Do You Need Indoor Sunscreen? Why UV Exposure Doesn't Stop at Your Window
FAQ
Is PA++++ the highest UVA protection rating available?
Yes, PA++++ currently represents the highest tier on the PA rating scale for UVA protection.
Does the Daily Call Sun Serum offer SPF 50 PA++++ protection?
Yes, it's rated SPF 50 PA++++, combining tested UVB and UVA protection using four UV filters.
Do I need PA++++ if I'm mostly indoors?
UVA rays can pass through glass, so a high PA rating remains relevant even for people who spend most of their day indoors near windows.
Can a sunscreen have a high SPF but a low PA rating?
Yes. SPF and PA measure different things and are tested separately, so a sunscreen can be strong in one area and weaker in the other unless the finished formula is specifically tested and rated for both.