Korean Sunscreen SPF and PA Ratings Explained: What the Numbers and Plus Signs Mean
Short answer: In Korea, a sunscreen is normally a functional cosmetic, meaning the seller must have it evaluated by, or reported to, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before selling it. SPF tells you how strongly it blocks UVB. PA tells you how strongly it blocks UVA, from PA+ (lowest) to PA++++ (highest). A higher number or more plus signs means a stronger rating, but not a proportionally better result, and how much you apply matters too.
This guide summarizes an MFDS English page, an MFDS consumer notice published on the Korean government’s policy briefing site (dated 5 June 2026, in Korean, translated by me), and the Cosmetics Act as translated by the Korea Legislation Research Institute. It does not recommend any product or brand.
Why sunscreens are “functional cosmetics”
The Cosmetics Act defines a functional cosmetic as a cosmetic that falls into set categories. One category is a product that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet rays (alongside others such as skin whitening and wrinkle improvement). MFDS’s English page says the person who makes or imports such a product must obtain an evaluation from the Minister, or submit a report on its safety and effectiveness, for each product.
The same MFDS page lists the data that goes with a sun-protection product. It names SPF, waterproof SPF and PA data among the required materials. So the numbers on the tube are not just marketing text; they are part of what is submitted to the regulator.
| Item | What the MFDS page says |
|---|---|
| Who must apply | The responsible seller (manufacturer or importer) |
| Route | Evaluation by the Minister, or a report, depending on the product |
| Sun-protection data | SPF, waterproof SPF and PA data |
| Reviewing body | National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) |
| Report fee | No fee is stated for reports |
Which products go through full evaluation and which are only reported depends on whether they match items already notified or approved. The page does not list this product by product, so check with MFDS or the seller if it matters to you.
What SPF means
According to the 5 June 2026 MFDS notice, the sun protection factor (SPF) is an index showing how well a product blocks UVB. UVB is the part of ultraviolet light linked to sunburn and reddening. Key points from the notice:
- Values up to 50 are shown as numbers. Above 50, the label says SPF 50+, which means a protection effect of 50 or more.
- A higher number generally means more protection, but the gain is not proportional. The notice says the real difference above SPF 50 is not large and warns against treating any sunscreen as a complete block.
- SPF is measured with recognized domestic or international test methods, applying 2 mg of product per square centimetre of skin. The notice says this amount was set based on how much people actually apply, and that using much less may not give the expected effect.
What PA means
PA is the grading for UVA protection. The notice says the grade is written as PA+, PA++, PA+++ or PA++++, and that more plus signs mean stronger UVA protection.
| Rating | Measures | How it is shown | Reading it |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPF | UVB protection | Numbers up to 50, then “50+” | Higher = stronger, not proportional |
| PA | UVA protection | PA+ to PA++++ | More plus signs = stronger |
| Water resistance | Holds up in water | Labelled water-resistant / long-lasting water-resistant | Needs a separate test (see below) |
The MFDS English page mentions “waterproof SPF” data. The notice refers to “water-resistant” and “long-lasting water-resistant” products. This guide could not find an official page that defines the exact test or the exact label wording in English, so This guide does not describe it further.
Physical and chemical filters
The notice describes two ingredient types in general terms. Inorganic (mineral) ingredients scatter UV light, work well against UVA, and may leave a white cast. Organic (chemical) ingredients absorb UV energy, mainly UVB, leave no white cast, and may irritate sensitive skin. It adds that most products combine both. This is general information only.
General use guidance from MFDS
The notice gives these general points:
- Look for the functional-cosmetic indication on the product and check its usage directions and SPF/PA.
- Apply a sufficient, even amount about 15 minutes before going out.
- Reapply if you sweat a lot or stay in the sun for a long time.
- For swimming, choose a water-resistant or long-lasting water-resistant product; even a long-lasting one should be reapplied about every 2 hours during long water activity.
- For spray products, do not spray directly on the face. Spray into your hand first, because the spray can get into eyes or mouth or be inhaled.
- Wash your face thoroughly after coming home.
- If an allergy or skin irritation appears, stop using it and consult a doctor.
- Clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses also reduce exposure.
The notice also says to pick products by UV intensity, time outdoors and your skin condition, rather than choosing only the highest number.
How to check a product is registered
The notice says to confirm the product through MFDS’s drug information site, Drug Safety Korea (nedrug.mfds.go.kr), in the functional cosmetics product information section (review or report). The site was not fetched in full for this guide, so check it directly for how the search works.
Quick checklist
- Does the label show the functional-cosmetic indication?
- Do you see both an SPF value and a PA grade?
- Is the product water-resistant if you plan to swim or sweat?
- Are you applying enough, not a thin film?
- Do you know the reapplication advice (sweat, water, long sun exposure)?
- Skin irritation or allergy: stop and see a doctor.
Common mistakes
- Treating SPF 50+ as a total block.
- Looking only at SPF and ignoring PA, which covers UVA.
- Applying far less than the amount used in testing.
- Spraying aerosol or spray products straight onto the face.
This guide is general information, not medical or dermatological advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own skin, and confirm current rules with MFDS.
Sources
- MFDS (English): Cosmetics and Functional Cosmetics approval process
- Korea Policy Briefing (korea.kr): MFDS sunscreen guidance, 5 June 2026 (Korean)
- Korea Legislation Research Institute: Cosmetics Act (English/Korean)