Understanding European and Asian Sunscreen Ratings

SPF, UVA Seal, PPD, and PA++++ Explained

If you’re serious about sun protection, you’ve probably seen labels like PA++++, PPD, or the UVA Seal on sunscreen bottles — especially those from Europe or Asia. But what do these terms actually mean? While SPF is familiar to most of us, understanding UVA protection is just as important for maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

Let’s break down the European sunscreen rating system so you can make informed choices when protecting your skin.

SPF: The UVB Protector

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays — the type of ultraviolet radiation responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. A sunscreen with SPF 30, for example, theoretically allows only 1/30th of UVB rays to reach the skin — blocking about 97% of UVB radiation when applied properly.

However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin aging, sun spots, and deep skin damage.

UVA Rays: The Silent Skin Agers

Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are present year-round, even on cloudy days and through glass. They contribute to skin aging, collagen breakdown, and certain skin cancers. That’s why balanced UVA and UVB protection is critical in any sunscreen routine.

The UVA Seal: A European Standard

In Europe, stricter regulations ensure sunscreens offer substantial UVA protection. If a product displays the UVA Seal (a circle with “UVA” inside), it meets the European Commission’s standard that:

• UVA Protection Factor (UVA-PF) must be at least 1/3 of the SPF.

For example, SPF 30 sunscreen must have a UVA-PF of at least 10 to qualify for the seal. This ensures balanced, reliable defense against both UVB and UVA rays.

PPD: Persistent Pigment Darkening  

The PPD method is used to measure UVA protection by assessing how sunscreen reduces UVA-induced skin darkening. Here’s the basic formula:

PPD = MPDp / MPDu

• MPDp = Minimal UVA dose to produce darkening with sunscreen
• MPDu = Minimal UVA dose without sunscreen

A higher PPD value means stronger UVA protection. For example, a PPD of 10 means you can stay in the sun 10 times longer before experiencing pigment darkening, compared to no protection.

PA Rating System: Quick UVA Guide

The PA system was developed in Japan and is based on PPD values. It’s a simple way to communicate UVA strength:

• PA+: Some UVA protection (PPD 2–4)
• PA++: Moderate protection (PPD 4–8)
• PA+++: High protection (PPD 8–16)
• PA++++: Extremely high protection (PPD 16+)

This system is common on Asian sunscreens and increasingly used by global brands.

IPD: A Less Reliable Cousin

IPD, or Immediate Pigment Darkening, measures how quickly skin begins to darken in the first minutes of UVA exposure. While it’s faster to test than PPD, it’s also less reliable, as it only reflects short-term pigmentation and can vary by skin type.

For consistent, long-term UVA protection, PPD is the preferred standard.

 

Differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens

What to Look for in a Sunscreen

When shopping for sunscreens — especially from Europe or Asia — look for these key indicators of effective UVA and UVB protection:

• SPF 30 or higher
• UVA Seal (UVA-PF is at least 1/3 of SPF)
• PA+++ or PA++++
• PPD 10+ (if listed)
• Broad-spectrum labeling

These features help ensure your sunscreen is doing more than just preventing sunburn — it’s protecting against long-term damage and aging too.

Final Thoughts

UVA rays are constant and dangerous — even when you can’t see the sun. Understanding sunscreen labels like SPF, PPD, and PA++++ gives you the power to choose smarter protection every day. So the next time you pick up a bottle, check beyond the SPF and look for that full-spectrum defense.

If you are looking for an all natural facial moisturizer that provides a high level of SPF protection while helping to combat acne, the VIVODERM ZINC  REPAIRING FACIAL CREAM is your answer. Our best-selling facial cream, Revitalizes & Protects: Provides Hydration, Oil Control, and Sun Defense Our Zinc Repairing Facial Cream maintains the skin’s moisture while diminishing the visible signs of aging and reducing acne breakouts. Twenty Five percent (25% – that equals up to 50 SPF! ) natural mineral zinc oxide is infused with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and the anti-inflammatory properties of Chamomile and Comfrey.

References

1. European Commission – Cosmetic Products Regulation
2. Diffey, B.L. (2009). “A Method for Broad Spectrum Classification of Sunscreens.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
3. FDA – Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
4. Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) – PA Rating System