Korean Sunscreen Labels Explained: SPF 50+, PA++++ and the Words on the Tube

The short version: on a Korean sunscreen, SPF shows protection from UVB and PA shows protection from UVA. SPF is printed as a number up to 50, and anything higher is printed as SPF 50+. PA comes in four grades, PA+ to PA++++ — more plus signs, more UVA protection. (MFDS via Korea.kr)

Sunscreen is one of the most popular things to buy at Olive Young, so it's worth knowing what the tube is telling you.

SPF and PA on a Korean label

Label	What it measures	How Korea prints it
SPF	UVB (the rays behind sunburn)	A number up to 50; above 50 is shown as 50+
PA	UVA	PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++ — more plus signs, stronger protection

Why stop at 50+? Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) says the real difference in protection above SPF 50 isn't large, while a higher number could make shoppers think it blocks UV completely and stay out in the sun too long. So anything above 50 is labelled 50+, which means SPF 50 or more. (MFDS via Korea.kr)

Check it's a certified sunscreen

In Korea, UV protection is a functional cosmetic claim. MFDS recommends checking that the product carries the functional cosmetic mark — 기능성화장품 — which shows MFDS has recognised its UV protection. You'll often see 자외선 차단 (UV protection) printed near it. (MFDS via Korea.kr)

You can look up a product's functional cosmetic record on MFDS's Drug Safety site, nedrug.mfds.go.kr, under 기능성화장품 제품정보. The site is in Korean.

Korean sunscreen words you'll see in the store

Korean	Say it	What it means
선크림	seon keurim	Sunscreen (cream)
선스틱	seon seutik	Sunscreen stick
선쿠션	seon kusyeon	Sunscreen cushion compact
톤업	ton eop	Tone-up (slightly tinted, brightening finish)
무기자차	mugijacha	Mineral (physical) sunscreen
유기자차	yugijacha	Chemical sunscreen
혼합자차	honhapjacha	Hybrid (mineral + chemical)
내수성	naesuseong	Water-resistant
지속내수성	jisok naesuseong	Long-lasting water-resistant

무기자차 and 유기자차 are everyday shopping shorthand rather than official label terms. You'll see them on shelf signs and in product names.

Using it the way the test does

SPF numbers are measured with 2 mg of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin, which is more than most people apply. (MFDS via Korea.kr) MFDS's practical advice:

• Apply a generous amount evenly 15 minutes before going out
• Reapply often when you're sweating a lot or out in the sun for a long time
• For the beach or pool, pick a 내수성 or 지속내수성 product — and even a long-lasting water-resistant one needs reapplying every 2 hours during a long swim

(MFDS via Korea.kr)

Picking one at Olive Young

• SPF 50+ and PA++++ if you'll be outdoors sightseeing all day
• 기능성화장품 + 자외선 차단 on the box
• 내수성 if you're heading to the beach or a spa
• A small tube (100 ml or less) if it needs to go in your carry-on — see Packing K-Beauty in Your Luggage

FAQ

What does PA++++ mean?

It's the highest UVA protection grade on Korean sunscreen labels. Grades run from PA+ to PA++++.

Why does Korean sunscreen say SPF 50+ instead of a higher number?

Korea prints SPF as a number up to 50 and anything above as 50+, so shoppers don't mistake a very high number for complete protection.

How do I know a Korean sunscreen is officially certified?

Look for the 기능성화장품 (functional cosmetic) mark on the box, and check the product on nedrug.mfds.go.kr if you want to be sure.