The main difference between PA+++ vs PA++++ sunscreen is the minimum level of UVA protection represented by the rating. PA+++ indicates high UVA protection, while PA++++ indicates extremely high UVA protection under the PA system. You can read our guide on what water-resistant sunscreen means when choosing protection for swimming, exercise or humid weather.
PA+++ and PA++++ Sunscreens to Consider
The products below include both PA+++ and PA++++ options. A higher PA rating provides a higher minimum tested level of UVA protection, but application amount and reapplication still determine real-world protection.
1. Aqualogica Illuminate+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Alpha arbutin, wild berry extract and hyaluronic acid.
Best for: Skin with uneven tone, post-acne marks or visible dark spots.
What it does to your skin barrier: Hyaluronic acid supports hydration at the skin surface, helping the sunscreen feel comfortable on dry or dehydrated skin. Aqualogica Illuminate+ is a brightening PA++++ sunscreen for uneven tone. Alpha arbutin targets excess pigment production, while the sunscreen filters help reduce additional ultraviolet exposure. Alpha arbutin does not increase the SPF or PA rating itself. Review the product’s official clinical testing information.
2. Aqualogica Detan+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Cherry tomato, hyaluronic acid and broad-spectrum ultraviolet filters.
Best for: Normal or combination skin affected by tanning and sun exposure.
What it does to your skin barrier: Hyaluronic acid supports water retention and can reduce the tight feeling associated with dry skin. Aqualogica Detan+ is a dewy SPF 50 sunscreen for daily sun exposure. Sunscreen cannot remove an existing tan immediately. Its main role is to limit additional ultraviolet exposure while the skin gradually manages existing pigmentation. The product’s test information is available in its official Detan+ clinical report.
3. Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, watermelon and photostable ultraviolet filters.
Best for: Oily or combination skin with uneven tone.
What it does to your skin barrier: Niacinamide supports normal barrier function, while hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration without requiring a heavy cream. Aqualogica Radiance+ is a niacinamide PA++++ sunscreen for oily skin. Review the complete Radiance+ clinical testing report.
4. Mamaearth Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
Key ingredients: Turmeric and orange oil.
Best for: Normal, combination or oily skin in warm Indian weather.
What it does to your skin barrier: The sunscreen helps reduce ultraviolet exposure, while its lightweight texture may feel more comfortable than a rich cream during humid weather. Mamaearth offers a lightweight PA+++ sunscreen for Indian weather. PA+++ represents high UVA protection. It can fit an everyday routine when it is applied adequately and reapplied according to exposure.
5. Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++
Key ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin C and ultraviolet filters.
Best for: Normal, dry or combination skin.
What it does to your skin barrier: Ceramides support the protective lipids between cells in the outer skin layers, while the sunscreen filters reduce ultraviolet exposure. Dr. Sheth’s offers a ceramide sunscreen with PA+++ protection. Vitamin C provides antioxidant support and helps improve uneven-looking skin. It does not replace sunscreen filters or determine the PA rating.
6. The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA++++
Key ingredients: 1% hyaluronic acid and broad-spectrum ultraviolet filters.
Best for: Oily, combination or dehydrated skin.
What it does to your skin barrier: Hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin surface and helps maintain hydration without creating a rich after-feel. The Derma Co offers a PA++++ aqua gel sunscreen. Its lightweight gel texture can fit morning routines in hot and humid conditions. The PA++++ rating indicates a higher minimum level of UVA protection than PA+++.
What Does PA Mean in Sunscreen?
PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA. The system indicates the tested level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVA exposure. The PA rating is based on measurements related to persistent pigment darkening. This test evaluates how much UVA exposure is required to cause lasting skin darkening with sunscreen compared with unprotected skin.
What Is the Difference Between PA+++ and PA++++?
PA+++ represents a UVA protection factor from 8 to below 16. PA++++ begins at a UVA protection factor of 16. This means PA++++ has a higher minimum UVA protection threshold. PA+++ still represents high UVA protection. It should not be described as having no or weak UVA protection The practical difference is most relevant during:
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Prolonged outdoor exposure
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Strong midday sunlight
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Beach or mountain travel
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Regular driving
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Work near sunny windows
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Pigmentation-focused routines
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Use of photosensitising medication
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Use of exfoliating acids or retinoids
What Is the Difference Between SPF and PA?
SPF and PA measure different parts of sunscreen performance.
SPF measures UVB protection
SPF primarily indicates protection against UVB exposure that causes sunburn. A product labelled SPF 50 has been tested to provide a high level of UVB protection when applied in the tested amount.
PA measures UVA protection
The PA rating indicates the product’s UVA protection category.
UVA contributes to:
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Tanning
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Persistent pigmentation
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Uneven skin tone
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Visible skin ageing
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Loss of skin firmness
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Cumulative ultraviolet damage
Conclusion
The difference between PA+++ vs PA++++ sunscreen is the minimum tested level of UVA protection. PA+++ represents high UVA protection with a UVA protection factor from 8 to below 16. PA++++ represents extremely high UVA protection beginning at 16. Always check SPF and PA together. SPF mainly measures UVB protection, while PA indicates the UVA protection category.
Sources & Scientific References
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between PA+++ and PA++++ sunscreen?
PA+++ represents a UVA protection factor from 8 to below 16, while PA++++ begins at 16. -
Is PA++++ better than PA+++?
PA++++ provides a higher minimum level of UVA protection, but correct application and reapplication remain essential. -
Is PA+++ enough for daily use?
PA+++ can be suitable for routine exposure. PA++++ may be preferable for prolonged sunlight or pigmentation concerns. -
What does PA++++ mean in sunscreen?
It is the highest category in the four-level PA system and represents extremely high UVA protection. -
Does PA++++ sunscreen prevent tanning?
It reduces UVA exposure but cannot guarantee complete prevention of tanning. -
Is SPF 50 PA+++ a good sunscreen?
It offers high UVB protection and high UVA protection when correctly applied. Suitability also depends on exposure and skin type. -
Is SPF 50 PA++++ better for pigmentation?
Its higher minimum UVA protection makes it a useful option for pigmentation-focused routines. -
Does PA++++ protect against blue light?
PA++++ measures UVA protection. It does not automatically confirm visible-light or screen-light protection. -
Is PA++++ sunscreen automatically water-resistant?
No. Water resistance must be tested and stated separately on the product. -
Should PA++++ sunscreen be reapplied?
Yes. Reapply during continued exposure and after swimming, sweating, towel drying or rubbing.
