Missha pa
The PA rating (Protection Grade of UVA) appears on every Missha sunscreen in this collection, from the Essence Sunscreen Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++ to the All Around Safe Block line and the Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. The rating tells you how much UVA is blocked: PA++ is moderate, PA+++ is high, PA++++ is the maximum grade under Japanese and Korean testing standards. With 35+ products spanning sunscreen milks, sun sticks, and foundation bases, this collection covers the full range of Missha's UV-protective lineup.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
Buying guide
Missha PA-Rated Sunscreens: Understanding UVA Protection and Choosing the Right Format
PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA, a rating system developed in Japan and adopted across Korean sun care that measures how much UVA radiation a product blocks. Every Missha sunscreen in this collection carries a PA rating alongside its SPF number - from PA++ on the Radiance Perfect Fit Foundation to PA++++ on the Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+. Understanding what that rating means, and how to match a format to your routine, takes most of the guesswork out of picking a Missha sunscreen.
What the PA rating means and why it matters
The PA system grades UVA protection on a plus scale. PA+ blocks some UVA. PA++ blocks moderate UVA. PA+++ blocks substantial UVA. PA++++ is the maximum grade and indicates the highest tested level of UVA filtration currently used in Korean and Japanese products. SPF measures UVB protection; PA measures UVA. You need both numbers because UVB causes sunburn while UVA penetrates deeper and drives photoaging and pigmentation. A product with SPF50 but only PA+ is not adequate daily protection even though the SPF number looks strong.
For everyday skincare-focused use - the kind of routine skinsli serves - the target is SPF50 or higher combined with PA+++ or PA++++. Most products in this collection meet that standard.
The Missha sunscreen lineup in this collection
The core sunscreen products here include the All-around Safe Block Essence Sunscreen 50ml SPF50 PA, the Essence Sunscreen Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++ in a 70 ml two-pack, the All-around Safe Block Essence Line SPF45 PA+++ 50ml two-pack, and the Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml two-pack. The HYdro Vitalizing Sun Protector SPF50+ PA+++ extends the Hydro Vitalizing skincare line into sun protection. The full assortment of 35+ products spans milks, sticks, and foundation bases - all with rated UVA protection.
Sun milk versus sun stick: which format fits your routine
Missha offers sun milks and sun sticks in the All Around line. The All-around Safe Block Essence Sunscreen Milk in 50ml is a fluid emulsion - it spreads over the whole face and blends into the skin without leaving a cast, making it the right choice for an everyday morning base layer. The All Around Aqua Sun Stick SPF50 PA (21g) and the All Around Cotton Sun Stick SPF50 PA (17g) are solid sticks designed for touchups over makeup and spot reapplication during the day. They are compact enough to carry in a bag and apply directly over a cushion or foundation without disturbing the base underneath.
The stick formats are not a substitute for a full morning application of milk sunscreen - they are most effective as a top-up layer when you have been outdoors for a few hours and want to renew protection without removing your base.
Foundation and base products with PA ratings
The Radiance Perfect Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++ and the M Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF25 PA carry PA ratings but at lower levels than the dedicated sunscreens. These are useful for days when most of your time is indoors and you want some UV protection from your base product without a separate sunscreen step. For outdoor exposure or extended time near windows, a dedicated SPF50 PA+++ sunscreen underneath is the more reliable approach - the PA++ on a foundation is meaningful but limited by the amount of product typically applied.
Two-pack formats for regular use
Several products in this collection are listed as two-packs: Essence Sunscreen Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++ 70ml 2pcs, All-around Safe Block Essence Line SPF45 PA+++ 50ml 2pcs, and Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml 2pcs. Sunscreen needs to be applied generously (roughly half a teaspoon for the face alone) and reapplied every two hours outdoors, so a single 50ml tube goes faster than most people expect. The two-pack format is practical for anyone who uses sunscreen consistently and wants to avoid running out mid-routine.
Reading SPF and PA numbers together on Missha products
A Missha product like the All-around Safe Block Essence Sunscreen lists both SPF and PA. SPF50 means it blocks about 98% of UVB. PA+++ means it blocks a high level of UVA by the Japanese PA testing standard, which corresponds to a protection factor of 8-16 in the underlying persistent pigment darkening (PPD) test. When comparing products across the assortment, prioritizing PA+++ or PA++++ alongside SPF50 gives you broad-spectrum coverage for daily skin-health purposes - not just burn prevention but also pigmentation control and reduced photoaging over time.
The HYDRO Vitalizing Sun Protector and skincare-sunscreen hybrids
The HYDRO Vitalizing Sun Protector SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml pairs the UV protection rating of a dedicated sunscreen with the hydrating serum base of the Hydro Vitalizing line. For people already using the Hydro Vitalizing Serum or Toner in their routine, it provides a consistent texture and formula approach through the final step. It is not a lightweight chemical sunscreen or a heavy mineral sunscreen - it sits between those categories with a water-based emulsion that absorbs without significant whitecast on most skin tones.
How much sunscreen to apply for the rated PA protection
The PA and SPF ratings on Missha sunscreens are measured at 2mg per square centimeter, which translates to roughly 0.4-0.5 ml for an average adult face. In practical terms, that is a small half-teaspoon or about two finger-lengths of product. Most people apply less than this in daily use, which means the actual protection received is lower than the label rating. Applying a generous, even layer - more than feels comfortable at first - is the standard guidance for getting close to the tested protection level. Using the Essence Sunscreen Milk EX in a 70ml size helps with this because there is enough product to be less conservative about quantity.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PA+++ and PA++++ on the Missha Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen versus the Essence Sunscreen Milk?
PA++++ is the maximum UVA protection grade and indicates a higher tested protection factor than PA+++. The Missha Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ carries the top grade, while the Essence Sunscreen Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++ is one step below. Both are high-protection products for daily use; the PA++++ difference matters most for people with pigmentation concerns or those spending extended time outdoors where cumulative UVA exposure adds up over years.
How long does the Essence Sunscreen Milk EX SPF50+ PA+++ 70ml 2pcs last if applied correctly?
If you apply roughly 0.4-0.5 ml per use (the amount needed to reach the rated SPF and PA), a 70ml tube lasts about 140 applications. Used once daily that is roughly four to five months per tube - so the two-pack covers close to a year of consistent use. In practice many people apply less than the rated dose, which stretches the supply further but also reduces the actual protection received.
What is the texture difference between the All Around Aqua Sun Stick and the All Around Cotton Sun Stick?
The All Around Aqua Sun Stick SPF50 PA (21g) has a lighter, more watery finish that absorbs quickly without a chalky residue - suited for normal to dry skin and for use over a hydrating base. The All Around Cotton Sun Stick SPF50 PA (17g) has a drier, powder-matte finish that controls oil and is better for oily or combination skin. Both are compact enough for midday reapplication over makeup, so the choice mainly comes down to how your skin behaves after a few hours.
Can I use the All-around Safe Block Essence Line SPF45 PA+++ as my only morning sunscreen step?
Yes, the All-around Safe Block Essence Line SPF45 PA+++ applied as the last skincare step before makeup is a full morning sunscreen on its own. SPF45 PA+++ is well within the range dermatologists recommend for everyday use. The two-pack format makes this practical as a routine staple rather than an occasional product. Apply it after your moisturizer has absorbed, give it a few minutes to dry before any makeup, and reapply with a sun stick if you go outdoors midday.
Is the Radiance Perfect Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++ suitable for outdoor use on its own?
SPF30 PA++ provides moderate protection and is acceptable for brief outdoor exposure, but it is not the standard recommendation for sustained outdoor time. The PA++ grade is lower than the PA+++ or PA++++ on dedicated Missha sunscreens, and foundations are typically applied thinner than sunscreen, reducing the effective SPF in practice. If you plan to be outdoors for more than short periods, layering a dedicated SPF50 PA+++ sunscreen under the Radiance Foundation gives more reliable protection.
Is the HYDRO Vitalizing Sun Protector SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml well-suited for dry skin?
The HYDRO Vitalizing Sun Protector is formulated with the same hydrating base as the Hydro Vitalizing line, making it one of the more moisturizing options in Missha's sunscreen lineup. For dry skin, it can serve as a combined moisturizer-and-sunscreen step in warm months when a heavier cream underneath feels excessive. In colder or drier conditions, the Hydro Vitalizing Cream or a richer moisturizer underneath still makes sense, with the Sun Protector as the final step.
Why does the M Signature Real Complete BB Cream list only SPF25 PA - is the PA level sufficient for daily use?
The M Signature Real Complete BB Cream carries SPF25 and a lower PA grade, reflecting its positioning as a makeup-first base product rather than a sunscreen-first formula. For a desk-based day with minimal window exposure, SPF25 PA is workable. For any commute, outdoor lunch, or significant time near bright windows, combining it with a dedicated SPF50 PA+++ sunscreen underneath is the recommended approach. Treat the BB cream's SPF as a bonus, not the primary layer.
Is the PA rating on Missha products recognized outside Korea and Japan?
The PA system is a Japanese standard adopted by Korea that does not appear on US-market sunscreens, which use the term "broad spectrum" instead. Both systems address UVA protection but through different labels. Products sold on skinsli carry Korean-market labeling and their PA grades are legitimate tested values, not marketing terms. When comparing to a US broad spectrum product, PA+++ or PA++++ corresponds to a high broad-spectrum rating. The SPF number itself is the same standard globally.
What is the texture of the Ultra-resonant Sulbon Gin Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ like on the skin?
The Sulbon Gin Sunscreen is a lightweight gel-type formula that spreads easily and absorbs without the heavy or greasy feeling associated with older chemical sunscreens. The two-pack (50ml x2) suggests it is designed for regular generous use. On normal to oily skin it leaves a clean, non-greasy finish. On very dry skin, applying a moisturizer first and letting it absorb before the sunscreen gives the best result.
How do I apply the All Around Aqua or Cotton Sun Stick over cushion foundation without disturbing coverage?
Hold the stick lightly and press-roll it across the skin rather than dragging it. Then use a clean makeup sponge or the back of your hand to gently pat the applied product without rubbing - patting blends the sunscreen into the makeup without removing coverage. The stick formats are designed for this touchup application and have a solid base that slides over makeup more cleanly than a liquid would. Avoid back-and-forth strokes, which drag the foundation underneath.
Is there a formula difference between the All-around Safe Block Essence Sunscreen 50ml and the All-around Safe Block Essence Line SPF45 PA+++ 50ml 2pcs?
These are two variants in the All-around Safe Block Essence line. The standalone 50ml lists SPF50 PA while the two-pack version specifies SPF45 PA+++. They are related products in the same line but with slightly different SPF levels and may have minor formula differences. If maximizing SPF is the priority, the single 50ml SPF50 version has the higher UVB rating. If consistent availability and the known PA+++ UVA grade matter more, the two-pack SPF45 PA+++ is the practical everyday pick.































