SPF mainly indicates protection against sunburn, Broad Spectrum is a U.S. claim for tested UVA and UVB coverage, and PA is a Japanese grade for UVA protection. These labels use different measures, so an SPF number, a PA grade, and a European UVA logo are not interchangeable. None tells you how many hours you can safely stay in the sun.
What does SPF mean?
SPF is a test-derived measure centered on sunburn protection. In the test, the amount of UV exposure needed to cause sunburn with sunscreen is compared with the amount needed without it. Because sunburn is caused primarily, though not exclusively, by UVB, SPF is mainly an indicator of UVB protection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes it this way: “The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product.” FDA consumer guidance
SPF is not a multiplier for hours in the sun. The time it takes to burn depends on factors including the time of day and location, and the number does not predict an individual’s burn time. FDA guidance recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and following the product directions; it does not promise that a particular SPF makes any fixed duration of sun exposure safe. FDA consumer guidance
What does Broad Spectrum mean in the United States?
On U.S. sunscreen labels, “Broad Spectrum” is a regulated claim, not just a general description. A product must pass the FDA’s test for UVA and UVB coverage to use it. The test measures how much of the product’s ultraviolet protection extends across the spectrum, and the FDA compliance guide requires a critical wavelength of at least 370 nm. The agency states: “To label your sunscreen drug product as ‘Broad Spectrum,’ you must conduct the in vitro test described in 21 CFR 201.327(j) and demonstrate that your drug product has a critical wavelength of at least 370 nm.” FDA Small Entity Compliance Guide
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- SPF sun protection: Broad spectrum SPF 70 sunscreen lotion with Helioplex technology that delivers UVA/UVB protection from sunburn and harsh summer elements
- Lightweight sunscreen lotion: Designed for fast, even application, with a lightweight sunscreen lotion formulated to leave skin feeling non-greasy
- Dermatologist recommended sunscreen brand: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes during outdoor activities like swimming, sweating, and sports
- Sunscreen you'll love to wear: Non-greasy sunscreen lotion designed to absorb quickly without a greasy or sticky residue
- Made for family use: Sunscreen lotion is ideal for beach trips and other outdoor activities; easy-to-pack SPF sunscreen for everyday broad spectrum protection
Passing this test does not mean that the UVA and UVB protection levels are equal, or that the claim uses the same scale as PA or Europe’s UVA logo. The FDA says U.S. products that are not broad spectrum, or that are broad spectrum but have an SPF below 15, must carry a warning limiting their shown use to helping prevent sunburn—not skin cancer or early skin aging. That warning rule concerns U.S. labeling. FDA consumer guidance
What does PA++++ mean?
PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA. It is a Japanese UVA-protection grade shown with plus signs. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare material illustrates grades from PA+ through PA++++. More plus signs indicate a higher labeled PA grade, but the grade is not an SPF number and should not be read as one. Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare material
Rank #2
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion: With broad spectrum SPF 70 primes skin for makeup and helps improve skin complexion and radiance
- Non-comedogenic sunscreen: Free of oil, oxybenzone, and PABA, in a non-greasy lotion with a smooth, matte finish and a soft-touch feel"
- Antioxidant vitamin E nourishes: While Helioplex technology provides stable broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes: Helps guard skin during outdoor activities on sunny days like biking, hiking, boating, gardening, and walking
- Convenient 3 fl oz travel size: TSA-compliant and easy to pack in carry-ons, gym bags, or backpacks for on-the-go sunscreen protection anywhere
The cited Japanese material establishes the meaning and examples of the PA labels, but not exact numerical cutoffs for each grade. Without those cutoffs, it is not appropriate to assign a specific PPD range to PA+, PA++ or the other grades based on this label description alone.
How does European UVA labeling differ?
The European Commission describes a standardized UVA logo as indicating that a sunscreen meets the minimum UVA protection recommended in its 2006 framework. That recommendation sets the UVA protection factor at no less than one third of the labeled SPF and also includes a 370 nm critical-wavelength criterion. European Commission sunscreen guidance Commission Recommendation 2006/647/EC
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- This travel size sunscreen is non-sealed
- SPF 100 sunscreen for face and body, specifically formulated to help protect skin that burns easily.
- Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free sunscreen for body & face helps protect sun-sensitive skin and skin prone to burning from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays with our highest SPF level of 100
- Body & face sunscreen blends easily without leaving a white cast behind. Facial sunscreen is wearable under makeup. Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- This body sunscreen is formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin.
The European recommendation, U.S. Broad Spectrum test, and Japanese PA grading system address UVA protection through different labeling frameworks. A European UVA logo or a PA grade should not be treated as proof that a product carries the U.S. Broad Spectrum claim, and none of those marks replaces the SPF value.
How to compare sunscreen labels
When comparing products—such as a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen—read the SPF and the UVA claim as separate pieces of information. First identify the market whose label system is being used, then interpret the UVA indicator within that system.
Rank #4
- CLEAR SUNSCREEN FOR FACE: This lightweight face sunscreen with transparent Zinc Oxide provides broad spectrum SPF 46 protection and helps protect normal and sensitive skin types from UVA and UVB damage without leaving white cast residue behind
- FOR NORMAL, ACNE-PRONE, AND SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES: UV Clear uses an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that’s designed for daily use on normal, oily, rosacea, and acne-prone skin so you get effective daily sun protection without feeling greasy
- SUITABLE FOR HYPERPIGMENTED SKIN: Contains Niacinamide which helps to visibly improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration and blemishes on the skin
- CONVENIENT TRAVEL SIZE SUNSCREEN: This face sunscreen is TSA approved and comes in a convenient travel-size pump bottle that easily fits in handbags, beach bags, and carry on luggage so you can protect your skin at home, work, or on the go
- SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: UV Clear comes in both tinted and untinted versions that support a wide range of skin types and complexions; it’s a dermatologist recommended sunscreen that’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, and non-comedogenic
- Jurisdiction and claim: Look for the U.S. Broad Spectrum wording, a European UVA logo, or a Japanese PA grade. They are not interchangeable.
- SPF: Compare the labeled SPF as an indicator centered on sunburn protection, primarily from UVB.
- UVA information: Read the relevant local claim or grade on its own terms; a higher SPF alone does not make different systems’ UVA claims equivalent.
- Water resistance: Check whether the U.S. product states 40- or 80-minute water resistance and follow its directions.
- Directions: Check application and reapplication instructions on the actual product label.
There is no universal “best” label rating independent of the product’s intended use and the system used to describe it. The label details work together: SPF addresses sunburn protection, a market-specific claim or grade describes UVA protection, and water-resistance wording addresses a separate use condition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What water-resistance labels and use directions tell you
For U.S. products, water-resistance claims correspond to 40 or 80 minutes of tested protection while swimming or sweating. The FDA does not allow sunscreen products to be called “waterproof” or “sweat proof.” As the agency puts it, “No sunscreen is waterproof.” Follow the product’s directions for reapplication, including at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating as directed on the label. FDA consumer guidance
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- SWEAT & WATER READY — Designed to stay on so you can play on, this effective SPF 50 sunscreen is water, sweat, and heat resistant
- CONTAINS ALOE & VITAMIN E — This breathable sunscreen lotion cares for your skin and protects it from harmful UV rays without the use of oxybenzone or octinoxate
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED — From boat days and poolside play to hiking and biking, Banana Boat sunscreen delivers reliable sun care protection you can trust
- 12-HOUR MOISTURIZATION — Sunscreen SPF 50 provides 12 hours of moisture to help keep skin soft and smooth while leaving no white cast
- GENTLE** FORMULA, GIANT PROTECTION — 93% say Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is gentle & non-irritating on their skin* *Consumer self-assessment after 2 weeks, N=206 **Clinically tested to be gentle on skin when used as directed
FDA guidance says to apply sunscreen liberally to uncovered skin. It identifies one ounce as the amount an average-size adult or child needs to cover the body evenly. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection: the FDA also advises using shade, protective clothing, broad-brim hats, and sunglasses. FDA consumer guidance
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
