What is the difference between SPF and PA on Korean sunscreen?
SPF mainly grades UVB protection (the burn spectrum). PA (with + to ++++) grades UVA protection on the Korean/Japanese scale. A high SPF with a weak PA still leaves a UVA gap — Korean labels often pair SPF50+ with PA++++ for daily wear.
More detail
Neither number tells you texture, sting, or white cast. Reapply on long outdoor days regardless of the numbers on the tube. PA is not the same as the EU UVA logo, but both aim at broader UVA coverage.
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What is the difference between essence and serum?
In Korean skincare, essence is typically a thinner, hydration-focused layer that preps skin, while serum is more concentrated with targeted actives like vitamin C or niacinamide. Essence usually comes first; serum follows. The line between them blurs, and not every routine needs both.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface to brighten and smooth, while BHA like salicylic acid is oil-soluble and gets into pores. In Korean skincare both are used sparingly, a few times weekly, always with daily sun protection.
What is the difference between essence, serum and ampoule?
Essence is the lightest and most hydration-focused, serum is more concentrated and targeted, and ampoule is the most concentrated of the three. The boundaries are marketing convention, not regulated definitions.
Why is Korean sunscreen considered better?
Korean sunscreens are often praised for elegant, lightweight textures that feel pleasant enough to wear daily, which encourages consistent use. They frequently use newer filters approved in Korea but not the US. Preferences are partly cosmetic; effectiveness depends on applying enough and reapplying regardless of brand.
✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-09-07.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.