PA+++ is a Japanese grading designation indicating a high level of protection against UVA radiation, based on the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) method, with a PPD value of approximately 8 to less than 16. It denotes protective performance of a sunscreen rather than being a discrete chemical ingredient.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Contact irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More associated with specific UV filters in the formulation than the rating itself |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Linked to certain organic UV filters such as oxybenzone or octocrylene |
| Photoallergic reaction | Rare | Sun-exposed reaction reported with some chemical filters |
| Acne or comedone aggravation | Uncommon | Can occur with heavier or occlusive sunscreen bases |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.