The best water-resistant sunscreen is the one you feel compelled to wear every day, according to Dr. Joshua Arbesman, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic and on the dermatology council at Melanoma Research Alliance. “You might need to try a few before you find one that works for you,” he says. But without knowing where to start, you might wonder what ingredients to look for, when you should wear water-resistant sunscreen and how to integrate SPF into your skin care routine.
To help you navigate this complex, jargon-filled world, we asked dermatologists and other skin care experts to debunk sunscreen myths and explain what consumers should look for in a water-resistant sunscreen. On top of that, we’ve rounded up 15 recommendations from dermatologists and skin care experts.
What should you look for in a water-resistant sunscreen?
Arbesman says you’ll want to look for a handful of crucial factors, like sunscreen that indicates it’s SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum. “This means it protects you from UVB rays, which cause burning, and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can also cause aging.” Next, he says that because all sunscreens wash off at some point, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits sunscreen brands from marketing themselves as waterproof, “so look for ones that offer water resistance and be sure that you’re reapplying as directed.”
Before sunscreens can claim water resistance, he says, “They have to be specifically tested according to FDA rules. The label will also clearly say whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating.” For a sunscreen with the most water resistance possible, he says to prioritize those that indicate they don’t need to be reapplied for 80 minutes. “In addition, consider supplementing your sunscreen with UPF sun-protective clothing, which provides significant protection and never needs to be reapplied,” he says.
What ingredients make sunscreen water-resistant?
Although there’s technically no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, some ingredients do extend how long SPF lasts on wet skin. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, common ingredients in water-resistant sunscreen include “certain oils, waxes or polymers,” which create a film that help sunscreen stick to the skin.
Regardless of a sunscreen’s claims or ingredients, Garshick encourages consumers to read sunscreen labels to confirm that a product is actually water-resistant. As Arbesman explains above, the FDA regulates which sunscreens can advertise water resistance. Products that claim “water resistance” have to stay effective for 40 minutes in the water, while “very water-resistant” sunscreens must remain effective for at least 80 minutes.
What ingredients should you avoid?
Dr. Madiha Saeed, author of “The Holistic Rx,” says “with a family of nine with multiple different generations living under one roof, we have tried a lot of sunscreens,” which has afforded her the opportunity to develop a list of criteria through personal testing and extensive research.
“Ingredients I avoid are oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, phthalates, avobenzone, homosalate, retinyl palmitate, ethylhexyl salicylate, octisalate, [and] octocrylene, while titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safer ingredients,” she says, adding that she tends to steer clear of spray bottles and chemical-based (as opposed to mineral) sunscreens. Other factors to consider, according to Saeed, include its EWG safety rating, how well it works in preventing sunburn, if it’s water-resistant, how well the sunscreen absorbs into skin, if it’s easily tolerated and whether it’s cost-effective.
When should you wear water-resistant sunscreen?
One of the biggest misconceptions about water-resistant sunscreen is that you only need it when you’re in the water. But Garshick says that it can be helpful to wear water-resistant SPF whether you’re swimming or simply sweating in the heat. However, Garshick stresses that that you must reapply sunscreen even if it’s water-resistant.
In other words, if it’s summer, it’s time to reach for water-resistant sunscreens. We’ll give you a head start by sharing 15 favorites, which are available at a variety of retailers, from the FSA Store to Amazon.
Best water-resistant sunscreens
Beauty and skin care products don't always come cheap, but this drugstore sunscreen is affordable, widely available and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Garshick recommends this for "those on the go," as it's quick and easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas.
Elta MD's sunscreens regularly make our best-of sunscreen lists. Garshick recommends this one for folks who enjoy outdoor and aquatic activities, as it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And no worries if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin too. "It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic," Garshick says, adding that it's suitable for "all skin types."
“As someone who spends most of my time in the sun, I’ve really enjoyed the durability of CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen,” says Bruna Zaun, professional surfer and CeraVe brand partner. “I love that it provides 80 minutes of water-resistant and sweat-resistant coverage, which is great whether surfing, traveling or just participating in outdoor activities. I can really trust that the formula has my back as I use and reapply, thanks to its nourishing ingredients that work to keep my skin healthy and hydrated.”
Ellen Bradley, chief brand officer and senior vice president of marketing and communications at Discover Boating, looks for sunscreens that prioritize keeping our waters clean and our skin healthy, like Ethical Zinc Mineral Sunscreen with zinc oxide that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and doesn’t use any chemical UV filters. “When you’re out on a boat all day, you need a powerful, broad-spectrum sunscreen that is both [water-resistant] and [sweat-resistant],” she says. “Ethical Zinc’s sunscreen is SPF 50+ and provides a solid 80 minutes of protection in the water and, importantly as a boater, it’s reef- and ocean-safe.”
“My favorite is Raw Elements Face and Body All Natural Mineral Sunscreen,” says Saeed. “This is very easy to apply, has great fragrance, super clean ingredients and is very water-resistant.”
“This product has four super-simple organic ingredients, it’s easy to apply, it has great water resistance and most importantly, it’s cost-effective and is non-GMO and gluten-free,” says Saeed.
“This one also has great simple ingredients, smells great, is easy to apply and rubs in well, is great for sensitive skin and also is [budget-friendly],” says Saeed.
“Along with the [previous option], it’s super water-resistant and moisturizing,” says Saeed. Reviewers of the top-rated sunscreen praise its easy application.
“As someone who’s always outside for Hot Girl Social Club walks and events, I wear sunscreen every single day,” says Valerie Choucroun, founder of Hot Girl Social Club. “I am obsessed with Supergoop! I use so many of their different sunscreens. This mineral sunscreen stick is a game changer if you spend a lot of time outside, especially if you’re sweating. It’s water-resistant so it’s great for long-lasting protection, ideal for our Sweat & Sparkle outdoor workouts and even our upcoming pool parties. Plus, it gives me a great glow.”
“La Roche Posay is my go-to for all our Hot Girl Walks,” says Choucroun. “It’s super lightweight, and the texture makes it so easy to apply. It blends into your skin without leaving a greasy residue or white cast, which is so important for me. I love that it feels like I have nothing on my face but I’m reassured that my skin is protected.”
“This Shisedo sunscreen was just introduced to me by a fellow Hot Girl, and it is incredible,” says Choucroun. “I love that it’s a stick so it just glides on so easily, it’s small enough to throw in a purse or belt bag and I don’t have to worry about spillage. It also feels really good under makeup and gives you a beautiful glow. Definitely recommend!”
Our all-time favorite sunscreen is not only water-resistant for up to 80 minutes but it goes on light without any greasy film and boasts a delightful tropical scent. It’s broad spectrum and features SPF 30, and it also has a twist-lock cap and slim build that make it highly portable on beach days.
Put your best face forward with one of our favorite face sunscreens that happens to be water-resistant. Its sheer mineral formula is loaded with nourishing ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, shea butter and vitamin E, and it provides up to 80 minutes of SPF 50+ sun protection.
We love this inclusive Black-owned brand for the way it caters to skin tones of all complexions. It’s water-resistant up to 80 minutes, it doesn’t leave a white cast, it fights against dark spots and hyperpigmentation and nourishes the skin with vegan ingredients like jojoba and avocado that leave your skin with a dewy glow.
While this editor-favorite sunscreen is only water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, it remains a winner for the way it dries quickly into skin, contains active ingredients like red algae to filter out blue light and serves as a grippy makeup primer with a matte finish.