Water-Resistant vs Waterproof Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever searched for waterproof sunscreen, you’re not alone. It sounds like the ideal solution for beach days, workouts, and time in the water. The truth is, it does not exist.

The FDA does not allow manufacturers to claim that a sunscreen is waterproof on the product’s label.1

The correct standard is “water-resistant” with an SPF rating on a sunscreen’s label. This is another reason why it’s so important to read the label for the skincare item you’re buying. Even if a website says one thing, the label might say something different.

Our guide demystifies the confusion behind water-resistant vs. waterproof sunscreen.

Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Sunscreen

The terms “waterproof” and “sweatproof” were once used on sunscreen labels. Then, in 2011, the FDA no longer allowed those words on the label because the claims made by manufacturers exaggerated the effectiveness of SPF.2

However, the FDA did allow a new term for sunscreen. Water-resistant vs. waterproof became the new norm. Manufacturers can claim a product has water-resistant SPF if the sunscreen remains effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating.

Labels must also include directions for how to use water-resistant SPF effectively if someone plans on swimming or sweating. Every sunscreen label needs to direct consumers to reapply it every two hours.3

What Water-Resistant SPF Really Means for Your Day

Understanding water-resistant vs. waterproof sunscreen is one thing. Applying it in practice may take a little adjusting if you’re used to rubbing enough on your skin and then forgetting about it later.

Optimal skin health for your active lifestyle means intentionally taking the right steps to nourish and protect your outer layer with the proper sunscreen. Waterproof vs. water-resistant product application will become second nature when you know how and when to use the sunscreen as part of your daily routine. And we think you’ll love the results!

For swimming or beach days, or if you’re sweating or engaging in an outdoor activity, apply water-resistant sunscreen as directed. We recommend the following routine with hydrating body lotions for longer outdoor days:

Rub the sunscreen lotion onto skin 15 minutes before heading outside.
Set a repeat timer for every 40 to 80 minutes. Label the alarm “Sunscreen” for when it goes off.
Keep the sunscreen handy, like in your bag or fanny pack, so you can grab it easily.
Reapply the lotion or use a clear spray for easy reapplication.

Consider COOLA’s organic Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 that feels as light as a moisturizer to protect your face from the sun’s damaging rays. You’ll love how your face feels nourished even as it deals with the heat of the day.

Don’t Forget Reapplication

We cannot stress this enough when discussing water-resistant vs. waterproof sunscreen. You must reapply SPF every two hours, regardless of whether you sweat or swim.

Sometimes, we forget to apply sunscreen to areas we don’t typically think about. It’s easy to gloss over reapplication once you put on makeup in the morning. A simple face sunscreen mist takes the worry out of messing up your foundation, blush, or eyeshadow.

Lips are another afterthought, until you lick them and they are dry and extra-sensitive. COOLA’s Liplux Lip Balm goes on clear before hydrating and protecting your lips for 80 minutes before reapplication.

Why Wearability Matters

Why would you reapply SPF products if they don’t feel good? Texture, finish, and overall experience can make a big difference. That’s why COOLA makes organic sunscreens with nourishing and hydrating ingredients.

In many of our products, you’ll find safflower oil, prickly pear extract, jasmine, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, and aloeglycerin, among other soothing ingredients. It’s a feel-good SPF you want to wear every day.

Water-Resistant Sunscreen From COOLA

Now you know that water-resistant vs. waterproof sunscreen is misleading. The key to healthy skin when frolicking in the sun is to use a water-resistant SPF and apply your favorite products consistently throughout the day.

Even better, selecting a sunscreen you want to wear makes it easier to follow an SPF routine. Discover which COOLA SPF formula works best for you. You may find your daily skin protection routine is something you look forward to.

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