What Makes Sunscreen Water Resistant?

By A Mystery Man Writer

Is Sunscreen Waterproof? Sunscreen is not waterproof. The FDA does not allow sunscreens to label their products as waterproof or sweatproof. Why? No sunscreen is completely waterproof and these claims lead people to believe that they are getting more coverage and sun protection than they actually are. The standards for sunscreen products are labels, water resistant or sweat resistant. Fortunately, some sunscreen products are water resistant for up to 240 minutes (80 minutes is most common). What Ingredients Make Sunscreen Water Resistant? Sunscreen companies use a variety of ingredients to make their sunscreen water resistant. These components make it harder for the sunscreen's active ingredients to wash off your skin while in the water. In order to wear the label, "Water Resistant", a sunscreen must pass a test to prove that it maintained SPF levels after exposure to water or sweat. (Learn more about SPF