Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Sport & Swimming, Rated
A water-resistant sunscreen uses film-forming polymers and waxes to stay on through sweat and water instead of rinsing off in minutes. We read those ingredients on every formula in our catalog and rank the ones built to hold up, so you can find sunscreen that lasts for sport, the beach and the pool.
| Product | Total ▼ | ☀️ | ☢️ | 🤧 | 👻 | 🔥 | 🪨 | 🔴 | 🍄 | 👕 | 💧 | ✨ | 💄 | 🌊 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Light | Matte | Good | Resistant | |
| 94 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Light | Balanced | Good | Resistant | |
| 94 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | High | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 93 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Hydrating | Matte | Okay | Resistant | |
| 93 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Safe | Low | Balanced | Matte | Good | Resistant | |
| 92 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Safe | Medium | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 92 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Balanced | Balanced | Good | Resistant | |
| 91 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 91 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Balanced | Matte | Good | Resistant | |
| 91 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Safe | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 91 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 90 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Balanced | Balanced | Good | Resistant | |
| 90 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Balanced | Balanced | Good | Resistant | |
| 90 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Balanced | Balanced | Good | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Balanced | Dewy | Good | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Low | Medium | Balanced | Dewy | Good | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | High | Low | Nourishing | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Okay | Resistant | |
| 89 | Excellent | High | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Medium | Low | Hydrating | Balanced | Good | Resistant |
What makes a sunscreen water-resistant
Water resistance comes from the formula, not the SPF number. Film-forming polymers (the acrylates, VP and polyurethane family) and waxes lock the filters onto skin so sweat and water do not rinse them straight off. Our score reads those ingredients and any sport or 40 to 80 minute claim on the label, so even a light fluid that holds on can rate well.
Water resistance is a capability, not a quality grade: a daily face sunscreen that is not water-resistant is perfectly fine for the office or a commute. Reach for this filter when you actually need it, for swimming, sweating or long hours outdoors, and pair it with High protection for the strongest beach and sport picks.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a sunscreen water-resistant?
Film-forming polymers and waxes in the base, not the SPF. They form a thin layer that holds the UV filters on skin so sweat and water do not wash them away as quickly. Our water resistance score reads those ingredients plus any sport or 40 to 80 minute label claim.
Does water-resistant mean waterproof?
No. No sunscreen is fully waterproof, which is why that word is not allowed on labels. Water-resistant means it keeps working for a set time in water, usually 40 or 80 minutes, after which you need to reapply.
Do I still need to reapply a water-resistant sunscreen?
Yes. Water resistance buys time, it does not make protection permanent. Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating, after toweling off, and at least every two hours in the sun.
Is a water-resistant sunscreen good for everyday use?
It can be, but it is not required. The film formers that make it last can feel heavier and are harder to remove, so for daily indoor wear a lighter formula is often more comfortable. Water resistance matters most for sport, the beach and the pool.