Is Your SPF Summer-Ready? What does Water-Resistant Mean on your Sunscreen?

When the sun is out, your SPF should be doing more than sitting on your bathroom shelf. In this blog, we’re breaking down what “waterproof”, “water-repellent”, and “water-resistant” mean and how you can spot trustworthy SPF claims.

Shopping for sunscreen online or in-store can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous brand options. It’s easy to get a little lost since so many of them claim to be water-resistant, waterproof or water-repellent. And now that summer is here, knowing exactly what those labels mean is more important than ever, especially when caring for little ones who love to play in the water. So, how do you know which sunscreens truly offer the protection they promise? Continue reading this blog so you can feel confident choosing the right one for you and your family.

First things first, there’s no waterproof sunscreen.

The term 'waterproof' is no longer permitted on sunscreen packaging in the UK, EU, or US. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US has banned the term entirely. Want to know why? Because it’s considered misleading. No sunscreen can stay fully effective after a long period in water or while sweating without needing to be reapplied.

So if you see a product claiming to be “waterproof” or “sweat-proof,” step back from this little red flag. These words might sound reassuring, but they don't reflect any regulated or verified testing.

How about being Water-Resistant?

If a sunscreen is labelled as “water-resistant”, that’s a good sign. But you’ll want to check one more thing. The guidelines, including those set by the FDA, say there are only two approved instances where a sunscreen can be truly referred to as water-resistant after testing: 40 minutes or 80 minutes of water resistance.

These aren't random numbers. They mean the sunscreen has been thoroughly tested to prove it keeps its SPF protection even when you’re in the water. Testing for this is rigorous and let’s be honest, costly. So when a product claims one of these, it’s been through the proper process. If you don’t see either of these timeframes listed, the sunscreen most likely hasn’t gone through verified testing for water-resistance.

The Testing Process

To substantiate water resistance claims, sunscreens undergo rigorous evaluation. In the European Union, for instance, products are tested according to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards, specifically ISO 24444 for SPF testing and ISO 16217 for water resistance assessment. These tests involve applying the sunscreen to human subjects, immersing them in water for the designated time (40 or 80 minutes), and then measuring the remaining SPF efficacy.

So, what about Water-Repellent?

You may have already seen it online or on sunscreen bottles. But this term is more of a general marketing phrase than a regulated claim. It might suggest that water will "bead" off the skin or that the formula is designed to resist some moisture. But it doesn’t guarantee tested SPF protection after water exposure.

So, while a water-repellent sunscreen might feel super nice and silky on the skin, it’s not the same as having a verified water-resistance claim backed by lab testing.

At Baie Botanique, we created our Soleil Suncare to be as gentle on your skin as they are on the environment. Here’s why our sunscreen does more than protect:

• Non-Nano Zinc Oxide: Our star active ingredient offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, UVC and even blue light. It's also naturally anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, perfect for sensitive skin.
• Reef-safe & photostable: Gentle on marine life, stable in sunlight.
• Plant-based & organic ingredients: Nourishing botanicals like Sea Buckthorn, Calendula, Jojoba, and Kakadu Plum keep your skin feeling soft and cared for.
• Cruelty-free, vegan and conscious: Because your values matter just as much as your skincare.
• We always recommend reapplying our Soleil Suncare after swimming or sweating. We created our Suncare line with your safety in mind, so you can feel confident using a high-quality, plant-based SPF crafted with care and integrity.

Your skin deserves thoughtful protection, especially when exposed to the sun. With Baie Botanique’s award-winning sunscreen, you're not just shielding your skin—you’re embracing a more conscious way to care for yourself and the planet.

Because when you feel protected, you shine brighter. So next time you step outside, reach for the sunscreen you can truly trust.