'Water Resistant' Isn't 'Waterproof': Reading the 40- and 80-Minute Labels
There's no such thing as waterproof sunscreen, and the number on the bottle tells you exactly when your protection runs out in the water.
The FDA bans 'waterproof' and 'sweatproof' claims; sunscreens may only state water resistance of 40 or 80 minutes based on standardized immersion testing, after which they must be reapplied.
The FDA states that no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweatproof, which is why labels are limited to a measured 40- or 80-minute water-resistance claim.
Questions we get a lot
Why can't sunscreen be called waterproof anymore?
The FDA banned 'waterproof' and 'sweatproof' claims because no sunscreen fully resists water or sweat. Instead, products may only state water resistance of 40 or 80 minutes, determined by standardized immersion testing. The wording is meant to set realistic expectations about how long protection lasts in water.
What does '40 minutes' or '80 minutes' on the label mean?
Those figures tell you how long the sunscreen maintains its SPF while you are in the water, based on standardized testing. Once that time is up, you need to reapply to stay protected. You should also reapply after towel drying, since towels rub product off the skin.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'My sunscreen says water resistant 80 minutes, does that mean it's basically waterproof for a pool day?'