Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Sunscreen

Is waterproof better then water-resistant? Is there a difference?

The FDA only allows the terms 'water-resistant' or 'very water resistant' are allowed to be used on sunscreens sold in the USA. Any sunscreen calling itself 'Waterproof' is inappropriately labeled. 'Water Resistant' means that the sunscreen retains it original SPF value after 40minutes in vigorous warm water (a hot tub) and 'Very Water Resistant' means that the sunscreen retains its original SPF value after 80 minutes in vigorous warm water. These tests must be conducted by a third party laboratory (usually the same lab that tests the SPF value of the sunscreen).

All of Badger's sunscreens are formulated with a rich plant oil and beeswax balm base therefore they are naturally water resistant. They all passed the 'water resistant' test with flying colors, except for one, our new SPF30 Sunscreen Face Stick, which, after 40 minutes of exposure in water, was reduced from SPF31 to SPF29 and therefore we can not make the 'water resistant' claim and still call it SPF30. We are working on reformulating this product to give it a higher SPF and to make it more water resistant.

Note: Just because a sunscreen is water resistant for 40 minutes does not mean that you can only stay in the water for 40 minutes. It simply means that when you get out of the water after 40 minutes your sunscreen may be less effective than when you first put it on. For best protection we recommend you reapply sunscreen often since sweating, immersion in water and towel drying can all remove some of the sunscreen from your skin.