10 Best Waterproof Sunscreens & Sunblock of 2021

Nothing feels worse than taking a whole 20 minutes before you hit the beach to apply the perfect layer of sunscreen and rub it all the way through so you don’t look like a zombie and then still end up with a sunburn at the end of your beach day.

The alternative to this situation is to remain untouched by water throughout the whole day in order to maintain your sunblock’s integrity since its not waterproof and you’re scared the water will just wash away any of your efforts to protect your skin. Well, that’s why you should use waterproof sunblock instead of the old fashioned one.

How to Pick the Right Waterproof Sunblock for You

Dermatologists suggest that you need to wear sunblock every day even if you don’t intend to hit the beach. So whether you want your sunblock to last through the general moisture you may encounter throughout the day or through a pool or beach day, your waterproof sunblock should be suited to fit what your day looks like.

SPF

Generally speaking, the higher the SPF number, the better the protection against the sun you’re going to get. However, sometimes you might not need a high SPF value especially if you don’t intend on spending your whole day in the sun. dermatologists suggest that you use a minimum of SPF 30.

Consistency

You’ll want to go for a lighter formula sunscreen if you’re going to be using it during sports or if you expect to be sweating. The thicker the consistency of your sunscreen, the heavier it’ll feel on your face during vigorous activities.

Resistance

Some of the sunscreens on this list are completely waterproof, meaning that you’ll not be able to take them off without soap. Consider whether that will be a benefit to you, say if you’re going surfing and you want your sunblock to stay put, or a drawback if you plan on simply going for a walk and you’ll want your sunscreen off of your face once you’re back.

Best Waterproof Sunblock Reviewed

1. Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen

Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 70+
  • Resistance: sweatproof
  • Special skin care: nourishes and restores skin

This high SPF formula is made with Helioplex technology in which the included electrolyte complex works on nourishing and restoring the skin’s balance. And since this lotion is oil-free you can rest assured that your skin will not break out because of it.

The Sport Face sunscreen was made to cater to the active kinds; you can apply this sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping out for a run and not worry about your sweat affecting the integrity of your lotion.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Made to stay put during vigorous activities.
  • Cares for and replenishes the skin.
  • Does not cause break-outs due to the absence of oil.

Cons

  • Consistency is a little thick for daily use.

2. Reef Safe - Biodegradable Waterproof Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 30+

Reef Safe - Biodegradable Waterproof Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 30+

Specs:

  • SPF: 30+
  • Resistance: waterproof for up to 80 minutes
  • Special skin care: non-applicable

This formula from Reef Safe is eco-safe since it’s made especially to prevent additional damage to coral reefs during dives. You can put this on without having to worry about it being toxic to sea life.

It doesn’t offer a whole lot of protection but that’s mainly because it’s made for underwater divers. And since you’re expected to be in the water, this sunscreen is waterproof and will not budge for a whole 80 minutes of water exposure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Non-toxic to sea life.
  • Lasts under-water for a whole 80 minutes.

Cons

  • Contains a small percentage of Oxybenzone which is not actually reef-safe.

3. Clear Choice-Sport Shield Sunscreen

Clear Choice-Sport Shield Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 45+
  • Resistance: sweatproof
  • Special skin care: repairs, regenerates, and hydrates

This light and effective formula is made to be used on a daily basis and can be applied under your makeup. It’s blended with Hyaluronic acid to target several skin problems and it actually helps clear your skin as it hydrates and repairs it.

It’s also worth noting that this oil-free formula is ethically sourced and created with the environment in mind.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • It’s quickly absorbed.
  • Can be applied under your makeup.
  • Enhances skin health and clarity.

Cons

  • Clear Choice tends to change their formula a lot and one batch could feel different than the next.

4. Art of Sport Skin Armor Sunscreen Lotion

Art of Sport Skin Armor Sunscreen Lotion

Specs:

  • SPF: 50+
  • Resistance: sweatproof, resists water completely for over 80 minutes
  • Special skin care: fragrance-free

Being made especially for athletic performance, this oil-free and fragrance-free formula is one of the lightest on the skin. Regardless of how light it is, it still provides adequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

It lasts for a full 80 minutes in water so surfers never have to worry about getting sunburned due to the innovative ultra-dry formula AOS has created.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Made for all types of athletes.
  • Has a really light, ultra-dry formula.
  • Fragrance-free to eliminate irritation.

Cons

  • Since it’s fragrance-free, there isn’t anything to mask the sunscreen’s natural scent.

5. Reef Safe Biodegradable Waterproof SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion

Reef Safe Biodegradable Waterproof SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion

Specs:

  • SPF: 50+
  • Resistance: waterproof for up to 80 minutes, sweatproof, and rub proof
  • Special skin care: fragrance-free

Another one of Reef Safe’s sunscreens except this one provides more protection than the previous one. At an SPF of 50+, this smooth formula gives a higher grade of protection while remaining light on the skin.

It’s also fragrance-free so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation or your eyes burning. Like the previous 30+ sunblock, this one also resists water for up to 80 minutes in addition to being sweatproof and rub-resistant.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Offers a higher protection grade than the previous Reef Safe sunscreen.
  • Smooth and non-sticky.
  • Lasts under-water for a whole 80 minutes.

Cons

  • Contains a small percentage of Oxybenzone which is not actually reef-safe.

6. Emilia Naked Sun Clear Body Sunscreen

Emilia Naked Sun Clear Body Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 30+
  • Resistance: waterproof for up to 80 minutes
  • Special skin care: hypoallergenic

Emilia’s sunblock is made out of well-thought-out ingredients that include algae, vitamin E, and triple omega complex that cater to the skin’s needs in terms of moisture and regeneration. This hypoallergenic formula suits all ages.

The best thing about this sunscreen, however, is that it’s a clear gel instead of a white lotion. So, applying this sunscreen, you won’t have to feel conscious about any white streaks or a layer of white film on your skin before the sunscreen is completely absorbed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The clear gel applies smoothly without leaving behind any visible streaks.
  • Suitable for all ages.
  • Contains natural ingredients that moisturize the skin and combat aging.

Cons

  • The formula can be a bit sticky when first applied.

7. Doc Martin's Maui NexGen Waterproof Sunscreen

Doc Martin's Maui NexGen Waterproof Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 36+
  • Resistance: completely waterproof
  • Special skin care: non-mentioned

Since this sunblock formula is made with beeswax, that allows it to be completely waterproof and you can stay in the water for 3 or 4 hours without having to worry about it wearing off. This non-greasy formula will also make sure that you don’t feel slimy or slippery when you’re in the water.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Completely waterproof and will not be affected by water.
  • Non-greasy application.

Cons

  • It stays sticky for a while and maybe inconvenient on sandy beaches.

8. EiR NYC - All Natural Surf Mud

EiR NYC - All Natural Surf Mud

Specs:

  • SPF: 30+
  • Resistance: not that effective
  • Special skin care: hydrating all-natural ingredients increase blood flow to the skin

This all-natural mud formula works perfectly for both the skin and the hair. It has only 6 ingredients, one of which is chocolate which aids in skin hydration while giving it a natural delicious scent. The formula also has antioxidants which help fight free radicals and ensure high-grade protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

The whole product is cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and is made sustainably for users all over the globe.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Made with all-natural ingredients.
  • Can be applied on the hair too for sun protection.
  • Smells delicious.

Cons

  • May not be the most water-resistant sunblock here.

9. HomEco Ultra Waterproof/Sweatproof Natural Sport Mineral Sunscreen

HomEco Ultra Waterproof/Sweatproof Natural Sport Mineral Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 50+
  • Resistance: will not come off without the use of soap
  • Special skin care: non-applicable

This sunblock is created with water-block technology which makes it fully waterproof; this sunscreen will not come off with pool water, ocean water, or even sweat, it’ll only come off with soap. It’s made with 100% natural ingredients that are eco-friendly and will not go on to harm sea life.

This sunblock has been tested and is proven to protect for over 8 hours.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Made of all-natural and biodegradable ingredients.
  • Protects for over 8 hours.
  • Water-block technology keeps it on the skin until it’s removed with soap.

Cons

  • Thicker than most formulas and can leave a white film on the skin.

10. Sunblocz Tinted Sunscreen

Sunblocz Tinted Sunscreen

Specs:

  • SPF: 50+
  • Resistance: water-resistant
  • Special skin care: contains antioxidants to regenerate the skin

This tinted sunscreen is made to help you keep an even color throughout without ever having to worry about spots or stains. This hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and all-natural formula contains grapeseed oil amongst other antioxidants to help moisturize, hydrate, and keep your skin feeling supple on hot days.

This is also great for camping days since the sunscreen also works on repelling bugs and will keep you protected from both the sun and the mosquitos.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High in zinc oxide.
  • Helps you keep an even color.
  • Repels bugs in addition to protecting from the sun.

Cons

  • Can be quite oily during hot days.