Thanks to advancements in manufacturing, we now enjoy water-resistant sunscreen. However, as with any topical product, it’s helpful to understand how this type of sunscreen works to appreciate its benefits and uses.
Moreover, aspirational brands must consider the challenges and testing measures involved in creating a water-resistant product.
Today, we’ll explore all that and more, including how Australian sunscreen manufacturers like Wild Child simplify the development process.
- How water resistance in sunscreen works: The usage of film-forming agents or encapsulation technology creates a barrier that helps sunscreen stay on the skin, even when exposed to water, sweat, or natural skin oils.
- Testing and measuring water resistance: In Australia, new sunscreen products must meet TGA regulations. Testing and measuring effectiveness requires precise evaluations in a simulated swim test device.
- Where Wild Child fits in: Wild Child’s position as a leading, TGA-licenced supplier simplifies development. We help brands launch their new products with pre-developed, TGA-approved water-resistant formulations that save you time and money.
What is Water Resistant Sunscreen?
Water-resistant sunscreens refer to products that can withstand exposure to water for a time.
Most sunscreen formulas don’t hold up to exposure unless specifically developed to. The active ingredients that protect you from harmful UV rays can be diminished or disrupted by moisture, including sweat and natural skin oils. As a result, the ingredients lose adherence to your skin and wash off if you exercise or go swimming.
In contrast, sunscreens that include water-resistant ingredients continue to be effective for a verified amount of time.
You’ll typically see ranges of 40 or 80 minutes, though some products achieve four hours of extended wear. After these designated periods, you need to reapply.
Understanding Waterproof vs. Water Resistance
Waterproof implies that sunscreen will not wash off, no matter how long or frequently your skin is exposed to water. In reality, no sunscreen is waterproof (or sweatproof, for that matter) because the chemical bonds that protect your skin will gradually break down, even if your skin stays dry.
Water-resistant merely states the product contains agents that slow down this breakdown. Physical factors like towelling off, changing clothes, or touching your skin will rub away the sunscreen, no matter what, as will general usage and prolonged sweating or swimming.
Why Water Resistance Matters in Sunscreens
With proper reapplication, most sunscreens provide consistent protection throughout your day. However, many products can’t meet certain needs, leading to gaps in what should be an essential form of skincare.
Water-resistant products fill one of these gaps by preventing skin damage and serious risks like skin cancer when we exercise, swim, or otherwise spend a lot of time outdoors.
That’s not where it stops, however. Water-resistant sunscreen has other advantages, such as:
- Supports active lifestyles: Water-resistant sunscreens may be used sparingly whether you’re at the beach or on a morning jog, but for people who lead an active lifestyle, it’s an important part of their daily skincare routine.
- Helpful for kids: Since water-resistant sunscreen holds up longer than other types of sun care, it’s ideal for kids who play outdoors and often get sweaty.
- Protects sensitive skin: It can be hard for people with sensitive skin to find long-term sun care that can withstand water and sweat. Through the advancement of hypoallergenic formulas, sunscreens for sensitive skin can also be water-resistant.
- Increases confidence: Knowing that your sunscreen will last during your activity can boost your confidence in the product, lessening the need to worry about reapplication earlier than the advised two hours.
How Does Water Resistant Sunscreen Work?
There are two primary ways water-resistant sunscreens achieve their results: film-forming agents and encapsulation.
Film-forming agents are found in many types of skincare products and cosmetics, such as tear-proof mascara or sweat-resistant body balm. These agents create a flexible, thin layer that sticks to your skin or hair, preventing the product from quickly dissolving from moisture.
When used in sunscreen, the agents not only lengthen your UV protection but they can also:
- Increase moisture retention
- Hold up more effectively against physical factors like towelling off
- Control the release of active ingredients
- Leave minimal residue and apply a smooth texture
Encapsulation takes a different approach. Thanks to advances in sunscreen manufacturing, formulations can use encapsulation technology to cover UV filters in microscopic capsules, protecting ingredients from water and other environmental factors.
Like film-forming agents, the capsules release the ingredients over time, ensuring effectiveness while swimming, sweating, or similar. Encapsulation technology is also helpful for sensitive skin by slowly releasing potential irritants.
What are the Most Common Ingredients That Make Sunscreens Water Resistant?
There’s a collection of organic and synthetic ingredients brands sometimes include to achieve water resistance and prolong protection. Here are a few examples:
- Beeswax: Beeswax repels water due to its hydrophobic properties, creating the desired protective barrier for natural-based formulas.
- Acrylates copolymer: Acrylates copolymer is a synthetic polymer and film-forming agent. It creates a pliable film to aid water resistance in cosmetic and skincare products.
- CMC-PVA: The semi-synthetic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and synthetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are used in cosmetics for various needs. Together, they create film-forming agents, with citric acid acting as a cross-linking agent. Alone, neither CMC nor PVA is particularly water-resistant.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel isn’t inherently water-resistant but is sometimes used to formulate films when combined with the aforementioned citric acid. It also helps soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Dimethicone: Dimethicone is a type of silicone often used in sunscreen. It aids in even spreadability and helps to create water-resistant films, namely in combination with other polymers.
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene (EHM): EHM is a photostabilizer that helps prevent UV filters from degrading from sun and water, increasing the effectiveness of sunscreen.
How Water Resistance is Measured and Tested
Sunscreen water resistance is measured and tested according to the regulations set by the TGA’s Australian Sunscreen Standard, which references the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
Testing involves in vivo practices, which means a controlled amount of sunscreen is applied to human skin. After the sunscreen dries, subjects immerse themselves in a simulated swim test device.
The exact time subjects stay in water depends on the product’s intended effectiveness. After this period, the subject leaves the water and air dries their skin. Sunscreen-protected and unprotected areas of the skin are then exposed to ultraviolet light to determine the product’s water resistance.
Challenges in Formulating Water Resistant Sunscreens
Developing a water-resistant product is essential but not without challenges. Brands have to consider factors like:
- Skin feel and comfort: Film-forming agents can leave a heavy, greasy, or sticky feel, striking a challenge on how to balance comfort and effectiveness.
- Even application: Water-resistant sunscreen needs to be uniformly applied to be effective. However, certain applicators like sprays may not evenly cover the skin.
- Compatibility with skin types and tones: The addition of water-resistant formulations may not be suitable for all skin types or tones. They may clog pores or cause irritation, which limits their usability, or leave a white cast on dark skin tones.
- Environmental impact and organic ingredients: Another challenge is the environmental impacts of certain water-resistant synthetic ingredients, namely silicones and polymers. For environmentally-conscious brands, developers must consider whether an organic, water-resistant sunscreen is feasible with their budget and resources.
- Lengthy and costly manufacturing: Manufacturing and testing a new product is costly. It involves extensive research, sourcing specialised ingredients, and rigorous testing, all of which take time and money.
Re-Envision Water Resistant Sunscreen with Wild Child
Water-resistant sunscreen represents a genuine need for consumers. As we’ve explored, meeting this need can be complicated for large brands and small—but it doesn’t have to be.
Backed by over 30 years of expertise, Wild Child provides pre-developed, TGA-approved sunscreen formulations that simplify your product launch, guaranteeing reliable sun protection, quality, and compliance right from the start.
We don’t stop at water resistance either. You can choose tinted shades, hypoallergenic ingredients, vegan-based formulas, and paraben-free or child-friendly options to match your branding and ensure your sunscreen stands out.
To learn more, reach out today and discover what our sunscreen manufacturing can do for you.