Chemical vs. mineral
These are the two main formulas for sunscreens. Chemical sunscreen works to absorb the sun’s rays when they reach your skin. Mineral sunscreen works to block it from your skin altogether.
Both types of sunscreen are effective, however mineral sunscreen has additional benefits such as being more suitable for sensitive skin types.
Ingredients
It’s a misconception that only harsh or chemical-based sunscreens can provide effective waterproof sun protection.
While many waterproof sunscreens may be chemical-based, products such as Australian Gold’s water-resistant botanical sunscreen include nourishing ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus, and Red Algae.
This is why it’s important to give the ingredients list a once-over before choosing the right waterproof sunscreen for you. With the right product option, there’s no need to compromise between water-resistant sun protection and natural, skin-loving ingredients.
Production practices
Every sunscreen company employs a different set of production practices while making its products – and some of these are better for the planet than others.
For example, cruelty-free sunscreen companies are committed to creating their products without performing any testing on animals.
You might also look for reef-friendly products, which are specifically free of chemicals that can harm marine wildlife and coral reefs. This is particularly key given that many sunscreen products – specifically waterproof ones – are worn in the ocean and other bodies of water, where they easily affect local wildlife.
Application process
You may also have a strong preference one way or another about how you apply the waterproof sunscreen to your skin. The most common application methods are lotion and spray, but you can also find gel and mousse-based products, depending on what feels good for your skin.
The way that you apply waterproof sunscreen doesn’t have an impact on the product’s effectiveness, so feel free to simply pick based on personal preference. Some types, such as spray, may be easier if you’re picking a waterproof sunscreen for young children, for example.
Benefits
It also sometimes makes sense to shop for waterproof sunscreen based on a specific benefit or two that you’re looking for. These will depend on what you want from sunscreen.
For example, maybe you’ve got dry skin and it tends to get dryer when you spend time in the sun. If so, it would make sense to look for waterproof sunscreen that offers the benefit of moisturizing ingredients.
Or maybe you like to be active in the sun and you tend to sweat a lot. In that case, it would make sense to shop for extreme sports sunscreen that offers the benefit of sweat-resistant protection.
Price
Finally, it’s always worth thinking about prices while you shop. When it comes to waterproof sunscreen, you can split these products into three categories based on price:
- Budget: $10 and under
- Mid-tier: $10 - $20
- Luxury: $20+
That being said, you shouldn’t assume that a waterproof sunscreen is better just because it costs more. Sometimes, companies charge higher prices just because they have brand recognition.
It’s often possible to get the same benefits that a luxury sunscreen offers for a mid-tier or even budget price.
What’s the best waterproof sunscreen of 2022 overall?
There are some excellent options for waterproof sunscreen in 2022. But in our opinion, you can’t do better than Australian Gold’s Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
Here’s why we love it:
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes after application
- It has a powder-like matte finish that’s never greasy
- It features nourishing Australia-native ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus, and Red Sea Algae
- It has an eco-conscious formula that’s free of all oxybenzone, paraben, phthalate, PABA, and more
On top of that, we created our Botanical SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen with cruelty-free practices – and it's recommended by both dermatologists and pediatricians.
What more could you ask for?
You can pick up a bottle of it for just $16.99 in our online store.
What’s the best budget option?
Maybe you prefer a waterproof sunscreen that’s a little cheaper. If so, consider checking out Australian Gold’s General Protection SPF 30 Spray Gel.
You can pick it up for just $10.49. But we didn’t skimp on quality while creating it. The product features:
- High vitamin C content to promote collagen production
- Hydrating sunflower seed oil
- A convenient gel application
- Our refreshing Cocoa Dream fragrance
What’s the best waterproof sunscreen with high SPF protection?
If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, you may want to use a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF level to protect your skin.
Australian Gold sells a plant-based SPF 70 sunscreen lotion that’s perfect for this scenario. It features:
- A plant-based formula with a high concentration of aloe vera
- Coconut oil for sensitive skin
- A vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly formulation
- High-level SPF 70 protection
With this waterproof sunscreen, you get the broad-spectrum coverage that you want in a nutrient-dense plant-based formula. It’ll be perfect for the next time you want to spend a long day outdoors.
Are there any waterproof sunscreens I should stay away from?
As you shop for waterproof sunscreens, your preference will dictate a lot of your selections.
For example, if you’re sensitive to strong aromas, you should stay away from products with fragrances. And if you value convenience above all else, you should stick with gel and spray applications instead of lotions.
But there are also some things that everyone should stay away from when picking a waterproof sunscreen. These include:
- Products with parabens and oxybenzone, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may even disrupt hormone production
- Companies that test their products on animals, which is an inhumane practice
Does skin type matter when choosing waterproof sunscreen?
Skin type is absolutely something that you should take into account while picking your waterproof sunscreen. Certain formulas and ingredients may be better for your specific skin type than others.
For example, someone with naturally oily skin should probably stay away from sunscreen products that leave an oily residue behind. Because these will only worsen your skin problems.
Similarly, a person with dry skin should prioritize waterproof sunscreen that includes moisturizing ingredients.
Finally, if you have fair skin, then you’ll typically need more protection from the sun. So you should look for a sunscreen with higher levels of SPF protection.
Australian Gold has a waterproof sunscreen option for every preference
Whether you’re looking for plant-based products, general protection sunscreen, or a botanical option, Australian Gold has you covered.
We’ve created a wide variety of waterproof sunscreen products to choose from. So no matter what your budget, skin type, or preferences are, we’ve got an option for you.
Check out our online shop to learn more.
