When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn More.
Canadian summers may be short, but they can be surprisingly intense, especially when it comes to sun exposure. Whether you’re lounging at the cottage, exploring the beach, or hitting the lounger after a dip in the pool, protecting your skin from UV damage is essential. Cue water resistant sunscreen.
Sunburns aren’t just a temporary nuisance; over time, repeated unprotected exposure raises your risk of skin cancer. In 2024, the incidence of melanomas increased by 17 per cent over the previous year due to reduced use of sunscreens.
If that doesn’t convince you, consider the fact that skin, unprotected from the sun speeds up aging, and triggers flare-ups if you already have skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.
We at The Health Insider have found the best water resistant sunscreen for the summer of 2025. Make sure to reapply every 80 minutes or less for the best protection.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still sneak through. So, among the hundreds of products available in stores and online, how do you choose a water resistant sunscreen that’ll protect you, and keep you protected, even after a swim?
All of the following sunscreens are rated at least SPF 30, as recommended by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), but depending on your skin type, you may require a higher SPF.
Look for the active ingredients zinc oxide, oxybenzone, octinoxate, or avobenzone which protect against UVA and UVB rays. These ingredients wash off in water, but water resistant sunscreens add extra ingredients to help the active ingredients stick to your skin for longer, even when wet.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion – SPF 30 or SPF 50+
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch is actually my personal sunscreen of choice. It’s recognized by the CDA and claims to condition your skin through the use of vitamin C, E, and shea butter. It’s oil free – your pores will thank you – and dries well without leaving a greasy sheen.
Before purchasing, be aware that it does leave your skin slightly sparkly. While I love that added touch, it may not be for everyone.
The active ingredients are: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion SPF 30
Triple enhancement for radiant skin; it protects, softens, and leaves skin glowing. This luxurious formula has a hint of sheen and leaves your skin soft and luminous.
Banana Boat Ultra Sport SmartMist Sunscreen Spray – SPF 50+
Banana Boat Ultra Sport SmartMist has two spraying options for optimal coverage: pull the trigger halfway for a short, more concentrated burst or pull it fully for a longer, misty spray.
It’s non-greasy and lightweight, making it ideal for those hot, sunny days. It’s lightly scented, but reviewers say that the perfume doesn’t linger on the skin.
And it comes with an added bonus: the spray head is reusable! Remove the sprayer, replace the canister with your refill, and feel good about throwing away a little less plastic.
The active ingredients are: Homosalate 9%, Octocrylene 7%, Octisalate 4.5%, Avobenzone 2.7%.
Banana Boat Ultra Sport SmartMist Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
High endurance against sweat and water. Non-aerosol sunscreen mist. Lightweight and breathable and non-greasy formula.
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen spreads easily and dries down well, leaving a lightweight feeling without the shiny, greasy feeling that comes with some creams.
It uses vitamin E to neutralize free radicals on the skin, which can cause premature aging. The company boasts it’s a vegan, cruelty free, and hypoallergenic product that “smells like summer.”
The active ingredients are: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 5%, Octisalate 3%, Octocrylene 10%
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
This moisturizing sunscreen formula will protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are the main cause of premature skin aging.
Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sunscreen Lotion – SPF 60
Recommended by the CDA, Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sunscreen is made for sensitive skin. Reviewers claim that it feels like a moisturizer when applying. It’s non-sticky, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores or leave a trail of acne.
It’s fragrance free, making it ideal for people who are allergic to perfume, or who just don’t want a heavy scent.
The active ingredients are: Homosalate (10.72%), Octocrylene (6%), Oxybenzone (3.86%), Octisalate (3.21%), Avobenzone (3%), Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl Xl) (0.5%).
Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60
Long-lasting, high SPF protection for active users.
Vichy Water & Sweat Resistant Face & Body Sunscreen, Capital Soleil – SPF 60
Not all sunscreens can be applied to both face and body, but this Vichy sunscreen is specifically designed to be face-friendly and it’s recommended by the CDA. It also uses volcanic water to help strengthen your skin barrier.
It’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free, perfect for people sensitive to perfumes and for everyday settings where fragrances may be discouraged. It can be applied on wet or dry skin to provide protection, so you can reapply without towelling off.
The active ingredients are: Homosalate: 10.72%, Octocrylene: 6%, Oxybenzone: 3.86%, Octisalate: 3.21%, Avobenzone: 3%, Drometrizole trisiloxane (mexoryl xl): 0.50%.
Vichy Water & Sweat Resistant Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 60
Lightweight, non greasy lotion providing broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection. Water & sweat resistant for 80 minutes
Choosing a formula that actually holds up through sweat, splashes, and cannonballs makes a huge difference. It’s the difference between enjoying your weekend and spending it red, itchy, and Googling “how long does sunburn last.”
Learn How to Heal a Sunburn Fast With The Health Insider
No matter which water resistant sunscreen you pick, go with one you’ll actually wear and soak up the best of our Canadian summer – safely.
~ Read more from The Health Insider ~
- Top 5 Water Resistant Sunscreens for Summer 2025
Whether you’re sweating or swimming, these water-resistant sunscreens have your back — literally. See which ones made our 2025 list. - How to Get Started With Your Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Chronic inflammation can feel invisible—until it isn’t. Discover the anti-inflammatory diet that can help cool the fire. - Exercise as Effective as Medicine in Preventing Colon Cancer Recurrence
New research shows exercise drops colon cancer recurrence by twenty eight per cent. And no, you don’t need a gym - Exercise Alone Isn’t Enough: The Essential Role of Protein in Building Muscle
Exercise creates demand—but only protein gives your body what it needs to rebuild stronger. - You Don’t Have to Wait for Surgery – Surgency.ca
While it is a private option, Surgency offers Canadians a way to access surgery faster while also helping to reduce the public backlog. - Nausea, Bloating and Stomach Pain? H. Pylori Could be the Culprit – and it’s Treatable!
Most people with H. pylori never experience symptoms. But for some, it leads to ulcers, gastritis—even cancer. Here’s what you need to know about treating it.
The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. To read about our editorial review process click here.