"Water Resistant" is not a standalone ingredient but a formulation characteristic, most often applied to sunscreens, indicating the product maintains a stated level of SPF protection after a defined period of water immersion or sweating. It is achieved through film-forming polymers, silicones, and waxes rather than a single active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or stinging | Uncommon | More related to specific UV filters or film-formers used to confer water resistance than the property itself. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Linked to particular emollients, fragrances, or chemical filters in the formulation. |
| Acne or comedone formation | Uncommon | Heavier occlusive film-forming agents may contribute to pore congestion in some users. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Reported when product migrates into eyes during sweating or swimming. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.