Provided is a water-in-oil emulsion sunscreen cosmetic having a property not present in the prior art, of improved UV protection due to contact with water and/or sweat compared to directly after application, and which is also pleasant to use and easy to wash off. This water-in-oil emulsion sunscreen cosmetic contains: 6-40 mass % of a UV protector (A), an organic modified clay mineral (B), and an oil phase thickening agent (C) other than (B), and a silicone-based surfactant (D) having an HLB value of less than 8, wherein the ratio [total quantity of component (B) and component (C)]/[total quantity of non-volatile liquid oil components other than silicone oil (E)] is at least 0.04 but less than 0.68.
