The invention provides a water-absorbing resin produced by reversed-phasesuspension polymerization which is reduced in the residue therein of petroleumhydrocarbon used in the reversed-phase suspension polymerization as the dispersionmedium and thereby lowered in the smell of petroleum hydrocarbon generated whenthe resin absorbs water and which is suitable for use in sanitary products； absorbers；and absorbent articles. More particularly, a water-absorbing resin obtainedby reversed -phase suspension polymerization of an aqueous solution of a water-solubleethylenically unsaturated monomer in a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion mediumin the presence of a surfactant, wherein the residue of the petroleum hydrocarbondispersion medium in the resin is 2,000ppm or below； and absorbers and absorbentarticles, made by using the resin.
