Are you pregnant and wondering which sunscreens are safe to use and which are not?
So many skin products contain harmful chemicals and toxins, and the ingredient list on a bottle of sunscreen displays words that seem impossible to pronounce. So how can you know if they’re safe or if they can harm your baby?
We’ve consulted our medical team and have researched this topic extensively. We wrote this guide to answer all your questions! We’ll also review our top picks for the safest and best sunscreens for pregnancy to help keep you and your baby safe.
- No harmful chemicals
- High rating by the EWG
- Offers immediate protection
- Water-resistant
- Non-comedogenic
- Dematologist recommended
- Clinically tested for irritation
- Dermatologist tested
- Water-resistant
Product Reviews
These are our top picks for the safest and best sunscreens for pregnancy.
ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen
Best Mineral/Physical Sunscreen for Pregnancy
You know that sunscreen formulated for babies is designed to be extra gentle and extra effective — so why wouldn’t you want to use it, too? This mineral sunscreen contains none of the harmful UV-absorbing chemicals, and the zinc oxide is non-nano, meaning the particles are not small enough to be absorbed into your skin.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), the authority on evaluating the chemical safety of various products, gave this product a #1 rating. It contains no parabens, phthalates, or PABA that can irritate the skin and cause endocrine disruption.
It also offers broad-spectrum UV protection and has the maximum SPF and water resistance permitted by the FDA.
This product is considered safe for use on sensitive skin, but you should still test a small patch if your skin is ultra-sensitive, as no product can be 100% guaranteed not to cause a reaction in everyone.
Pros
- It does not contain harmful chemicals.
- Rated #1 by the EWG.
- It offers protection immediately — it does not need to soak in.
Cons
- It may separate in the container.
- It may leave a white residue on skin.
- It needs to be reapplied frequently for maximum effectiveness.
Our Ratings
Sun Bum Continuous Spray Sunscreen
Best Spray Sunscreen for Pregnancy
Is there really a non-mineral sunscreen that sprays well and doesn’t contain oxybenzone? Yes!
This Sun Bum formula offers broad-spectrum protection at a level of SPF 50 and will not clog pores or cause an allergic reaction. It doesn’t contain any oxybenzone, parabens, PABA, oils, or gluten. It is also made with vegan ingredients and is cruelty-free.
It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and even contains vitamin E to help moisturize the skin. This is particularly helpful for pregnant women because vitamin E has been shown to help with stretch marks.
This sunscreen is easy to apply, thanks to the spray design, and prevents sunburns.
Sun Bum’s sunscreens have also been tested and approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) for effectiveness.
Pros
- It is easy to apply.
- It contains no oxybenzone.
- It is water-resistant.
Cons
- It is not a barrier sunscreen.
- You should be careful when using it around babies.
- The bottle does not last very long.
Our Ratings
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Facial Sunscreen
Best Pregnancy Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
This broad-spectrum barrier sunscreen provides SPF 50 protection from harmful UV rays. It is gentle enough to be used on your face and can be used by those with extra-sensitive skin.
This sunscreen is lightweight, so it won’t feel heavy and greasy on your skin, and it’s hypoallergenic, so it won’t cause a reaction if you have sensitive skin.
It helps combat premature aging, and though it’s not considered an organic sunscreen, you don’t need to worry since it’s not absorbed into your skin and won’t clog your pores. Dermatologists recommend using Neutrogena sunscreen, so it shouldn’t have any adverse effects on your skin — even during pregnancy.
Pros
- It offers broad-spectrum protection.
- Dermatologists recommend this brand.
- It helps combat premature aging.
Cons
- Despite no added fragrances, it still carries a scent some find unappealing.
- It is not organic.
Our Ratings
CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen
Best Facial Sunscreen for Pregnancy
This mineral sunscreen offers a barrier between your skin and the sun so you can avoid sunburn, sun damage, and premature aging. Its lightweight formula rubs completely into the skin without leaving the hallmark white residue common amongst barrier sunscreens.
It offers broad-spectrum protection to a level of SPF 50 and will work well as a daily sunscreen under your regular moisturizer or makeup. It can also stand up to excessive sweating or water play, as it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
It doesn’t contain any oil, so it won’t clog your pores when you put it on your face.
This sunscreen has a low toxicity rating by the EWG, so you can feel good about putting it on your skin. It also contains additional conditioners to nourish your skin.
Pros
- It is water-resistant.
- Oil-free formula.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- You will likely need a separate product for your body.
Our Ratings
Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Best Natural Sunscreen for Pregnancy
This barrier sunscreen from Earth Mama is made with organic red raspberry and argan oil and is considered safe for pregnancy. That means it doesn’t contain ingredients known to cause allergic reactions.
It is free of oxybenzone, parabens, octinoxate, and artificial fragrance. It offers a sun protection factor of 40 and is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It provides broad-spectrum protection, so you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested.
- Water-resistant.
- Clinically tested for irritation.
Cons
- It is only SPF 40 — many sunscreens offer more protection.
- It is only water-resistant for 40 minutes.
Our Ratings
Should I Use Sunscreen During Pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant, your skin is even more susceptible to sun exposure, so it’s extra important to protect yourself (1). You don’t necessarily need a sunburn to cause skin damage or increase your cancer risk. Simply exposing your skin can be harmful, even if it doesn’t turn red.
The best sunscreens will protect your extra-sensitive skin from these harmful UV rays during pregnancy. But it’s best to choose a sunscreen labeled “broad-spectrum” during pregnancy because not all products are created equal.
How to Choose Sunscreen While Pregnant
When choosing a sunscreen, look for the following:
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens that are not marked broad-spectrum may only offer protection from one spectrum of ultraviolet light.
Oxybenzone Free
Check the ingredient list and avoid sunscreens that contain the active ingredient oxybenzone. Oxybenzone can cause eye irritation and skin allergies and actually absorbs UV rays rather than blocking them. It can disrupt hormones and is especially harmful to children. It may even affect babies in the womb (2).
SPF 30
Choose a sunscreen that is a minimum of SPF 30. These offer excellent protection from the sun. While higher numbers may provide a little more protection, remember that it’s not incremental, and frequent reapplication is still necessary — especially when you’re in the water.
Physical Sunscreen
Physical or mineral sunscreens create a barrier between your skin and the sun by using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. This barrier reflects the sun’s rays, preventing it from being absorbed into your skin at all. They are hypoallergenic, making them a good option for pregnant women with sensitive skin.
Other Ways to Protect Your Skin While Pregnant
It’s important to remember that sunscreen in and of itself is not complete protection from the sun. You may want to take the following measures to protect your skin from the sun — especially during pregnancy when your skin is extra sensitive.
- Wear SPF protective clothing.
- Wear a hat when you’re out in the sun.
- Try to sit in the shade whenever possible.
- Choose a minimum of SPF 30.
- Reapply your sunscreen, regardless of SPF, every two hours.
- Reapply your sunscreen every hour if you’re swimming or in the water.
- Stay out of the sun during its peak hours.
Sunscreens for Pregnancy FAQs
Can I Go to the Beach While Pregnant?
Yes, you can definitely enjoy beach days while pregnant, but you should take some precautions. Stay hydrated, stay out of direct sunlight for extended periods, especially between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is strongest, and wear a high SPF sunscreen that’s safe for pregnancy.
What Ingredients in Sunscreen Are Safe for Pregnancy?
When choosing a sunscreen during pregnancy, it’s best to opt for mineral-based products that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These ingredients sit on the skin’s surface to deflect the sun’s rays rather than being absorbed. You should avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and avobenzone, which have raised concerns due to their potential hormonal-disrupting effects.
What Sunscreen Is Reef and Pregnancy-safe?
A sunscreen that is both pregnancy-safe and reef-safe would be one that is mineral-based, using non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient.
It should also be free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two ingredients believed to contribute to coral reef bleaching.
Which EltaMD Sunscreen Is Best for Pregnancy?
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen is a popular choice for pregnant women.
It’s a mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and is free from harmful chemicals. However, always double-check with your healthcare provider and read labels before using any product.
What Is the Healthiest and Safest Sunscreen?
The healthiest and safest sunscreens are typically those that are mineral-based and free from harmful chemicals. These include sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient and without oxybenzone, avobenzone, and parabens.
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best sunscreens for pregnancy is the Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen. Not only is it an easy-to-apply sunscreen rated highly by the EWG, but it also offers a high level of broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant. It’s safe for sensitive skin, and you can breathe easy knowing it has one of the lowest toxicities compared to other sunscreen products.
