No matter your regular wellness routine, pregnancy is bound to change things up. We have an entire guide dedicated to pregnancy-safe skincare, but at the moment we're focusing on one thing in particular: sunscreen. Because SPF should always be in your routine—whether you're pregnant or not—it's important to know what products are safe to use.
"Not all sunscreens are considered safe for pregnancy because they contain ingredients that can be harmful to a fetus," explains Roberta Moradfar, board-certified advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and founder of EFFACÈ Aesthetics. "Trace amounts of chemical sunscreens have been shown to transfer into the bloodstream or even breast milk." However, if you slip up and use a chemical SPF instead of a mineral formula, there's no reason to panic—studies on the topic are very limited (keep scrolling for more on that). "Although this topic has been debatable considering there are ongoing studies questioning the safety of these ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are deemed GRASE—generally recognized as safe and effective—by the FDA," says Moradfar.
When in doubt, the best thing to do is consult your doctor. But in the meantime, we rounded up 10 of the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens to keep on hand during your pregnancy and beyond—plus, keep reading for more info about sunscreen safety from Moradfar and Rachel Westbay, Board Certified Dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
Related article: All You Need To Know About Sunscreens For Babies
EXPERT PICK
EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
Moradfar loves this water-resistant sunscreen from beloved brand EltaMD, which can be used on both the face and body.
What the Experts Are Saying:
"Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are active ingredients that provide great physical protection and tends to be much gentler on skin, minimizing skin sensitivities and reactions. It’s also paraben free and contains antioxidants to help protect against pollution and other environmental factors," says Moradfar.
BEST PREGNANCY-SAFE SPRAY SUNSCREEN
Sasha Suncare Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30+
PROS
- Easy-to-use spray
- Profits donated to Beyond Suncare
Westbay likes this spray formula, saying, "this specific sunscreen is pregnancy safe and contains natural ingredients that protect the skin from the sun."
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Super easy to use spray bottle and really lightweight. I like that it doesn't feel heavy on my skin and it’s made with safe ingredients!" —Ella
BEST FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Evereden Premium Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
PROS
- Can be used on baby skin
This SPF 50 formula is water-resistant up to 40 minutes, and formulated for use on the whole family (even babies!). Plus, the ring on top makes it easy to clip onto your bag.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I love how clean these products are and how great they smell. My daughter loves putting the lotion on after her baths and the sunscreen has a nice consistency to it."
BEST ANTIOXIDANT-RICH SUNSCREEN
HATCH Collection Sunny Mama Face Sunscreen
PROS
- Made with nourishing ingredients
- Designed for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
Formulated especially for pregnant mamas, this sunscreen has 100 percent non-nano zinc oxide to protect against UV rays, as well as nourishing sunflower extract, niacinamide, and soothing bisabolol.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I searched high and low and spent so much money looking for a pregnancy safe, mineral sunscreen that did not show up ashy on my brown skin. This sunscreen blends in well and does not leave a white cast. I'm just so relieved that I found it!" —Shondolyn
BEST SHEER SUNSCREEN
EleVen By Venus Williams Ace the Day Face Lotion SPF 30
PROS
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
If you can't handle a white cast, try this SPF from Venus Williams's fan-fave line, EleVen. Made with non-nano zinc oxide and hydrating allantoin, it also doubles as a makeup primer.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I love this SPF! It rubs in so easily and leaves my skin with a a really nice glow." —Cece
BEST FOR FACE AND BODY
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Body and Face Gentle-Lotion Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
PROS
- Non-greasy
- Antioxidant-rich formula
La Roche Posay makes some of our all-time favourite sunscreens, including this oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion for face and body.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"My dermatologist recommended this so I purchased it and know I am slowing down aging of my skin as this product protects my skin from harmful rays. Rub it between your fingers first them pat on skin, it goes on white but will lighten after makeup you wont see it on your skin." —Teamstergirl
BEST POWDER SUNSCREEN
Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++
PROS
- Easy to reapply
- Helps minimise the look of pores
Powder sunscreens are clutch for reapplying throughout the day (IYKYK), and this tinted formula comes in four shades that blend in with most skin tones. Even better it also helps refine the look of pores with each refresh.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Really nice powder. Controls shine and leaves your skin a nice texture without over drying it. I read some reviews of some people having problems with the dispenser but mine works really well and it’s a great product to keep in your purse to reapply throughout the day." —rachellindsey94
BEST MULTITASKING SUNSCREEN
Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32
This Kinship sunscreen has a cult following thanks to its glowy finish and decidedly non-sunscreen-y scent (vanilla, yum).
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I absolutely love the packaging of this product. It is so beautiful and really hints to what's inside. The product smells really good and doesn't feel like a greasy sunscreen. I love that it is a moisturizer as well as a sunscreen. It is going to be my summer staple." —Marcy
BEST WITH VITAMIN C
Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow
Get a major glow and combine two skincare steps in one with this SPF 50 featuring stable vitamin C, which is safe to use while pregnant.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"Love this product! I apply it over a light moisturizer and my skin just glows.It's very light coverage but even out my skin just the right amount to make me radiant. Will be buying regularly." —Elise M
BEST TINTED PREGNANCY-SAFE SUNSCREEN
undefined beauty R&R Sun Serum
An ultra-lightweight consistency and universal tint allow this non-nano zinc sunscreen to blend in like a dream, sans white cast.
What the Reviewers Are Saying:
"I'm obsessing with this SPF serum. It's glowy and smoothing all on its own. But under makeup it also works well. No white cast so it's Black girl and photography friendly." —cnicole
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Aren't All Sunscreens Considered Safe For Use During Pregnancy?
It's nuanced, but some studies do link chemical actives to fetal conditions. "Because oxybenzone is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical, the concern for use in pregnancy is that it could disrupt hormones and cause permanent damage to mother and baby," explains Westbay. "A 2018 animal study concluded that oxybenzone exposure during pregnancy at levels humans would commonly use made permanent changes to mammary glands and lactation. Other animal studies have linked the chemical to permanent fetal damage, possibly associated with developing neurological conditions in adulthood, such as Alzheimer’s disease."
However, the derm notes, "No human studies have been done on this, however, so one must understand that extrapolating the risk is not necessarily appropriate. That being said, like many things in pregnancy for which we simply cannot validate the safety in humans, it is often recommended to shy away from even those things that have theoretical concern."
To be extra safe, Westbay recommends those trying to get pregnant to avoid chemical formulas as well, just in case. "Consequently, I always advise my patients who are pregnant or trying to conceive that they should stick to pure mineral, a.k.a. physical sunscreens containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide."
What Sunscreens Are Pregnancy-Sage, And What Ingredients Should Be Avoided?
"Mineral or physical sunscreens are the best, usually containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide," explains Moradfar. "The sunscreen of choice should be a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher."
On the other hand, try to avoid those formulated with chemical SPF actives. "The ingredients that should be avoided are oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone which are usually found in chemical sunscreens," says Moradfar.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Rachel Westbay is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.
- Roberta Moradfar is a board-certified advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and founder of EFFACÈ Aesthetics.
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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.