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The 15 Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens Of 2023, According To Dermatologists
You'll want to keep using these while you breastfeed, too.
Whether you’re trying to get pregnant, noticing early signs of pregnancy, or are about to deliver next week, you probably already know the basics to avoid when you’re expecting, like alcohol and sushi. But, you might not have thought to double check the ingredients in your sunscreen. "The greatest misconception is that all sunscreens are safe in pregnancy," says Denis K. Dudley MD, ob-gyn and founder of The Sunscreen Company.
Meet Our Experts: Denis K. Dudley MD, ob-gyn and founder of The Sunscreen Company, Rhonda Klein, MD, and partner at Modern Dermatology, Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologic surgeon in New York City, Sheila Farhang, MD, board certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics
The reality is, while it's important to protect your skin from the sun at all times, certain chemical ingredients in your everyday sunscreen can potentially be harmful to your baby's development.
But there’s no need to worry—we laid out everything you might be wondering about pregnancy-safe SPFs, including some options from brands specifically formulated for moms and babies. Scroll down for 15 expert-approved pregnancy-safe sunscreens to consider.
What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens contain carbon-based compounds, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone. “These compounds create a chemical reaction and work by changing UV rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin,” says Rhonda Klein, MD, and partner at Modern Dermatology. The second type, physical blockers, (also known as mineral sunscreens) contain active mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These sit on the surface of the skin and deflect and scatter damaging UVA rays away.
What sunscreens are best if you're pregnant?
If you're pregnant, your safest choice is a mineral sunscreen. Specifically, you'll want to look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide on the label. “Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen ingredients that currently meet the FDA criteria for being considered Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE)," says Dr. Dudley. "They never enter through intact skin, have no adverse effects on humans or the environment, and arguably give better broad spectrum protection.”
What sunscreens should you avoid if you're pregnant?
If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus. “Such ingredients can directly affect the health of the fetus, causing developmental problems and birth defects as well as low birth weights, coronary heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and others,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologic surgeon in New York City.
Should you avoid the sun if you're pregnant?
During pregnancy, it's best to limit your sun exposure and sunscreen use in general, to be extra cautious, says Sheila Farhang, MD, board certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics. "There are other ways to sun protect such as UPF shirts, hats, and avoiding direct sun exposure between 10am and 2pm," Dr. Farhang adds.
What sunscreens are best for breastfeeding?
Even though you already gave birth, your sunscreen choice might not be in the clear if you breastfeed. Studies have found traces of oxybenzone in breast milk, which means your child is still at risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals that you could pass on during nursing. (Dr. Dudley also says to avoid oxybenzone if you're trying to conceive, just to be safe.)
Evereden Sheer Botanical Face Sunscreen
Evereden Sheer Botanical Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Absorbs into skin
- Calms and soothes with a beautiful scent
Cons
- On the expensive side
Not only is this botanical sunscreen aesthetically lovely, it comes from a brand specifically crafted for mom and baby by mom dermatologists themselves. Utilizing non-nano 100 percent mineral SheerTech Zinc™, it disappears right into your skin just like any of your favorite skincare products. With a rose scent, this product will bring you the calm you need.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- High SPF number
Cons
- May take some rubbing to absorb
With non-nano zinc oxide and plant extracts that calm the effects of infrared, Pipette Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect sunscreen to have around for your whole family.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Pros
- Even skin tone
- Won't leave a whitish cast on skin
Cons
- May rub off on clothes
Save some time in the morning with this makeup/SPF hybrid. The liquid formula comes in 30 shades and melts into skin to even out your skin tone, blur away any blemishes or redness, and, of course, protect you from the sun.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
Odacite Sun Guardian Day Creme SPF 30
Odacite Sun Guardian Day Creme SPF 30
Pros
- Infused with skin-loving plant ingredients
- Absorbs seamlessly into skin
Cons
- On the expensive side
This lightweight SPF is fortified with green tea and vitamin E to help act as antioxidants to protect skin on top of the sun protection. It blends in seamlessly and stays put through water or sweat.
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Suntegrity UNSCENTED Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Suntegrity UNSCENTED Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Vegan
- Contains no perceptible odor
Cons
- Can be too thick for some
Especially in the first trimester, you might be super sensitive to smells. Good news: This non-greasy sunscreen has zero scent to it. Dr. Farhang recommends the non-nano zinc formula, which is also vegan and nontoxic, and has broad spectrum protection.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
Pros
- Good for the environment
- Works well under makeup
Cons
- Pricey
Not only is this reef-safe option free of bad-for-marine-life ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, but it's safe (and nourishing) for your skin too. Swipe on the super silky serum formula, a favorite of Dr. Farhang's, with this convenient stick as a sun protecting primer before putting your makeup on, or heading out for a walk bare-faced.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Gentle Lotion
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Gentle Lotion
Pros
- Won't clog pores
- Oil-free
Cons
- May leave white cast if not rubbed in properly
When you're prone to excess oil production or annoying breakouts, finding the right SPF can be a drag—but this oil-free version will keep your skin safe and clear.
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 PA++++
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 PA++++
Pros
- Looks great under makeup
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not water-resistant
This lightweight, mineral formula blends in super fast so it can be worn on its own or under makeup without looking cake-y. Rosemary leaf extract is also included to help calm skin—perfect for acne-prone or sensitive types.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
EltaMD UV Replenish Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Pros
- Water resistant
- Hydrating
Cons
- Zinc oxide may take a while to rub in
You know the importance of wearing SPF every day (rain or shine), and this hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer-sunscreen combo makes it easy. Top off your favorite toner or serum with this duo product. (Reapply every two hours.)
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Pros
- Water resistant
- Convenient spray formula
Cons
- Spray dispenser can get clogged
Zinc-based sunscreens can be difficult to blend in but thanks to this spray formula, it's easy and way less messy. It's also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for beach days.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA-UVB
Pros
- Packed with skin-brightening antioxidants
- High SPF number
Cons
- High percentage of zinc can be tough to rub in
Want your sunscreen to do more? Look no further. Not only does this lightweight lotion protect your skin (thanks to the 2 percent titanium dioxide and 17 percent zinc), but it's also packed with a ton of antioxidants that brighten discoloration and delay fine lines and wrinkles.
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Protects against visible light damage
- Water resistant
Cons
- Can be too thick for some
UVA and UVB rays aren't the only thing that can mess with your skin. Blue light (from your laptop, cell phone, or TV) can also lead to aging and discoloration. This sunscreen protects your skin from the sun and pretty much everything else.
Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Good value for the size
- Organic formula
Cons
- May be unappealing for those who like scent
You need this jumbo tube (you get five ounces!) for your next beach trip. Reminder: You need a shot glass amount for your body and a nickel-sized blob for your face.
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Pros
- High SPF value
- Zinc-based formula
Cons
- May be too thick for some
This one checks all the boxes on the pregnancy-safe sunscreen list. It also has a non-aerosol application and is great for babies over the age of 6 months.
Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.
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