The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen for All Skin Types
November 11, 2022
Sun’s out, bump’s out! Just don’t forget to lather up that belly with good old SPF. If you’re wondering whether sunscreen is safe during pregnancy, the short answer is yes, absolutely. But like most things during these nine+ months, you should be careful about which ones you use. There are two main types of sunscreen: physical sunblock (also known as mineral) and chemical formulas. While both options protect the skin from harmful UV rays, not all sunscreen is created equal—especially when it comes to sensitive pregnancy skin. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about sunscreen for pregnancy, plus a list of the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens, as recommended by experts.
In this article:
Is sunscreen safe during pregnancy?
Best sunscreen for pregnancy
One more time for the people in the back: YES! There are plenty of pregnancy-safe sunscreens to choose from. You’re not necessarily more sensitive to the sun now that you’re expecting, and while uncomfortable, a sunburn won’t pose any harm to your developing baby—but like any other time in life, it’s important to shield yourself from harmful rays to protect your skin and help prevent skin cancer, says Neil Sadick, MD, founder and president of Sadick Dermatology in New York City.
When it comes to using sunscreen during pregnancy though, you’ll want to be mindful of which type you choose. As Nava Greenfield, MD, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, New York, explains, the best sunscreen for pregnancy uses a physical blocker instead of a chemical one. “Chemical blockers absorb the sun rays, while physical ones bounce the sun rays off the skin,” she explains. Physical blockers are active mineral ingredients that sit on top of your skin, and have the added benefit of being all-natural.
For the best protection, go for SPF 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply every two hours (or more often if you’re swimming or getting your sweat on!).
Physical blockers make for excellent pregnancy-safe sunscreen, so look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on the label rather than chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone or octinoxate, Greenfield advises. Beyond that, she recommends choosing a fragrance-free option. Need some specific recommendations? Here’s a list of safe sunscreens during pregnancy. Every option here has been given a high safety and efficacy rating (a score of 1 or 2) from the Environmental Working Group, which each year evaluates over 1,000 sunscreens on the market.
Tinted mineral sunscreen lotion
A great pick for sensitive skin, this pregnancy-safe sunscreen is free from both chemicals and nano-particles that have been shown to damage coral reef. It’s also water-resistant, fragrance-free and made with organic ingredients. Plus, it gets an extra boost from ultra-moisturizing argan oil—and we all know our skin can use some of that in the middle of a beach vacation. All of these factors, alongside a top rating from the EWG, earned this sunscreen a Best of Pregnancy award in 2022.
- Tinted formula doesn’t suit all skin tones
- Lotion may transfer to light-colored fabric
- EWG 1 rating
- Reef-friendly and organic
- Free from artificial fragrance
- Broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection
- Doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin
Mineral sunscreen stick
You’ll love applying this sunscreen stick because it absorbs easily and doesn’t make you feel greasy. (Winning!) But, most importantly, it’s free from avobenzone, oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates and UV Chemical absorbers, making it a solid pregnancy-safe sunscreen pick.
- EWG 1 rating
- Non-oily formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Some customers said it left a white cast on their skin
Organic pregnancy-safe sunscreen
Searching for a real all-rounder? Two Peas Organic Mineral Sunscreen is hard to beat. Enriched with organic coconut oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, this reef-friendly formula will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The best part? This pregnancy-safe sunscreen is perfect for your entire family (including baby).
- EWG 1 rating
- Family-friendly
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Fragrance- and chemical-free formula
- Thick formula can be hard to squeeze out
- Some customers report that it left a white cast on their skin
SPF facial serum
Searching for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen for your face? This SPF facial serum created by EleVen—a brand founded by Venus Williams—is one of the best out there. The lightweight mineral formula is perfect for daily use and suitable for all skin tones. Plus, it works great under your makeup—a serious selling point, since we all know we really should be wearing sunscreen every day. It also has a top safety rating from the EWG, and is vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologist-approved.
- EWG 1 rating
- Reef-safe formula
- Broad-spectrum SPF 35 protection
- Can be worn on bare skin or under makeup
- Expensive option
All-natural mineral sunscreen
Made from all-natural ingredients, this sunblock acts as a physical barrier to harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s designed with minimal packaging and is reef-friendly, hypoallergenic and cruelty-free. There are three fragrance options available: unscented, tropical and orange blossom. Better yet, this mineral sunscreen for pregnancy has a top rating from the EWG.
- EWG 1 rating
- Reef-safe formula
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- It’s not water-resistant and needs to be reapplied after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
Rejuvenating broad-spectrum sunscreen
This mineral sunscreen goes on super-smooth and leaves a soft finish. It can be used on the face and body, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Bonus points: The UVA/UVB protection in this pregnancy-safe sunscreen is paired with powerful antioxidants to help your skin rejuvenate.
- EWG 2 rating
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance- and paraben-free
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
- Thick, cream formula
- Some customers report that it left a white cast on the skin
Sheer dry-touch sunscreen
Neutrogena has long been a go-to skincare brand—so rejoice, mamas-to-be: They make pregnancy-safe sunscreen too! This zinc formula is still sheer and dry to the touch, but also free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and irritating chemicals.
- EWG 2 rating
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- Dry formula may be difficult to spread
Body gel sunscreen lotion
Another highly rated pregnancy-safe sunscreen by the EWG, this mineral-based gel (no active chemicals here) offers sheer, lightweight and all-around excellent UVA protection anytime, anywhere. It glides on effortlessly and is enriched with raspberry, grape and carrot seed oils to help fight free radicals.
- EWG 2 rating
- Lightweight, gel formula
- Reef-friendly and cruelty-free
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Needs to be reapplied every 40 minutes after swimming or sweating
- Some customers report that the sunscreen doesn't easily absorb into the skin
Hypoallergenic, fast-absorbing sunscreen
We’re all about multi-use products—so why not go in for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen that you can use for the whole family even after baby arrives? This 100 percent zinc oxide, reef-safe, hypoallergenic option is fast-absorbing, non-whitening, lightweight and sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes. And it’s gentle enough for babies and kids too.
- EWG 2 rating
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Some customers report that it left a white cast on the skin
Pregnancy-safe sport sunscreen
Next up is another family-friendly sunscreen by Juice Beauty. This pregnancy-safe mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, but is gentle enough to use on kids too. It’s also formulated with coconut, aloe and jojoba oil for an added hydration boost. Plus, you’ll have the freedom to take a dip as this sunblock is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- EWG 2 rating
- Certified organic ingredients
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Sticky formula can cause hair to stick to the skin
- Some customers report that it left a white cast on the skin
About the experts:
Neil Sadick, MD, is the founder and president of Sadick Dermatology in New York City. He earned his medical degree from The State University of New York in Syracuse, New York.
Nava Greenfield, MD, is a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University in New York City.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
