While getting outside to get something done or planning a beach trip on the weekend, you shouldn’t forget to wear sunscreen. Guarding your skin against sun damage, especially during pregnancy, is crucial because pregnant women are more prone to wrinkles and dark spots. Apart from protecting yourself, you might also be concerned about the toxicity of sunscreens. You aren’t alone. Most pregnant women struggle to find out sunscreens that are safe to wear during pregnancy.
Sunscreens for pregnancy should be free from any harmful or toxic ingredients aside from protecting your skin. Luckily, we have found some sunscreens that aren’t only safe during pregnancy but also work incredibly well for different skin types.
Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Sunscreen for Pregnancy: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer is our editor’s choice sunscreen for pregnant women. This moisturizing sunscreen has Zinc oxide and Vitamin E as key ingredients. After going through each of the active ingredients, we can ensure that it is free from toxicity.
The sunscreen has a water-resistant formula to ensure optimum and lasting protection. Not just for the face, you can use it for your body as well. From oily to normal, no matter your skin type, it will help develop a light layer to protect your skin surface from sun damage. The gentle formula also works excellent for acne-prone skin.
It has a relatively good moisturizing capacity. To keep your skin moisturized for a prolonged time, you can mix it with your pregnancy moisturizer. Also, its SPF level is ideal for pregnant women.
Furthermore, the moisturizing sunscreen is free from fragrance to help protect sensitive skin types. The non-greasy formula goes on smoothly, making the application effortless.
Best Facial Sunscreen for Pregnancy: Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield
Dermatologists often recommend mineral sunscreen for the face. After going through a handful of products, we have finally found a pure mineral sunscreen that’s safe for pregnancy. It is the Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield SPF. The facial sunscreen blends well with different skin types and tones.
One of the core components of this face shield SPF is Butyloctyl Salicylate, which boosts the SPF rating of sunscreens. Plus, it contains anti-fungal properties to protect skin from harmful bacteria. Along with EnviroScreen Technology, all the chemical-free ingredients work together to protect your face from environmental aggressors.
Each time you apply the cream, it creates a protective layer on the skin surface to provide protection for up to 2 hours. With the non-greasy matte finish, you can achieve glowing skin without a white cast on your face. The lightweight formula is also usable as a moisturizer under pregnancy-safe foundations.
Best Organic Sunscreen for Pregnancy: COOLA Organic Sunscreen
Considering toxicity around makeup and skincare products, pregnant women often prefer natural and organic products during pregnancy. If you want to try an organic sunscreen while pregnant, go for the COOLA Organic Sunscreen. The sunscreen comes with an antioxidant-rich plant-based formula to offer protection from the sun’s harshest rays. Also, the non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free formula comes in a recyclable plant-based tube.
The lightweight formula goes on smoothly without leaving a thick or greasy feel. Even better. COOLA gives you the option to choose either a scented or a non-scented version. If you are susceptible to pregnancy breakouts, we recommend the non-scented one. However, the scented one has a natural white tea smell.
Exposure to the sun’s UVA/UVB rays could damage your natural skin texture. This SPF 50 sunscreen gives you broad-spectrum protection from everyday sunlight exposure. Plus, it nourishes, softens, and soothes your dry skin.
Read Also: Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
Recommended Safe Sunscreens for Pregnancy
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Here comes another mineral-based sunscreen. The BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin. Not just free from fragrances and parabens, this pregnancy-safe sunscreen doesn’t include harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. That’s why dermatologists highly recommend this sunscreen for pregnant women.
The sunscreen is enriched with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both ingredients provide excellent broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Therefore, you can expect good protection from the sun. The sunscreen has a light formula that spreads easily on your skin. As soon as you apply it, it blends well into your skin.
Even after getting exposed to everyday sun, your skin will remain under 100% protection. Compared to other chemical-based sunscreens, it is easy to get rid of using a body wash. And this versatile sunscreen works well for both the face and the body.
Badger – SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream
If you trust a very few skincare brands on the market, Badger should be one. Don’t trust our words? Take a look at this Badger Natural Mineral Sunscreen. With more than 98% organic ingredients, we are pretty sure the Badger Natural Mineral Sunscreen is one of the safest sunscreens for pregnant women out there. It comes with a gentle formula that blends well into different skin types. Besides, sunscreen provides an ample amount of coverage with minimum application.
Knowing that it contains only 5 simple organic ingredients, you can use it worry-free. It comes with a 30 SPF rating to guard the skin against sunburn. Also, the antioxidant-rich, ultra-moisturizing ingredients keep your skin extra-soft and moisturized for a long time.
The ingredients also don’t leave a white cast. The sunscreen is reef-safe which means it doesn’t contain ingredients that might harm coral reefs.
La Roche-Posay Face Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay is a well-known brand for its commitment to producing chemical-free and clean skincare products. This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen offers optimal protection from everyday sun exposure. From sensitive, dry to normal skin, it is less likely to cause any issue since it is developed by dermatologists. Since it has a mild scent, you should start with a small amount if you have extra-sensitive skin.
The sunscreen is enriched with titanium dioxide, known as a UV filtering component, to shield your skin against direct sunlight. Also, the cream contains zinc oxide, which has anti-aging properties. Not only this, the ingredient is known as one of the safest ingredients for sunscreen.
The lightweight formula glides on smoothly. Make sure to give the formula some time so that it is fully absorbed into the skin. Even though it’s a little pricier, it is worth a try considering its impressive formula.
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF
Why you should avoid regular sunscreens during pregnancy? Because most regular sunscreens include chemicals like oxybenzone, which is not safe for pregnant moms. That’s not the case for this Thinksport Safe Sunscreen. Not just free from harmful chemicals, the Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF is also unscented. That’s why it is a safe choice during pregnancy.
This award-winning product is well-rated by EWG for not containing questionable ingredients. Its mineral-based formula has one key organic mineral. It’s zinc oxide. The brand also cares about the environment since the formula comes in a package that’s compact in design.
Furthermore, this product is reef safe and has a good SPF rating. Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan, this product glides onto the skin smoothly without leaving an oily residue and keeps your skin moisturized.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen
Is the price of mineral sunscreens keeping you away from using sunscreen daily? Worry no more; check out this super-affordable Aveeno Face-Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen comes with a lightweight formula that is friendly to different skin tones. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, it works well with different skin types.
The extra-gentle and non-greasy formula make it a good choice for extra-sensitive skin during pregnancy. Pregnant women become sensitive to solid or harsh smells. Thanks to its fragrance-free formula, it shouldn’t cause any problems such as nausea and vomiting. Plus, the product includes naturally sourced zinc oxide to protect your skin from direct sunlight.
There are a few downsides. Its formula is on the thick side, making it hard to spared and absorb onto the skin. Also, it does leave behind a little white cast on the skin.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Face Sunscreen
Are you wondering if Neutrogena sunscreens are safe to wear during pregnancy? Well, this mineral sunscreen is free from all the irritating chemicals that dermatologists advise pregnant women to steer clear of. All the active ingredients are minerals to ensure no harm to your skin. The formula is also fragrance-free. Considering all of these, you shouldn’t have any confusion in your mind about trying the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Face Sunscreen.
Neutrogena has combined technology and quality ingredients to produce this lightweight sheer sunscreen. Along with the Dry-Touch technology, Neutrogena used 100% zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection. Moreover, you can put it under your makeup during pregnancy.
Applying the Neutrogena sunscreen is hassle-free. You only need a small amount to cover your face since a small amount goes a long way. Finally, its hypoallergenic and oil-free formula makes it a handy mineral sunscreen, especially on scorching sunny days.
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen
If you are looking for a family-friendly sunscreen, then you might want to try the Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen. The water-resistant formula ensures protection from UV rays for at least two hours. It is enriched with 100% non-nano zinc along with organic oils like sunflower oil to protect and heal your skin at the same time.
Other key components of this sunscreen are shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil. All of these organic components work together to resist the damage of natural skin barriers and maintain the correct amount of moisturization on the face. So while protecting your skin from the sun, this natural sunscreen also soothes, softens, and calms your sensitive skin.
Certified by B-Lab, the sunscreen is free from oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and similar chemicals. Also, the product is reef-safe and cruelty-free.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Looking forward to pampering yourself with a safe, natural sunscreen during pregnancy? The Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a brilliant pick for enhanced sun protection. This zinc-based Mineral sunscreen absorbs fast onto the skin without leaving any grease residue. No matter what type of skin you have, it is compatible with all.
The lotion comes with a lightweight formula that’s easy to apply and spreads evenly on the skin. Plus, this Hypoallergenic formula doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. It has two versions- one is fragrance-free and the other has a strong fragrance.
However, the formula leaves a slight white cast on your skin. Apart from that, note that your skin will be protected incredibly well, even on intense sunny days. The manufacturer recommends applying the lotion 15 minutes prior to going outside to get the optimal result.
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen is developed with everyday usage in mind. Moms-to-be will love this cream since it is a 100% mineral-based sunscreen. Protecting and repairing your sun-damaged skin is not difficult with this effective sunscreen. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots on your forehead.
With ingredients like Vitamin E and Zinc Oxide, it ensures proper sun protection without harsh chemicals. On top of that, the antioxidant-rich vitamin E helps reduce redness, itchiness, and skin rash.
Did we forget to mention the lightweight formula goes on smoothly to provide a perfect base for makeup? However, it has a light fragrance. If you are not sensitive to fragrance, choose a fragrance-free sunscreen from our list.
Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens
Questions & Answers
Is it safe to wear sunscreen while pregnant?
Pregnant or not, sunscreen is necessary. But is sunscreen safe during pregnancy? Yes, but there are a few chemicals in sunscreens you should avoid. Oxybenzone is one such ingredient that you shouldn’t allow soaking into the skin while you are pregnant.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two safest ingredients often found in sunscreens because they don’t penetrate the skin. However, we suggest going for a more natural sunscreen with zinc oxide during pregnancy.
What are the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen brands?
As you already know, some sunscreens might contain ingredients that are harmful to your skin and your unborn baby, so you should only wear sunscreen from pregnancy-safe skincare brands. However, you shouldn’t compromise with quality even if they are a little on the pricy side. Pregnancy-safe sunscreens are mostly made out of minerals and clean ingredients. You can always go through EWG’s Skin Deep® database to find the chemical level on a particular sunscreen. Here are some sunscreen brands you can trust during pregnancy:
Conclusion
Your skin changes a lot during pregnancy. On top of that, the skin is more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy. Your skin tone, skin type, and skin adjustability may alter due to an internal shift in your body system. Therefore, sunscreen is a necessary skincare product for pregnant women.
Finding an effective pregnancy-safe sunscreen from unlimited sunblock options might feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have succeeded in gathering all the best sunscreens for pregnant women that offer good protection from harmful UV rays. You can choose one that suits your skin type and tone well.