12 Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens in 2023
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 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 Mineral Sunscreen for Pregnancy: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Moisturizer is our editor’s choice of sunscreen for pregnant women. After going through both active and inactive ingredients, we can ensure that it is free from toxicity.Â
The mineral sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin. Not just free from fragrances and parabens, this pregnancy-safe sunscreen doesn’t include questionable ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Instead, it 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.Â
The sunscreen has a light formula that spreads quickly on your skin. As soon as you apply it, it blends nicely into your skin. Even after exposure to water and sweat, your skin will remain sun-protected for around 8 hours. Compared to other chemical-based sunscreens, it is easy to get rid of using a gentle body wash. And this versatile sunscreen works well for both the face and the body. It is no wonder why it’s highly rated by EWG and very often recommended by dermatologists for pregnant women.
- SPF 50
- Skin Type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (8%) and Zinc Oxide (10%)
Best Facial Sunscreen for Pregnancy: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer
UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer is a premium mineral-based sunscreen from EltaMD. Both EltaMD UV Elements and Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen utilize pretty similar ingredients. But unlike Blue Lizard, EltaMD UV Elements is specially formulated for the face.
Not just great as a facial sunscreen, you can also use it as a safe face moisturizer and with makeup as well. This versatile sunscreen has a lightweight, gentle formula that ensures optimum and lasting protection for most skin types, including sensitive combination skin. Also, its non-comedogenic formula works excellent for acne-prone skin.
Most users rave about how the non-greasy formula goes on smoothly, making the application effortless. Also, its fragrance-free, water-resistant formula feels great on the skin. With no white cast, sticky or oily residue, you will feel confident wearing it every day.
- SPF 44
- Skin Type: Combination, Sensitive, Dry
- Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) and Zinc Oxide (10%)
Best Natural Sunscreen for Pregnancy: Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield
Considering toxicity around makeup and skincare products, pregnant women often prefer natural and organic products during pregnancy. If you want to try natural sunscreens while pregnant, go for the Colorescience Total Protection. The sunscreen comes with a chemical-free formula to naturally shield your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and infrared radiation. Along with all-natural ingredients, Colorescience also utilizes EnviroScreen Technology to help protect your skin from environmental aggressors.
With only zinc oxide as an active ingredient, the formula eliminates the possibility of exposing your skin to common chemical sunscreen ingredients during pregnancy. Plus, the minimalist formula is rich in hydrating and anti-oxidant properties that ensure a dewy, grease-free finish.
Free from fragrance, paraben, sulfate, phthalate, oil, and gluten, the formula is super gentle on sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, the formula also works well for acne-prone skin. Even though it’s a mineral-based tinted sunscreen, it goes on smoothly without leaving any white cast or sticky residue. What’s more? The product is also usable as a moisturizer under pregnancy-safe foundations.
- SPF 50
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (12%)
Safe Sunscreens for Pregnancy
Rated Highly by Parents and Experts
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion
Is the price of mineral sunscreens keeping you away from using sunscreen daily? Worry no more! Check out this super-affordable mineral lotion from Australian Gold. Apart from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this mineral sunscreen also uses a unique blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals to help protect and nourish the skin a the same time.Â
This extra-gentle sunscreen is touted as a “holy grail item” by many of its users. Well, you might agree with them as well. When applied on the face, it leaves the skin a natural, matte finish without any sticky or greasy feel, making it a good choice for oily, acne-prone skin during pregnancy. So besides excellent protection against the sun, you can also use it to cover blemishes and sunspots.Â
Pregnant mothers often feel extra sensitivity to strong or harsh smells. Keeping that in mind, this mineral sunscreen comes with a delicate citrus scent, thanks to the delightful combination of lemons, limes, and mandarins.
Also, this mineral lotion is free from oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, and SLS to protect your sensitive skin from itchiness and redness. So even though formulated for sensitive skin, the formula is gentle to different skin tones and types. Lastly, the lightweight formula spreads smoothly on the skin with no white cast.
- SPF 50
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (4%), Titanium Dioxide (4%)
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-backed sunscreen isn’t only safe but also offers a strong protection from everyday sun exposure. Non-irritating for sensitive and combination skin types, the lightly textured formula leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
To ensure all-day protection, the sunscreen is enriched with titanium dioxide, known as a UV filtering component that shields your skin against direct sunlight. Also, the creamy formula contains zinc oxide, which has anti-aging properties. These are some of the safest ingredients often found in sunscreens.
Easy to use, the lightweight formula glides on smoothly. Make sure to give the formula some time to let it fully absorbed into the skin. However, this expensive sunscreen has a mild scent, so you should start with a small amount if you have extra-sensitive skin.
- SPF 60
- Skin type: Combination, Sensitive, Normal
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (5%), Titanium Dioxide (6%)
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
Looking forward to pampering yourself with a safe, vegan lip sunscreen for pregnancy? The Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm is a healthier pick compared to most other regular chapsticks or lip balms.
This mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to keep the lips safe from harmful UV rays. No matter the skin type, it is compatible with all. The lip balm comes with a lightly-textured formula that goes on smoothly on the skin and stays on like a chapstick. Plus, this hypoallergenic, gluten-free formula doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.
Note that your lips won’t feel oily or greasy. However, the formula leaves a slight white cast on your skin. Apart from that, this one works well to keep the lips protected and moisturized.
- SPF 30
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (8%)
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF
Why should you avoid regular sunscreens during pregnancy? Because most regular sunscreens include chemicals like oxybenzone, which are best to avoid during pregnancy. With this Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen, you don’t have to worry about anything, no matter your skin type.
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 by design.
Moisturizing, this sunscreen glides onto the skin smoothly without leaving an oily residue. Not just free from harmful chemicals, the Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen is also unscented. That’s why it is a safe choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
- SPF 50+
- Skin type: Oily, Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (20%)
Badger Active Mineral 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 the EWG’s rating on the safety and effectiveness of Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen.
With more than 98% organic ingredients, be assured that it 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 shield the skin against sunburn. Also, the antioxidant-rich, ultra-moisturizing ingredients keep your skin extra-soft and moisturized for a long time. Also, the formula doesn’t leave a white cast.
The sunscreen is reef-safe which means it doesn’t contain ingredients that might harm coral reefs.
- SPF 30
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (18%)
Recommended Safe Sunscreens for Pregnancy
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Face Sunscreen
Are you wondering if Neutrogena sunscreens are safe to wear during pregnancy? Well, this mineral sunscreen from Neutrogena is free from all the irritating chemicals that dermatologists advise pregnant women to steer clear of. The product is also fragrance-free. Considering all of these, you shouldn’t have any confusion while adding it to your daily skincare routine.
Neutrogena has combined technology and quality ingredients to produce this lightweight sheer sunscreen. Along with the Dry-Touch technology, Neutrogena uses 100% naturally-sourced ingredients to ensure maximum protection without causing any stinging reactions. All the ingredients are dermatologists tested safe to ensure no harm to the skin.
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. Even you can easily put it under your makeup during pregnancy. Finally, its hypoallergenic and oil-free formula makes it a handy mineral sunscreen, especially on scorching sunny days.
- SPF 50
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (21.6%)
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. It performs exceptionally well without any harsh chemicals when it comes to sun protection effectiveness.
This sunscreen is enriched with 100% non-nano zinc along with organic oils like sunflower oil to protect and heal your skin at the same time. The other key components 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 skin. So while protecting your skin from the sun, this natural sunscreen also helps soothe, soften, and calm 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.
- SPF 30
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (16%)
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 100% mineral-based sunscreen. Also, its formula is on the lighter side, making it easier to spread and absorb onto the skin.
With ingredients like Vitamin E and Zinc Oxide, it ensures optimal sun protection without harsh chemicals. On top of that, the antioxidant-rich vitamin E helps reduce redness, itchiness, and skin rash. However, it has a light fragrance. If you are not sensitive to fragrance, choose a fragrance-free sunscreen from our list.
Many users rave about its effectiveness in protecting and repairing sun-damaged skin. It also reduces the appearance of dark spots on your forehead. Did we forget to mention the lightweight formula goes on smoothly to provide a perfect base for makeup?
- SPF 50
- Skin type: Dry
- Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (11%)
Coola Organic Sunscreen
Dermatologists often recommend organic sunscreen for pregnancy. After going through a handful of products, we have finally found a pure organic-based sunscreen that’s safe for pregnancy. It is the Coola Organic Sunscreen. The facial sunscreen blends well with different skin types and tones.
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 organic sunscreen gives you broad-spectrum protection from everyday sunlight exposure. Plus, it nourishes, softens, and soothes your dry skin.
- SPF 50
- Skin type: All
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone 1.75% Homosalate 5.0% Octisalate 2.0% Octocrylene 5.0%
Read Also: Pregnancy-Safe Face Products
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.Â
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?Â
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:
- Badger
- Blue Lizard
- Colorescience
- La Roche-Posay
Conclusion
Your skin changes a lot during pregnancy. These changes include extra glow, skin sensitivity, and more. On top of that, your skin tone, type and adjustability may alter due to an internal shift in your body system. Therefore, sunscreen is a necessary skincare product for pregnant women.Â
Finding an effective pregnancy-safe sunscreen from unlimited 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.
