Pregnant? Doctors Say You Should Avoid This Type of Sunscreen
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Whether you're trying to get pregnant, about to deliver, or have raised a child of your own, 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 the best sunscreens are safe in pregnancy," says Denis K. Dudley MD , ob-gyn and founder of The Sunscreen Company .
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 (!!). If you're pregnant and use a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, you run the risk of it being absorbed into the bloodstream, which can impact the fetus, says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD . Research suggests oxybenzone in sunscreen can be absorbed during pregnancy and reach the fetus. Another study found the ingredient can be linked to low birth weight, which has been associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type two diabetes.
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.
Best Sunscreens For Pregnancy
-
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
-
Best Body Sunscreen: Suntegrity Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 30
-
Best Tinted SPF: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
-
Best Spray Sunscreen: Sun BumMineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
-
Best Brightening Sunscreen: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50
What to Consider
Formula
According to dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD , there are two formulas when it comes to sunscreen: mineral and chemical.
Chemical sunscreenscontain synthetic 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 Dr. Klein, who adds that chemical sunscreens can be unsafe during pregnancy, as these compounds can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
The second type, mineral sunscreens, contain active mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These are safer bets before or during pregnancy as the ingredients (mentioned below!) don't have adverse effects. All of the sunscreens included on this list are mineral formulas for ultimate safety.
Key Ingredients
Now that we've determined that your safest sunscreen choice during pregnancy is a mineral aka physical SPF , you'll want to look out for specific ingredients in these formulas.In our guide to sunscreen facts, dermatologists highlight zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the two best active ingredients to protect your skin. They provide instant broad-spectrum protection and work by creating a physical barrier that reflects and scatters UV rays away from your skin's surface, dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen, MD , previously told WH . Mineral sunscreens are gentle enough to use on sensitive and acne-prone skin, but they're more likely to leave behind an ashy finish on deeper skin tones.
SPF Rating
It's a good idea to limit your sun exposure in general, but your skin is extra sensitive during pregnancy due to changing hormone levels. That being said, it's a good idea to opt for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher (a few of our favorites offer SPF 50 if you really want to stay protected!). Beyond face sunscreen, consider additional protection with spray sunscreens for hard to reach areas like your back, UPF clothing , and hats , says dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD . She also recommends avoiding peak sun exposure which varies by region, but typically is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
How We Chose
Writing, testing, and researching sunscreen has become quite in depth for the Women's Health beauty team. We initially published this story in March 2024, and in the two years since, we've been vetting hundreds of sunscreens. From our definitive guide to the best sunscreens of 2026 and SPF makeup to clear sunscreens that don't leave behind white casts on our sunkissed complexions, we've quite literally tried it all.
For this story, our team of editors and trusted beauty contributors have carefully researched the most popular, top-rated pregnancy-safe sunscreens. We prioritized products aligned with dermatological guidance—broad-spectrum mineral formulas with SPF 30 coverage or higher—and considered other factors. Given the warm weather, we're spending more time outdoors and gave points to sunscreens that are sweat- and water-resistant.
Since these are all mineral sunscreens we considered if they left behind a purple or chalky finish to our skin. We also evaluated how they layered with our body lotions and how they dried down. For example, if pregnancy-safe sunscreens felt tacky after a few minutes then we knew they might be slightly annoying to use at a beach where sand sticks to our body.
We also prioritized options made with well-researched non-active skincare ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E. Reapplication was also important for us. We checked how frequently the brands suggest we reapply their sunscreens, and how they felt on our skin. For example, did the lotions absorb relatively quickly? Did the stick sunscreens tug our skin or smear our makeup? For spray sunscreens, we checked if they applied evenly and didn't require heavy rubbing. Lastly, we considered the overall value and if the performance justified the price.
Ultimately, these are the pregnancy-safe sunscreens we'll continue using whether we're expecting or not because they're legitimately that good. Of course we also included a few dermatologist-approved SPFs worth owning to boot.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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. It has zinc oxide and antioxidants for SPF protection and barrier support along with mattifying silica to absorb excess shine.
Our tester was looking for an SPF to wear daily over (yes, over) her makeup, and this option delivered sans creating any breakouts. She loves how lightweight and blendable it is—no matter how many layers she applies throughout the day, it never feels gross or heavy on her skin.
Read More: Best Moisturizers For Acne-Prone Skin
- Won't clog pores
- Oil-free
- May leave white cast if not rubbed in enough, per our tester
Suntegrity Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen
You'll want to keep this pregnancy-safe sunscreen in your bag for weekend getaways. This SPF formula has no scent to it, so you can wear it daily without worrying about a smell or any added irritation.
This formula comes recommended by Dr. Farhang because of its nano-zinc formula, which means it has smaller particles, making it easier to absorb into the skin. Plus, non-nano zinc doesn't leave a white cast, which is a major plus.
Beauty contributor Lily Wohlner loves this formula because it calmed her sensitive skin while protecting it from the sun. She also tried the brand's pineapple-scented Lip Balm too, which also got a solid five stars.
Just keep in mind this sunscreen is thick and requires a bit more time to rub into the skin. However, its combination of mineral filters and antioxidant-rich supporting ingredients make it worth a little extra effort.
Read More: Best Lip Balms
- Vegan
- Contains no perceptible odor
- Can be too thick for some
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Save some time in the morning with this hybrid sunscreen and tinted face serum. The liquid formula comes in 30 shades and melts into skin to even out your skin tone and calm irritation or dryness with help from powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane. Of course, it also protects from the sun with zinc oxide.
I recently named this the best overall recommendation in our dermatologist-backed guide to SPF makeup . It looks equally beautiful when I apply it with my brushes or fingers. Super Serum also doesn't settle into my smile lines, which is a common issue for makeup. If I'm really pressed for time, I'll add a few drops to my face moisturizer and it replaces my need for a tinted moisturizer. Genius!
Since I'm not pregnant, I asked our fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos who is. Her verdict? She loves that it evens out her skin tone and doesn't smell because, yeah, you're sensitive to that kind of stuff in your first and second trimester!
- Evens skin tone
- Won't leave a white cast on skin
- May rub off on clothes
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Zinc-based sunscreens can be difficult to blend in but, thanks to this spray formula from cult-classic brand Sun Bum, it's easy and way less messy. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for beach days. Another bonus? It's fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin.
I enjoy this formula because it has a matte finish, so if I'm exercising outdoors, I don't look sweatier than I already am. The aerosol emits evenly and doesn't pool in just one spot. However, it does have a bit of a white tint due to its mineral formulation, which was a bummer. However, Talbert says she actually doesn't mind the slight whitecast because she knows it's protecting her from the sun on long days out and about.
- Water resistant
- Convenient spray formula
- Spray dispenser can get clogged
- Leaves a slight white cast
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50
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 vitamin C and green tea, two popular antioxidants that help brighten discoloration and delay fine lines and wrinkles.
Talbert was recommended this SPF from her dermatologist after a laser treatment, and after her first try, she was immediately hooked. She mentions that this is not only a wonderful moisturizer, but it also protects skin from the sun. She also uses it as a primer under her foundation to keep her skin nice and protected from ultraviolet A and B damage that causes wrinkles, burns, and skin cancer.
- Packed with skin-brightening antioxidants
- High SPF number
- High percentage of zinc can be tough to rub in
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Lifestyle director Lindsey Geller , who has very fair skin and has tried numerous mineral sunscreens while pregnant, found this option to be her favorite formula from the list. She highlights its sun-blocking effectiveness and its comfort for all-day wear—it never felt heavy, sticky, or greasy.
That being said, you definitely need this jumbo tube (you get five ounces!) for your next beach trip. Just a reminder: you'll need a shot glass amount for your body and a nickel-sized blob for your face to ensure full coverage from the sun. At least with this bottle, you'll have plenty of product to last you.
I've tried many sunscreens working as a beauty editor, and I do like how this formula feels and the combination of ingredients hasn't irritated my skin or sensitive nose. However, even after working this sunscreen into my skin for over a minute, I still saw a tell-tale purple finish on my skin. Sadly, it's been retired to my underbed storage but I'd still use it in the future if I'm in a pinch.
- Good value for the size
- Organic formula
- May be unappealing for those who like scent
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
This one checks all the boxes on the pregnancy-safe sunscreen list. It's unscented, chemical-free, has SPF 50, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, safe for sensitive skin, and made without any added fragrance. It also has a non-aerosol application, making it easier to use on little ones.
Mothers love that this formula has a high SPF number, so they don't have to worry as much about their child getting sunburnt. The only caveat? Although it may feel a bit thick at first, Wohlner noted that once it touches her skin, it warms up and becomes easier to spread and apply.
- High SPF value
- Zinc-based formula
- May be too thick
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
You know the importance of wearing SPF daily (rain or shine), and this oil-free, hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer-sunscreen combo makes it easy. Top off your favorite toner or serum with this duo product, which is lightly tinted for days when you want to look presentable.
Wohlner considers EltaMD one of her all-time favorite SPF brands. Every time she tries a different formula, she always comes back to this one. Her biggest pros? The texture is super silky and it's pigmented enough to wear on its own. To elevate her look, Wohlner will add a touch of blush and bronzer, then she's out the door in minutes.The only downside with this SPF is that there isn't a fair tint that works for lighter complexions. However, if you have medium to tan skin this is a great option. I love it for my caramel complexion, but moms with deeper skin tones might need to reach for a different mineral SPF on this list for a more flexible finish.
- Replaces your tinted moisturizer
- High SPF
- Not the best for fair skin—our tester says this product was a bit on the orange side
Additional reporting by Chelsea Burns and Lily Wohlner .
Meet the Experts
-
Denis K. Dudley, MD, ob-gyn and founder of The Sunscreen Company
-
Rhonda Klein, MD , board-certified dermatologist based in Fairfield, CT
-
Dendy Engelman, MD , board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY
-
Sheila Farhang, MD , MD, board certified dermatologist based in Tucson, AZ
Read More Editor-Tested Products
Best Clear Sunscreen | Best Wrinkle Cream | Best at Home Waxing Kit | Best Body Wash for Women | Best Lip Balm | Best Moisturizer for Mature Skin | Best At Home Laser Hair Removal | Best Hair Brush | Best Epilator | Best Microcurrent Device | Best Moisturizers With SPF | Best Powder Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF | Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Dark Skin Tones
Shop the Women's Health Training Guides
Women's Health Strong & Fit After 40
Women's Health The Woman's Guide To Strength Training: Dumbbells
Women's Health The Woman's Guide to Strength Training
You Might Also Like
