If You're Pregnant, These Are The Sunscreens You Need

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Everything changes during pregnancy — and no, we’re not just talking about your body. From your medicine cabinet to your makeup shelf, a complete overhaul of the products you use is imperative to protect both yourself and your growing baby, because whatever you put on your skin could also potentially interact with your child. It doesn’t simply stop with your morning makeup, either – even your sunscreen routine is in dire need of a major makeover.

What you need to know.

“The greatest misconception is that all sunscreens are safe in pregnancy. Permeation is a fact. Yet few physicians ever counsel an expectant or nursing mother that many organic filters reach her blood and cross to the fetus,” says Denis K. Dudley MD, OB-GYN and founder of The Sunscreen Company.

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical (mineral) blockers. First, 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 from the skin.

This is the best sunscreen to use during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, your safest choice is a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide — but before you start squinting at labels, it’s important to understand the different types of sun protection on the market, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologic surgeon in New York City. “Only the inorganic (mineral) filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide currently meet the FDA criteria for being considered Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE). All other filters need further data to substantiate their safety,” Dr. Dudley advises.

Ingredients you should avoid.

The biggest no-no? Oxybenzone. Not only is the chemical destroying marine life, but it’s a hormone disrupter that’s also linked to skin cancer, Dr. Engelman says. If a pregnant woman uses a chemical sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, she runs the risk of it being absorbed into the blood stream, 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, hypertensions, type 2 diabetes and others,” Dr. Engelman says.

“I also tell my patients to avoid Para-aminobenzoic acid, (or PABA, as it is more commonly known),” Dr. Klein says. “PABA has been linked to liver damage, allergic reactions, and skin abnormalities.”

Think you’re in the clear because you already gave birth? Guess again. Studies have found traces of oxybenzone in breast milk, which means your child is still at risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals if you’re currently nursing.

The reason the ingredients in chemical sunscreens are so dangerous? The extremely small size of the molecules make it easier for them to permeate the body. “They should be absolutely avoided by anyone, but particularly expectant or nursing mothers, young or adolescent children, and couples trying to conceive - the most vulnerable windows for adverse effects,” says Dr. Dudley.

Practice safe sun, especially when you’re expecting.

Not only should you familiarize yourself with the “active ingredients” listed on the back of the bottle before you toss it in your beach bag, but you’ll also want to exercise additional caution before sun bathing because your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. “Since your circulation changes with dilated blood vessels from pregnancy hormones, pregnancy can make you more susceptible to sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke when lying in the sun,” says Dr. Dudley. “Limit your exposure time and always wear a good ultra UVA mineral sunscreen on any exposed skin.”

Pregnant women are also more susceptible to skin discoloration. “Melasma is the result of increased sun sensitivity and sun exposure and commonly referred to as the pregnancy mask,” Dr. Engelman says. If you suffer from the condition during pregnancy, Dr. Engelman recommends using glycolic acid. “The alpha hydroxy acid is safe for use during pregnancy while many other agents, like salicylic acid, can be damaging.”

Here are the best pregnancy safe options.

Trying to protect yourself from the sun while also keeping your child safe from harmful chemicals may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve rounded up a list of approved products to take the guesswork out of sun protection during pregnancy.

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 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, says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “Such ingredients can directly cause developmental problems and birth defects as well as low birth weights, coronary heart disease, hypertension, type two diabetes and others."

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

What to consider

Formula

According to dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD, there are two formulas when it comes to sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Chemical sunscreens contain 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 a safer bet 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 SPF, you'll want to look out for specific ingredients in these formulas. “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.”

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 (go for 50 if you really want to stay protected!). "Aside from sunscreens for the face, there are other ways to protect your skin from the sun, such as spray body sunscreen, UPF shirts, hats, and avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 am and 2 pm," says dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD.

How we chose

For the past year, Women’s Health associate fashion and commerce editor Lily Wohlner, as well as WH contributors, have been testing and researching the most popular, top-rated pregnancy-safe sunscreens. They consulted with one ob-gyn and three dermatologists for the story, and, together, compiled a list of the best options for every preference.

So, if you, or someone you know, is expecting, look no further than this list of the 12 best sunscreens for pregnancy, which has been curated with help from medical professionals, WH editors, and anonymous product testers.

transparent Botanical Face Sunscreen

Not only is this botanical, 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen aesthetically pleasing, but it comes from a brand specifically crafted for mom and baby by mother dermatologists themselves.

It uses non-toxic, plant-derived ingredients like jojoba oil, rose, and ginger root as well as non-nano zinc oxide to power its sun protection. Our testers love that this SPF formula glides on like a dream without the addition of harsh additives and chemicals. Plus, it doesn't leave behind a white cast, which alone is enough for us to add-to-cart.

One tester also mentions that this product leaves a soft glow. They use it as a primer underneath makeup, so they're protected from the sun during its harsh hours of the day.

Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen

Even though our body might not be exposed to direct sunlight during the chillier months, it's always good to have a pregnancy-safe sunscreen in your back pocket for those weekend getaways, or, if you're lucky, longer days outside in the sun. 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 (huge ups!).

Our tester loves this formula because it calmed their sensitive skin while protecting it from the sun. They also tried the brand's Lip Balm too, which also got a solid five stars.

Read More: Best Lip Balms

Mineral Sunscreen

With non-nano zinc oxide and plant extracts that calm the effects of infrared, Pipette Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect formula to have stocked up for the whole family. While you can totes use this while pregnant, it's also safe for your baby once they're born (and as they grow up!).

Users love this non-toxic, chemical-free formula because it sinks into the skin almost immediately, so you don't have to worry about a thick white cast (this is especially helpful with a squirming baby). Inside the bottle, you'll find skin-loving ingredients such as calming wild gooseberry extract, sugarcane-derived squalane, and, of course, zinc oxide for UVA/UVB protection.

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

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 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 non-nano zinc oxide.

I'm a personal fan of this product because it's so easy to apply—I just add a dropper-full into my moisturizer in the morning for a boost of color to my skin and, of course, extra protection from the sun. But, because I'm not pregnant, I sought another tester who is. They're verdict? It evens out her skin tone despite eczema scarring. Plus, she loves that it doesn't smell because, yeah, you're sensitive to that kind of stuff in your first and second trimester!

Sun Guardian Day Creme SPF 30

This lightweight SPF is fortified with green tea and vitamin E, two powerhouse antioxidants to protect skin on top of the existing zinc oxide for sun protection. As an added bonus, this formula also features oceanic glacial water, which has a high mineral and marine nutrient content to provide deep hydration.

One tester said that when they first applied this, it left a slight white cast. But, in under a minute, the cast melted away and left dewy, fresh-looking skin behind for the entire day. After trying it out a couple of times, this tester found that the temporary white cast is actually quite handy. It highlights where the sunscreen has been applied, making it easy to spot where you might need to add more.

Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Gentle Lotion

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

PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

"Generally I find mineral sunscreens to be the worst, and I struggled to find something to use during pregnancy that didn't leave my skin chalky," says WH executive digital editor Amanda Woerner. But, when she found this Supergoop sunscreen, everything changed. "It went on so smoothly and blended well, so it became a pregnancy staple for me (especially living in Miami!)."

Although it's pricier than drugstore mineral sunscreen formulas, Woerner found she was more likely to use it because it wasn't a pain to apply (i.e no rubbing, white cast, or heaviness). Plus, it's one of the few formulas on this list that's sweat- and water-resistant, so it's great if you're working out outside or jumping in and out of the pool.

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.

Testers love that this formula has a matte finish, so if they're heading out for a run, they don't look more sweaty than they already are. It does have a bit of a white tint due to its mineral formulation, but our testers say they actually don't mind it because they know it's protecting them from the sun on long days out and about. Another bonus? It's fragrance-free, so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin.

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 a ton of antioxidants that brighten discoloration and delay fine lines and wrinkles.

Our tester 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 blocked from damage.

Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Our tester, who has very fair skin and has tried numerous mineral sunscreens, 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.

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. Although it may feel a bit thick at first, testers note that,once it touches the skin, it warms up and becomes easier to spread and apply.

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 those days where you want to look presentable.

Our tester said this was one of her all-time favorite SPFs—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. According to her, it just requires a touch of blush and bronzer and you're out the door in minutes.

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

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