What Sunscreens Are Pregnancy-Safe? Plus, the Best Ones to Try

One particular product that deserves attention is sunscreen. SPF should always be a part of your routine, whether you’re pregnant or not, and it’s crucial to know which products are safe to use. 

According to Roberta Moradfar, a board-certified advanced aesthetics nurse practitioner and founder of EFFACÈ Aesthetics, not all sunscreens are considered safe for pregnancy due to the presence of ingredients that can be harmful to a developing fetus. Some chemical sunscreens have been found to transfer into the bloodstream or even breast milk in trace amounts, although studies on this topic are limited. However, if you accidentally use a chemical SPF instead of a mineral formula, there’s no need to panic. Moradfar explains that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are commonly found in mineral sunscreens, are generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) by the FDA. 

When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your doctor for guidance. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens to have on hand during your pregnancy and beyond. Additionally, you can find more information about sunscreen safety from experts such as Moradfar and Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical.