Best Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 17, 2026
The Answer
Yes, sunscreen is safe and recommended during pregnancy, but choose mineral based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone that may disrupt hormones we found only 5 A grade options out of 401 products tested.
Choosing the right sunscreen matters during pregnancy because your skin absorbs UV filter chemicals that can enter your bloodstream. Chemical filters like octocrylene have been detected in breast milk, while homosalate may impair placental cell function. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and don't carry these absorption concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient (mineral/physical sunscreens)
- • SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
- • Fragrance free formulas to avoid hidden phthalates
- • Labels stating 'mineral' or 'physical' sunscreen
- • EWG Verified or similar third party safety certifications
✗ What to Avoid
- • Oxybenzone - linked to hormone disruption and detected in breast milk
- • Avobenzone - has endocrine disrupting properties
- • Homosalate - may impair placental cell function with estrogenic activity
- • Octisalate - can cause fetal bleeding concerns at high doses
- • Octocrylene - bioaccumulates and found in breast milk
- • Fragrance - often contains phthalates linked to preterm birth
Most Common Ingredients in Sunscreen Products
We analyzed 401 sunscreen products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Sunscreen
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 401 sunscreen products we analyzed.
octocrylene
CAUTION
Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter in sunscreens. Has been detected in breast milk with concerns about bioaccumulation. Octocrylene is a chemical UV filter that has been detected in breast milk, raising concerns about bioaccumulation during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Found in 185 of 401 products (46%)
avobenzone
CAUTION
Avobenzone is a chemical UV filter in sunscreens. Has endocrine disrupting properties and mineral sunscreens are preferred during pregnancy. Avobenzone has endocrine disrupting properties and absorbs into the bloodstream. Mineral sunscreens are preferred during pregnancy.
Found in 172 of 401 products (43%)
homosalate
CAUTION
Homosalate is an organic UV filter in sunscreens. May impair placental cell function and has estrogenic activity concerns. Homosalate may impair placental cell function and has shown estrogenic activity in studies, making it a concern during pregnancy.
Found in 170 of 401 products (42%)
octisalate
CAUTION
Octisalate is a UV filter and skincare ingredient. Can cause fetal bleeding at high doses with a narrow safety margin. Octisalate is a salicylate based UV filter that can cause fetal bleeding at high doses, with a narrow safety margin during pregnancy.
Found in 161 of 401 products (40%)
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects. Phenoxyethanol is a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects in infants.
Found in 141 of 401 products (35%)
butyloctyl salicylate
CAUTION
Butyloctyl salicylate is a family of compounds including aspirin and salicylic acid. Varies by form with topical low dose being safe but oral high dose causing bleeding and fetal risks. Butyloctyl salicylate is a salicylate compound. While topical low dose use is generally safe, high doses of salicylates can cause bleeding and fetal risks.
Found in 133 of 401 products (33%)
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Fragrance often contains phthalates, which are linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children when exposure occurs during pregnancy.
Found in 116 of 401 products (29%)
c12 15 alkyl benzoate
CAUTION
C12 15 alkyl benzoate is a common food preservative in processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses. C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a benzoate compound that has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses.
Found in 78 of 401 products (19%)
How Do Sunscreen Products Stack Up?
We graded 401 sunscreen products for pregnancy safety. 5 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen
We found 5 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Sunscreen Spf 50+ Pa++++ | Aplb |
| A | Sky And Sol Face And Body Sunscreen Spf 50 | Sky And Sol |
| A | Sheer Block | Sheer Strength Labs |
| A | Hello Bello Face + Body Sunscreen Stick 1 Oz Spf 50 | — |
| A | Tinted Facial Sunscreen Spf 20 | Beauty By Earth |
Sunscreen to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect 50+ | Nivea Sun,Nivea |
| D- | Australian Gold Spray Gel With Instant Bronzer - Spf 30 - 8Oz | Australian Gold |
| D- | Australian Gold Sunscreen Continuous Spray - 6 Oz | Australian Gold |
| D- | Spf 50 Lotion 8 Fl Oz | Australian Gold |
| D | Australian Gold Extreme Sport Spf 50 Continuous Spray | Australian Gold |
Your Questions Answered
Is sunscreen safe during pregnancy?
Yes, sunscreen is safe and important during pregnancy to prevent sunburn and reduce melasma risk. However, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide over chemical sunscreens. Chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may have hormone disrupting effects. Mineral sunscreens work by sitting on top of the skin and physically blocking UV rays.
What ingredients should I avoid in sunscreen while pregnant?
Avoid chemical UV filters including oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene during pregnancy. These ingredients have been shown to absorb into the bloodstream and some have endocrine disrupting properties. Octocrylene has been detected in breast milk, raising bioaccumulation concerns. Also avoid sunscreens with fragrance, which can contain phthalates linked to preterm birth and developmental effects.
What happens if I use sunscreen during pregnancy?
Using sunscreen during pregnancy is generally safe and recommended by dermatologists. Absorption through the skin is minimal, so sunscreens don't pose significant risk to pregnant women when used as directed. Sun protection is especially important during pregnancy because hormonal changes can increase your risk of melasma (dark patches on the skin). The key is choosing mineral based formulas over chemical sunscreens for extra peace of mind.
What is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays by sitting on top of your skin. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that absorb into your skin and convert UV rays to heat. During pregnancy, mineral sunscreens are preferred because they don't absorb into your bloodstream. Chemical filters have been detected in blood and breast milk, with some showing hormone disrupting properties.
Can I use spray sunscreen while pregnant?
Spray sunscreens can be used during pregnancy, but mineral spray formulas are preferred over chemical ones. The main concern with sprays is inhalation of the product, so apply in well ventilated areas and avoid breathing in the mist. For face application, spray onto your hands first and then apply. Many pregnancy safe mineral sunscreens come in lotion or stick form, which may be easier to apply evenly.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
References
- https://www.doctorrogers.com/blogs/blog/safer sunscreen options during pregnancy
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.15945
- https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/tgl8mc/pregnancy_safe_moisturiser_sunscreen_and_beauty/
- https://www.skindepth.com.au/blogs/news/sunscreens in pregnancy-1
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/421621
- https://additionbeauty.com/blogs/news/sunscreen chemicals to avoid when pregnant or nursing
- https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/photoprotection during pregnancy clinical guidance for dermatologic care
- https://www.lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com/inter/skinalliance/article/octocrylene
- https://suntribesunscreen.com/the ultimate guide to choosing a-pregnancy safe sunscreen/
- https://twotruths.substack.com/p/sunscreen for babies and moms
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pregnancy safe skin care
- https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/EVA00182%20-%20Draft%20Evaluation%20Statement%20-%2031%20March%202025.pdf
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/671a005f90065cdcd3faf89e/sag cs opinion-15-octocrylene-3-in cosmetic products.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11984416/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041008X10004242
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12317922/
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/looking good/everything need know pregnancy proof beauty routine/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524011111
- https://www.thebump.com/a/safe skincare products during pregnancy
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
