Let’s be real—pregnancy brings a whole new set of changes. Hormones, cravings, weird dreams… and yes, even the way your skin reacts to sunlight. We’ve seen a lot of moms-to-be asking, “Is my sunscreen safe during pregnancy?” It’s a good question—and honestly, something we didn’t think much about until we started digging into it.
Sun protection is super important, especially when your skin becomes more sensitive during those nine months. But not every sunscreen is made equal, and some might not be the best choice when you’re expecting.
Why Sunscreen Matters When You’re Pregnant
In our experience, most women in the US notice that their skin becomes more reactive when pregnant. Melasma—a.k.a. the ‘pregnancy mask’—can show up out of nowhere and get worse if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun.
So yes, sunscreen isn’t just a beach-day essential anymore. It’s something you’ll want to use even on cloudy days or when running errands.
Ingredients to Avoid
Let’s talk ingredients. Some chemical sunscreens have things like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate. According to multiple US dermatologists, these can get absorbed into your bloodstream—and while research is still ongoing, many pregnant women just prefer to avoid them to be safe.
Also, stay away from strong fragrances. Your nose is already on high alert during pregnancy, and fragrance can irritate both your skin and senses. Trust us, we learned that the hard way.
Better, Safer Alternatives
We found that mineral sunscreens are the go-to for most pregnant women. Why? Because they sit on top of your skin instead of sinking in.
Look for these two ingredients:
– Zinc Oxide
– Titanium Dioxide
These are physical blockers. They reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them, making them a safer and gentler option for your skin—and your baby.
Top Sunscreens Safe for Pregnancy
Here are a few sunscreens that US moms actually use and recommend:
– Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+: Super gentle, free of harsh chemicals. One of our friends used it all through her summer pregnancy and swears by it.
– Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen: Loved for its zinc-based formula and it turns blue in UV light (fun and useful).
– Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen: Yes, it’s a bit thick. But it’s super clean and reef-safe too.
– Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc: Feels light and doesn’t leave a white cast. US moms with sensitive skin love this one.
Real Stories From Real Moms
Maya from New Jersey shared with us that she switched to Thinkbaby after her OB-GYN told her to avoid oxybenzone. “Honestly, I didn’t love the texture at first, but knowing it was safe helped me feel better,” she said.
Another mom, Alison from Florida, said she uses Blue Lizard daily—even when just walking her dog. It stayed put even with all the sweating.
These stories matter. Because sometimes real feedback is more helpful than a label.
Application Tips (From One Mom to Another)
– Use enough: A nickel-sized amount for your face and more for other exposed areas.
– Reapply every 2 hours: Especially if you’re sweating or outside.
– Don’t skip these spots: Neck, ears, chest, and back of your hands.
– Do a patch test: Just to be sure your skin doesn’t freak out.
– Wear a hat and shades: Sunscreen helps, but extra protection never hurts.
Common Myths About Sunscreen and Pregnancy
“If it’s cloudy, I don’t need sunscreen.” Nope! UV rays still sneak through.
“Natural oils like coconut oil protect me.” Sorry, they don’t block UV effectively.
“I only need SPF at the beach.” Truth? You need it anytime you’re outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Look, pregnancy already comes with a long list of dos and don’ts. But choosing a safe sunscreen doesn’t have to be stressful. Stick to mineral options with zinc or titanium dioxide, avoid strong fragrances, and you’re already doing great.
We believe in simple, safe choices that make moms feel empowered—not overwhelmed. If you’ve got a sunscreen that worked wonders for you, let us know—we’d love to feature your tip in our next post!