The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

Deemed the Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen in the What to Expect Beauty Awards, the mineral-based Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen sunscreen is also a favorite brand among dermatologists and estheticians. The sheerness of this mineral sunscreen is what makes it a top pick among moms-to-be, with many in the What to Expect Community raving about how it’s the only one that doesn’t leave a white cast behind. Worth noting: EWG points out that there are no efficiency concerns with this sunscreen, so you can feel confident the product will deliver the protection it claims. And, even though it goes on smooth, it’s non-greasy and leaves behind a matte finish. 

Robin Hilmantel, editorial director of special projects, has found that the Supergoop Matte Sunscreen lives up to the hype. “It’s the only mineral sunscreen I've used that has the smooth, easy application of a chemical sunscreen,” she says. “I also like that it has a slight tint to it to offer some coverage, although it might not work as well for darker skin tones.”

This matte sunscreen can even be used as a primer, applied just before your makeup to create a more seamless look. “The whipped texture helps blur pores and blemishes, and the zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient to help calm breakouts,” explains Dr. Wu. It’s a particularly good choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. By the way, Supergoop recommends reapplying at least every two hours.

When I asked my colleagues about their go-to sunscreen, many were quick to rave about EltaMD UV Pure Face and Body Sunscreen — and after a little digging, I totally get why. While this mineral formula doesn’t have the matte texture of Supergoop, both staff and community members swear it goes on just as smoothly. Plus, since it’s lightweight and non-comedogenic (aka it won’t clog your precious pores), you can easily wear it under makeup without that heavy, greasy feeling.

Melissa Bykofsky, Executive Editor of What to Expect, first tried EltaMD after her dermatologist recommended it. (Bonus: There were samples in the waiting room.) But the reason she committed to a full-size bottle? The texture.

"It’s silky like a regular chemical sunscreen and doesn’t leave behind that chalky white finish that so many mineral sunscreens do," she shares.

And if your nose is extra sensitive these days, Melissa assures that EltaMD “doesn’t have a repulsive smell.”

Another perk? EltaMD is safe for kids 3 and up. So if you’re waddling around the beach with a toddler in tow, you don’t have to lug around a separate SPF just for them. One bottle, less hassle — sounds like a win to me!

Some housekeeping with this sunscreen: EltaMD recommends reapplying after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every two hours, so file that away for the future. EWG also notes that you’ll want to toss the bottle if the sunscreen starts to clump or separate to ensure there are no efficiency issues.

A sunscreen stick makes it easy to get UV protection on your face, especially in hard-to-reach spots like directly under your eyes. The Stream2Sea EcoStick Sport is a mineral sunscreen that leans heavily on ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, with a few antioxidant ingredients in the mix like green tea and olive leaf. This sunscreen stick also earned the coveted EWG Verified certification, which is the organization’s highest mark of approval.

Stream2Sea EcoStick Sport comes in a petite package, making it easy to toss in a bag and use on the go. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can get in a solid swim before needing to reapply. (If you’re not swimming or sweating, Stream2Sea recommends reapplying it every two hours.) The creamy sunscreen glides on easily, although you may need to rub it in a little after applying.

This sunscreen is eco-friendly, too. It’s safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae, and has earned the HEL Labs Protect Land + Seacertification, verifying that it doesn’t contain harmful environmental pollutants. We like that it comes in several color options, including tinted and subtle pink and blue shades. 

Spray sunscreens are convenient because they allow you to cover your body with ease; however, most spray sunscreens have chemical formulas. That’s what’s so refreshing about Supergoop's PLAY 100% Mineral Body Mist. It’s a mineral sunscreen that relies on zinc oxide, with antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea and acai extracts to leave your skin feeling soft. 

Many users report how easy it is to apply this sunscreen, which comes out in a fine mist and can even be sprayed at weird angles. It also has a lightweight feel and doesn’t leave a residue. It feels refreshing and non sunscreen-y at all when it goes on, making application something you’ll actually look forward to on hot days. The sunscreen is water resistant up to 80 minutes before needing a reapplication, although Supergoop says you can extend that to every two hours if you don’t go swimming or get sweaty. It’s not recommended that you spray this directly on your face, since inhaling the small particles in mineral sunscreen sprays can be bad for your lungs. (Instead, Supergoop suggests spraying it onto your hands and applying it that way.)

Because this is a spray formula, there’s a chance that you might not get as much coverage as you would with lotion or stick sunscreen. Just make sure you don’t apply it in a windy location and that you rub it in after spraying it on. One more thing to consider: The 3-ounce container is relatively small, so you’ll want to make sure you pack extra if you’re going on a trip.

If you’re searching for an everyday moisturizer with SPF, Juice Beauty PREBIOTIX SPF 45 Glow is an excellent choice. This lightweight facial moisturizer glides on easily, while using zinc to create a broad spectrum barrier to protect your skin from the sun. It’s also EWG Verified to meet the non-profit’s strictest standards for health and safety. 

This is so much more than a moisturizer and sunscreen, though. The PREBIOTIX SPF 45 Glow doubles as a primer, making it perfect for layering underneath makeup. It also creates a dewy look to enhance your natural pregnancy glow.

The moisturizer features the brand’s special SuperJuice Complex, which is packed with antioxidants to help fight skin damage, along with prebiotics to help balance your skin’s microbiome. Several members of the What to Expect community praise the company for transparency around its ingredients (they’re clearly displayed on Juice Beauty’s website). While you can use this like a traditional sunscreen and reapply every two hours, the brand also has a more traditional SPF 30 sport sunscreen — rated a 2 by EWG — that’s a great add-on if you don’t want to continuously moisturize throughout the day.

Breakouts are not only common during pregnancy, but they can also pop up after applying sunscreen — especially if you have oily skin. And while most pregnancy-safe sunscreens check the key boxes (mineral-based, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free), La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen goes a step further with the addition of silica.

Silica helps absorb oil, sebum and sweat, making it a game-changer if your skin produces excess oil. (But if you don’t? Skip this one — your skin needs some oil and sebum to stay hydrated!) It also keeps the formula from feeling greasy after application. 

La Roche-Posay recommends reapplying this after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating or at least every two hours, by the way. Also worth pointing out:EWGhas no concerns about efficacy with this sunscreen.

Most users say it doesn’t leave a white cast, but some warn that using too much can make it harder to rub in. Luckily, a little goes a long way! According to the AAD, most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen — roughly a shot glass-full — to fully cover exposed skin.

Since my dermatologist (along with dozens of others) gave CeraVe the OK during pregnancy, it only made sense to try the brand’s sunscreen. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is packed with essential ceramides, which not only hydrate the skin but also help lock in moisture throughout the day.

Unlike other sunscreens that leave my skin feeling dry after application, this one actually makes it feel soft and — dare I say — smooth. 

It’s also noticeably lighter than the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, which makes it much easier to rub in.  It’s also noticeably light and easy to rub in, somthing Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist, also noticed. 

“It's a thin consistency so it's really easy to apply and soaks in really well for mineral sunscreen — no white hue once applied,”  Sarah says. This also means it comes out of the bottle fast — so be prepared for a surprise squeeze!

Sarah adds that it smells like you’re typical sunscreen, so it may bother you if you’re extra sensitive to smells. 

While this was given a favorable 3 rating by EWG, the non-profit recommends tossing your bottle if you happen to notice the sunscreen clumping or separating over efficacy concerns. You’ll want to reapply this every two hours, according to CeraVe.

Your skin is already more sensitive during pregnancy, so if you were sensitive-prone prior, you’ll definitely want to opt for a mineral-based sunscreen that’s extra gentle on your skin. The Coola Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion is a sheer, lightweight, fragrance-free option that’s a popular pick for sensitive skin because of its natural ingredient list that contains items like coconut oil, aloe and jojoba oil. In fact, over 70 percent of the ingredients are certified organic. It’s also great for oily or dry skin, so it’ll work with a variety of people who have sensitive skin. (EWG just recommends keeping an eye out for the lotion clumping or separating—those are the signs its losing efficacy.)

The hydrating organic formula blends into skin for strong protection and is true to its word that it rubs in clear. Just ask Christine Mattheis, Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions at What to Expect, who used this sunscreen while pregnant and still does to this day. “What I love most about it is how easy it rubs into my skin without leaving even a trace of the ghastly white cast you normally get from natural sunscreens,” she says. “It works just as well day-to-day under makeup as it does out on the beach in direct sun. It also smells really good.”

To top it all off, the tube is made from sustainably sourced sugar-cane resin and is 100 percent recyclable, according to the brand. Coola suggests reapplying after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, or every two hours.

The Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen is not only chemical-free, thanks to zinc oxide being the main ingredient, but it’s formulated with 98 percent organic ingredients. What’s even more impressive is that in addition to zinc oxide, there are only four ingredients, which are beeswax, vitamin E and sunflower oil. Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of natural, organic ingredients with a high-performing sunscreen since this one is also water resistant for 80 minutes, making it a great option for swimming or exercising outdoors. (You’ll want to reapply after two hours if you don’t swim or sweat, according to Badger.)

EWG gives this sunscreen an impressive rating of 1, noting that the non-profit has zero concerns about efficacy. 

Because this sunscreen mostly relies on zinc oxide for sun protection, it’s on the heavier side (but that’s not a bad thing!). Although reviewers said that it might take some time to rub the lotion into your skin, many raved about how well it covers their skin and blocks the sun.

While your lips need protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays, rubbing traditional sunscreen on top will usually leave you with a white cast and weird taste in your mouth. The Badger Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm bypasses that with a sunscreen-balm combo. This is an SPF 15 sunscreen stick that features a blend of zinc oxide for protection, along with olive oil, beeswax and shea butter to pamper your pout. It goes on easily, and doesn’t leave a white cast, too. (Badger recommends reapplying every two hours, by the way.)

Since zinc oxide is the main ingredient, this stick isn’t likely to be as moisturizing as your go-to lip balm. But it can still provide plenty of protection from UV rays without leaving your lips feeling dry. This lip balm has an impressive EWG rating of 1, with the non-profit noting that it has zero concerns about efficiency.  You can even use it on your face in a pinch.

Pregnancy can make your sense of smell extra sensitive, making it tricky to use anything scented — let alone repeatedly slather it all over your body. The Thinksport Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is truly unscented, so you don’t have to stress about it setting off your sniffer. The lotion is EWG Verified, too, making it one of the safest sunscreen options you can buy.

This mineral sunscreen relies on zinc oxide to deliver protection and, while the compound is known for its white hue, this particular formulation is clear, so there’s no cast left behind. It also contains conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize your skin, along with that sun protection. 

Thinksport’s sunscreen lasts for up to 80 minutes in the water or when you’re sweaty before needing a reapplication, although the brand recommends reapplying every two hours when you’re dry. The formula is thick, so some rubbing is involved. But for the clean sun protection it delivers without a funky smell, most people find it’s worth it.