While the best kind of sunscreen is the one you will wear, mineral sunscreens may be a better choice during pregnancy due to concerns about chemical filters.
More information on the whole debate about chemical vs. mineral sunscreen during pregnancy is in this blog: Is Sunscreen Safe in Pregnancy? Expert Guide.
Below, I’ve curated a list of non-tinted pregnancy safe mineral sunscreens that you can consider using during this special period of your life.
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Pointers to How This List Has Been Constructed
- All the sunscreen recommendations here are 100% mineral-based (with zinc oxide always included) and have a minimum SPF of 30. All are reef safe, too!
- I have not included mineral sunscreens that are predominantly or exclusively titanium dioxide-based because they do not offer full-spectrum protection on their own.
- All are untinted. A post for pregnancy-safe tinted sunscreens is in the pipeline, so stay tuned!
- This list does not include any product that has both mineral & chemical sunscreens
- The list has both nano and non-nano zinc oxide formulations.
- I have excluded spray, stick, and powder formulations from this list as they can lead to inadequate coverage, esp. with powder, & there is a risk of inhalation-related issues with spray devices.
- This list is specifically tailored to pregnant individuals, so I have eliminated certain chemicals (aside from chemical filters) that are best avoided during pregnancy.
- This list is of free of chemical filters used in the ‘doping’ of mineral sunscreens.
For more information: What is doping in mineral sunscreens?
You can build your own list using these posts:
- Part I: Pregnancy Safe Skincare- Avoid These Ingredients.
- Part II: Pregnancy Skincare- Avoid These Ingredients.
- Parabens In Cosmetics: Are They Safe To Use?
As always, all my pregnancy recommendations (at the time of writing) are free of:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Benzophenone 3 (also known as oxybenzone)
All the above four are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it.) - Added fragrance
(a rich source of phthalates and a skin irritant, especially in pregnancy when, due to hormonal changes, skin can be more sensitive) - Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
Reminder: Companies frequently change their formulas, and ingredient lists may vary by country. Hence, always check the FULL ingredient list before using any product, esp sunscreens.
How to Reduce the White Cast in Mineral Sunscreen?
- Use tinted sunscreen. This has the dual benefit of not only mitigating the white cast but also effectively blocking the visible light from our tech devices, which can cause or worsen melasma. (Pregnancy-safe tinted sunscreen is coming soon, so watch this space!)
You might have to try out different brands and shades, though, to find the right match.
- Mineral sunscreen takes a while to settle down. Applying it a few minutes before stepping out might reduce the white cast.
Don’t Rely Solely on Sunscreen
No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so pairing it with other measures like seeking shade when you can, using sunglasses, wearing protective clothing, and wearing a hat is important.
You can also avoid sun exposure when it is at its peak, typically 10 AM to 2 PM.
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Mineral Sunscreens (Non-tinted)
Choosing the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen depends on your skin type, preference for texture, and tolerance to white cast, but all options below are mineral-based and suitable for use during pregnancy.
Acure Seriously Soothing SPF 30 Day Cream
- 20% zinc oxide
- With blue tansy and aloe vera to calm, soothe, and hydrate sensitive skin
- Vegan, cruelty-free
Attitude Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- 20% zinc oxide
- Vegan
- Unscented
- 18.75% zinc oxide
- No added fragrance
- Total 6 ingredients (1 active, 5 inactive)
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- Made in the USA in solar powered plant
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
- Uncoated (untreated with other chemicals) 22.5% zinc oxide
- No added fragrance
- Total 4 ingredients (1 active, 3 inactive)
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- Made in the USA in solar powered plant
Earth Mama Uber Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
- 25% non nano zinc oxide
- With colloidal oatmeal for sensitive, eczema-prone skin
- With shea butter
- Has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association
Good Molecules Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30
- 11% zinc oxide
- With shea butter & hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance free
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 20% zinc oxide
- With natural fragrance oil
- Cruelty-free
Think Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- 23.4% zinc oxide
- With natural fragrance oil
- Cruelty free
- 23.5% zinc oxide
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- Packaging made from recycled plastic
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
- 19.5% zinc oxide
- With ceramids
- Labeled non-comedogenic
- No botanical extracts
Common Questions About Pregnancy Safe Sunscreens
The best pregnancy safe sunscreens are mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide, as they provide broad-spectrum protection with minimal absorption.
Yes, mineral sunscreen is considered safe during pregnancy because it sits on the skin and reflects UV rays instead of being absorbed.
Zinc oxide sunscreen during pregnancy is preferred because it is a mineral sunscreen- gentle, less irritating, and does not penetrate the skin significantly. It is also preferred over titanium dioxide, also mineral, as it provides full spectrum protection unlike titanium dioxide.
A safe sunscreen for pregnant women is typically fragrance-free, mineral-based, and free from chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
You do not have to switch, but many women prefer mineral sunscreen as a safer choice during pregnancy. However,although there are concerns with use of chemical filters, there is still no concrete proof that chemical filters are harmful for human health.
This post is in collaboration with Amazon, but all the product choices and opinions are my own.
