Quick List - Top Sunscreens for Pregnant Women
Mustela
Mess-Free Sun Stick for Quick Touch-Ups Anytime Anywhere for the Whole Family
Blue Lizard
Gentle Yet Reliable Sun Protection for Even the Most Sensitive Skin
Dr. Angelie Chua is a dedicated Thomasian physician specializing in dermatology, with board certification from the Philippine Dermatological Society. She completed her residency at UST Hospital and is currently pursuing a fellowship in Trichology (hair disorders). Passionate about beauty, health, history, music, and travel, she fosters continuous learning and expertise in diverse fields. Dr. Chua is committed to providing exceptional care and staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements for the benefit of her patients.
Hazel is a content planner and writer dedicated to simplifying your online shopping experience. With a passion for research and a keen eye for quality, she digs into the details to bring you trustworthy and insightful buying guides you can rely on.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Using sunscreen during pregnancy is both safe and essential. Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of hyperpigmentation, sunburn, and dark spots like melasma. Regular sun exposure without protection may worsen these conditions, especially with the heightened hormonal activity during pregnancy. That is why wearing sunscreen for pregnant women is a key part of daily skincare.
Many OB-GYNs and dermatologists encourage expectant moms to wear sunscreen every day, even indoors or on cloudy days. Whether you are heading out for errands or working by a window, consistent use of safe sunscreen during pregnancy offers essential protection.
Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safe for pregnant women as they sit on the skin and don’t enter the bloodstream.
One key benefit of mineral-based sunscreens is that they provide effective protection without penetrating the skin. Ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin’s surface to physically block harmful UV rays, making them a safe choice for pregnant women since they avoid potentially harmful chemical filters. This ensures reliable sun protection while prioritizing the safety of both mom and baby.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also non-irritating and gentle, which is especially important given the increased skin sensitivity many women experience during pregnancy. They offer a natural defense against UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent common skin concerns like melasma and hyperpigmentation.
SPF 30 is enough, but using a higher SPF can help compensate for under-application or missed reapplications.
An SPF 30 sunscreen offers reliable protection against harmful UV rays for everyday activities. However, if you are spending extended periods of time outdoors or exposed to direct sunlight, choosing a higher SPF can provide extra assurance.
For longer sun exposure, opting for a sunscreen with SPF 50 or more can offer enhanced protection. Be sure to apply it generously and reapply regularly to maintain optimal coverage throughout the day.
Opting for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection provides coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, which is crucial for preventing sun damage, especially during pregnancy. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to signs of aging and pigmentation, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns.
Even if you are mostly indoors, broad-spectrum protection helps guard against UVA rays that can still affect your skin through windows or light exposure. Make sure to check the label and choose a product designed to protect your skin thoroughly.
Sunscreens with chemical filters, such as homosalate, oxybenzone, octocrylene and avobenzone, may be absorbed into the skin and have potential links to hormonal disruption. These chemicals can interfere with your endocrine system, which is especially concerning during pregnancy.
Additionally, avoid sunscreens with artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin. These synthetic fragrances may contain harmful chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or worsen skin conditions, such as pregnancy-related melasma. By selecting sunscreen with clean, safe ingredients, you are safeguarding both your skin and your baby’s health.
Gel-based or oil-free sunscreens avoid clogged pores and breakouts. These lightweight formulas offer sun protection without adding heaviness or shine to the skin.
Keep your skin feeling light and fresh even under the sun with gel-based or oil-free sunscreens. These formulas are ideal for pregnant women with oily or acne-prone skin as they offer daily sun protection without leaving a greasy residue or causing congestion. Pregnancy hormones can often trigger excess sebum production, which makes lightweight, breathable sunscreens even more essential in your routine.
When shopping for sunscreen, look for keywords like “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “gel-type” in the product name or description. These sunscreen types are quickly absorbed, making them a great choice for our humid climate. Some even have a mattifying finish, helping control unwanted shine throughout the day while keeping your skin protected.
Creamy or hydrating sunscreens help maintain skin moisture and prevent flaking.
Maintaining your skin’s softness and hydration can make a big difference during pregnancy, especially when dryness becomes more noticeable. Hydrating sunscreens with creamy textures not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but also help combat dryness that many pregnant women experience due to hormonal changes.
Look for sunscreens that are enriched with ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or shea butter, which support skin hydration without feeling greasy. These ingredients not only hydrate but also soothe the skin, preventing flakiness and irritation while ensuring that the sunscreen feels comfortable on the skin throughout the day.
Sunscreens that have lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas provide sun protection without clogging pores or making the skin feel greasy.
It is important to find a lightweight formula that can hydrate dry patches while still providing sun protection. These sunscreens offer the benefit of moisture to the skin without feeling heavy or greasy, making them ideal for pregnant women who want a balanced solution. By using a sunscreen that is both lightweight and hydrating, you can ensure your skin remains comfortable, especially in areas that tend to dry out.
To address both hydration and oil control, look for formulas containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These ingredients help lock in moisture on dry patches while maintaining a non-greasy feel on oilier areas.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | SPF Level | Broad-Spectrum | Lightweight (Y/N) | Non-greasy | Net Content | |||||
1 | CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Doubles as a Moisturizer to Keep Skin Hydrated All Day | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides | SPF50 | 75mL | ||||
2 | Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream | ![]() | Gentle Mineral Protection With Hydrating Comfort | Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Inositol, Panthenol | SPF50 | 50mL | ||||
3 | Mustela High Protection Sun Stick SPF50 | ![]() | Mess-Free Sun Stick for Quick Touch-Ups Anytime Anywhere for the Whole Family | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Gamma-Octalactone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | SPF50 | 9mL | ||||
4 | Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide | ![]() | Gentle Yet Reliable Sun Protection for Even the Most Sensitive Skin | Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Castor Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Squalene, Cocoa Seed Butter | SPF50 | 14mL | ||||
5 | La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 | ![]() | Long-Lasting, Weightless, Invisible Protection That Stays Put Even in Heat and Humidity | Mexoryl 400, Vitamin E, Thermal Spring Water | SPF50 | 50mL | ||||
6 | Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen | ![]() | Helps Control Shine While Protecting Your Skin | Wild Butterfly Ginger, Bamboo Extract | SPF40 | 45mL | ||||
7 | blk cosmetics Universal Mineral Sunscreen Primer Stick | ![]() | Mess-Free Mineral Stick That Doubles as a Primer for a Shine-Free Look | Zinc Oxide, Soybean Oil, Squalene, Macadamia Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Arnica Montana Flower Extract and Bisabolol | SPF50 | 15mL | ||||
8 | Luxe Organix High Protection 5in1 UV Pro Whitening Serum Sunscreen | ![]() | A 5-in-1 Sunscreen That Protects, Brightens, and Nourishes Your Skin | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Alpha Melight, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Bisabolol | SPF 50 | 40mL | ||||
9 | Cetaphil Cetaphil Sun SPF50+ Light Gel | ![]() | Locks In Moisture for All-Day Skin Hydration | Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Bisabolol | SPF50 | 50mL | ||||
10 | Human Nature SafeProtect SPF30 Sunscreen | ![]() | A Natural and Eco-Friendly Pick for Everyday Use | Sunflower Seed Oil, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Parfum (Fragrance, All-Natural), Glyceryl Caprylate, Vitamin E), P-anisic Acid | SPF30 | 50mL |
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 75mL |
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betaine, Inositol, Panthenol |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 50mL |
Key Ingredients | Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Vitamin E, Avocado Oil, Gamma-Octalactone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 9mL |
Key Ingredients | Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Castor Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Jojoba Seed Oil, Squalene, Cocoa Seed Butter |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 14mL |
Key Ingredients | Mexoryl 400, Vitamin E, Thermal Spring Water |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 50mL |
Key Ingredients | Wild Butterfly Ginger, Bamboo Extract |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF40 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 45mL |
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Soybean Oil, Squalene, Macadamia Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Arnica Montana Flower Extract and Bisabolol |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 15mL |
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Alpha Melight, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Centella Asiatica Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Bisabolol |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF 50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 40mL |
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Bisabolol |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF50 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 50mL |
Features and benefits:
Key Ingredients | Sunflower Seed Oil, Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Parfum (Fragrance, All-Natural), Glyceryl Caprylate, Vitamin E), P-anisic Acid |
---|---|
SPF Level | SPF30 |
Broad-Spectrum | |
Lightweight (Y/N) | |
Non-greasy | |
Net Content | 50mL |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelie Chua.
Using sunscreen during pregnancy can help reduce the severity of common pregnancy-related skin concerns like melasma and acne. While it may not completely stop these conditions from occurring, consistent sun protection can minimize their development and help maintain a more even skin tone throughout pregnancy.
Pregnant women should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when outdoors, sweating, or exposed to water, to maintain consistent protection against harmful UV rays. Even brief sun exposure during daily activities like commuting or walking can affect the skin, so choosing a pregnancy-safe sunscreen that is water-resistant and gentle enough for frequent use is essential. Keeping a small bottle in your bag can make reapplication easier and help ensure your skin stays protected throughout the day.
Yes, wearing sunscreen indoors is still important, especially for pregnant women. UVA rays, which can cause premature aging and worsen pigmentation like melasma, can pass through windows and reach your skin even if you are inside. On top of that, prolonged exposure to blue light from screens like phones, tablets, and laptops may contribute to skin damage. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with blue light protection helps safeguard sensitive, pregnancy-prone skin throughout the day.
Discover more pregnancy-safe essentials to support your wellness journey. These picks are carefully chosen to help you feel your best inside and out through every stage of motherhood.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: CeraVe|Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
No. 2: Isntree|Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream
No. 3: Mustela |High Protection Sun Stick SPF50
No. 4: Blue Lizard |Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide
No. 5: La Roche-Posay |Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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