The Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

The mineral-based Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen sunscreen with an SPF of 40 is a favorite brand among dermatologists and estheticians alike — and tons of moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect Community. 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. And, even though it goes on smooth, it’s non-greasy and leaves behind a matte finish. 

Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy and Growth at What to Expect, 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.

If you’re looking for a sunblock that will stick, the answer is intuitively simple: look for a sunblock stick. “Stick formulas grab onto your skin and are less likely to rub off,” says Dr. Wu. (That’s good news for those who plan on sweating or swimming in their block.) A great choice for the beach or pool, Dr. Wu also loves it for those super humid summer days.

The Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick is water-resistant and contains an SPF of 50, so it offers a ton of protection. It’s also free of potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, dyes and fragrance. And, Neutrogena is a What to Expect Community-favorite brand when it comes to sensitive skin types. Many rank Neutrogena with Supergoop, but like that it’s a more affordable option. It can be difficult to find a mineral sunscreen stick that goes on smoothly, but reviewers say that this pick fits the bill, confirming that it glides over their skin and is especially easy to apply on cheeks and safely around eyes.

What to Expect’s Photo Editor, Adrianna Grezak, loves this sunscreen. While she can’t speak to using it during pregnancy, she tested it during a backpacking trip in hot climates. “I'm very prone to burn, and I was fine,” she says. “I liked it for ‘on-the-go’ to apply quickly with one hand.”

When you’re applying sunscreen sticks, swipe four passes of the stick back and forth on each area of skin you’re protecting. Rub it in to ensure your coverage is evenly distributed.

Spray sunscreens are convenient because they allow you to cover more areas of your body with sun protection with ease; however, most spray sunscreens have chemical formulas. That’s what’s so refreshing about this Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray. Its mineral-based formula goes on just as easily as any other spray sunscreen, yet it’s free of chemicals and leaves behind a matte, non-greasy finish. People often want spray sunscreens to be water resistant because it’s an easy way to reapply when you’re at the beach or pool. This Sun Bum spray is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is what the AAD classifies as “very water resistant” and will stay effective for this length of time in the water. Some parents in the What to Expect community liked this mineral spray option because it made applying sunscreen to the whole family much easier and faster than other mineral sunscreens, without having to compromise on ingredients.

However, because this is in an aerosol can, 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.

If you’re looking for an everyday moisturizer with SPF to use during pregnancy, look no further than this fragrance-free La Roche-Posay moisturizer. It’s formulated for sensitive skin and contains mineral sunscreen with 30 SPF, making it the perfect solution for everyday moisturizing sun protection. It contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help your skin absorb and lock in moisture and provides up to 12 hours of hydration.  It’s also ideal for sensitive and oil-prone skin, as it has a mattifying finish and doesn’t contribute to breakouts. Reviewers found that it goes on smooth enough to use as a primer, but it does take some time to work it into your skin to avoid having a white cast left behind. 

Another beloved clean beauty brand among moms in the What to Expect Community is Drunk Elephant, particularly their Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense for a tinted under-makeup option. This mineral sunscreen has a hint of a tint for a natural summer glow, perfect for applying it under your makeup. What makes it really stand out is that it’s highly moisturizing, too, with natural ingredients and antioxidants like raspberry seed and marula oils that nourish skin and reduce redness. Reviewers loved that this physical sunscreen went on smooth and leaves behind a dewy finish, ideal for a no makeup day.

Love the sounds of this block but don’t want something tinted? The brand offers a sheer version, too.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Size: 2.9 ounces

Active ingredients: Zinc oxide 22.5 percent

Application type: Lotion

SPF: 40