The 12 Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens for Your Outdoor Adventures

Wearing sunscreen is always important, but especially when you’re pregnant. On top of feeling extra miserable in the summer heat, pregnancy makes you more likely to get a sunburn!

Thanks to changing hormones, your skin is far more sensitive to sun exposure when you’re pregnant. Investing in a safe sunscreen is absolutely necessary.

A pregnancy-safe sunscreen is basically one that doesn’t contain oxybenzone. Research has found a link between oxybenzone and a birth defect called Hirschsprung’s disease. This rare disease affects an infant’s large intestine and might require surgery.

While the risk is small, it’s still one most pregnant women don’t want to take. Fortunately, there are lots of oxybenzone-free sunscreens out there that are safe for both mom and baby. In fact, sunscreens that are safe for babies and kids are also safe for pregnant women.

We’ve tracked down some options for you.

Supergoop! Sunnyscreen Mineral Lotion

Although it specifically says it’s made for babies and kids, there’s no reason why pregnant women can’t also use Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100 Percent Mineral Lotion. The brand’s first lotion for little ones is a great choice for sensitive skin. This 100 percent, non-nano mineral formula (which means there’s no oxybenzone and it’s safe for the ocean) is also fragrance- and silicone-free, and hypoallergenic.

One of the biggest advantages of Supergoop! Sunnyscreen is how easy it is to apply. It’s super smooth and hydrating. Made with a blend of sunflower seed oil and shea butter, it never feels sticky or looks pasty. It’s SPF 50 and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral

Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen offers a lot of sun protection (SPF 60), and it’s also ideal for very sensitive skin. It protects against UVA and UVB rays and is made with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Unlike oxybenzone, these compounds sit on your skin instead of being absorbed by it.

The hypoallergenic formula contains Neutrogena’s Purescreen Technology to absorb, reflect, and scatter dangerous sun rays. It’s also fragrance- and oil-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Alba Botanica Sport

Plan on moving around a lot outside rather than just lounging under an umbrella? If so, opt for the Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen. This non-greasy, water-resistant formula stays on your skin even if you’re active and sweating. It also offers broad-spectrum protection, so it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

There are no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. It’s also biodegradable, so you can feel good about wearing it in the ocean. Customers also love that it doesn’t have a strong “sunscreen scent,” and that it goes on easily without feeling chalky.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte

Drunk Elephant’s Umbra Tinte Sunscreen is a bit of a splurge, but the brand makes consistently fantastic products that are all-natural and effective. This one is especially great for pregnant women who want a bit of color without suntanning. It leaves a beautiful, subtle glow on your skin, so it’s kind of both a light makeup and a sunscreen.

With an SPF of 30, it protects your skin from harmful rays. It’s also packed with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients that make your skin look and feel better. The formula is clean, natural, and feels light on your skin.

Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen

Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen is a constant favorite among sun-dwellers. It’s a mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. While the SPF of 30 isn’t quite as high as some of the other options here, it’s still protective.

Made with Coola’s antioxidant-rich Plant Protection Complex, it offers non-greasy hydration without the white residue many mineral sunscreens leave on your skin. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, reef-friendly, and fragrance-free, and made with more than 70 percent certified organic ingredients.

Sun Bum Mineral Spray

Bending over to rub lotion on your legs isn’t the easiest thing to do when you’re very pregnant. That’s when a spray, like Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen, really comes in handy! This SPF 30, zinc-based spray sits on top of your skin and offers broad-spectrum protection.

Although it’s lightweight, you can probably expect a bit of a white sheen, since it’s made with zinc oxide. If you don’t mind that, this sunscreen works really well, is super-easy to apply, and feels nice on your skin.

Bare Republic Mineral Lotion

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is one of our favorites. It feels more lightweight than some of the other options. It’s also not powdery and smells wonderful (like coconuts and vanilla).

Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it offers safe, broad-spectrum protection. There are no synthetic fragrances or parabens, and it has a high SPF of 50. You’ll love the easy application and lingering scent.

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc

If you can’t stand the way mineral sunscreens feel, try Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc. It’s SPF 30, super-lightweight, non-whitening, and ideal for sensitive skin (it’s made for babies).

Formulated with non-nano zinc for reef-friendly swimming, it’s also sweat-resistant and fragrance-free. Soothing organic oils offer additional hydration. It doesn’t contain any oxybenzone or octinoxate, and is hypoallergenic. Customers like that it doesn’t feel chalky or leave behind a white residue.

Earth Mama Mineral Lotion

If you’re searching for a sunscreen that’s ideal for very sensitive skin and feels super-hydrating, try Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. Made with moisturizing organic argan oil (which also helps repair sun damage) and organic red raspberry seed oil, it will leave your skin feeling wonderful.

It’s also made with non-nano zinc for reef-friendly swimming and has a high SPF of 40. Earth Mama products are great for people with skin conditions, like eczema, because they don’t contain toxic chemicals.

Blue Lizard Australian

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is popular due to the excellent protection it offers. Made with zinc oxide and no skin-irritating chemicals or fragrances, it’s great for anyone with sensitive skin. It reflects away rays, sits on top of the skin, and offers broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ coverage.

The bottle also reminds you when it’s time to apply by turning blue whenever it’s in harmful UV light.

Sun Bum Mineral Tinted Face Lotion

The Sun Bum Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Face Tint is another favorite of ours! It’s tinted, so instead of leaving behind a white residue, it acts more like a matte primer. It leaves your skin looking flawless and subtly tanned.

The other great thing about this one is it feels silky smooth, which is so important when you’re putting something on your face. It won’t make your face feel oily or cause a breakout.

Made with zinc oxide, it’s hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral

If you don’t mind spending a bit extra, try La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50. This non-whitening mineral sunscreen feels incredibly lightweight. It has a fast-absorbing texture that never feels uncomfortable or chalky. It also leaves a matte finish that looks really nice.

This one was designed with sensitive skin in mind. It’s fragrance-free and was designed to use on your face. It’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, and you can get either tinted or non-tinted. We also love that it has a high SPF of 50.