11 Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens for 2025, According to Experts
I asked five trusted derms to weigh in on what to use and what to avoid.
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Welcome to Cosmo's first-ever SPF week, a space dedicated to two very important things: 1. reminding you that sunscreen is the most essential step in any skincare routine and 2. sharing the best sunscreen recs to shop right now, according to four very picky beauty editors.
You already know that sunscreen needs to be a part of your daily skincare routine (...right?), but lemme remind you that the same rule applies to everyone—even if you're pregnant. Luckily, there are many gentle, effective, pregnancy-safe sunscreens on the market right now. But how do you know which sunscreens are truly safe for pregnancy and/or breastfeeding? Welp, keep reading: I'm about to break it down for you with the help of five board-certified dermatologists.
Our top picks for best pregnancy-safe sunscreen for 2025:
This Award-Winning Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen
Solara Suncare Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk SPF 50
Read more
Keep scrolling for the full list of the 11 best pregnancy-safe sunscreens of 2025, plus everything you need to know about shopping for SPF as a pregnant person and how to choose the perfect pregnancy-safe sunscreen for your skin type and concerns.
Solara Suncare Guardian Angel Super Peptide Sunscreen Milk SPF 50
We at Cosmo love this mineral, pregnancy-safe sunscreen so much that we gave it a 2025 Clean Beauty Award. Packed with 12 skin-compatible actives plus zinc oxide, this daily formula helps to build collagen, plump fine lines, and prevent photodamage making it an absolute winning formulation. I personally love that the formula is oil-free (I dealt with a lot of breakouts during my pregnancy but this SPF never contributed to them) and melts into skin without a ton of rubbing.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, glycerin
Pros
- Ultra-gentle formula is loved by derms
- Won't burn or sting eyes
Cons
- Some testers say it can leave a white cast on skin
This face moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 is a great option for pregnant people with sensitive skin, as not only is it a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide but is also free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde, and other preservatives that could potentially irritate the skin, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "It's non-comedogenic so the formula is less likely to clog pores too."
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Squalane, ceramides, glycerin
Pros
- Formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Testers love the ultra-lightweight feel and blendable texture
Cons
- Only comes in three shades
Don't feel like layering your sunscreen under your foundation? This tinted sunscreen with SPF 50 leaves your skin with the perfect tint, with no greasy finish or awkward pilling included. And thanks to the formula's niacinamide and bisabolol, it's also great at improving your skin tone and texture and reducing inflammation. Prepare to make this one a staple in your summer routine.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, bisabolol, allantoin
Pros
- Gives skin an instant glow
- Layers nicely with other makeup and skincare products
Cons
- Although the shades are sheer and adaptable, there are only three of them
This pregnancy-safe SPF from Iris & Romeo gives skin the dewiest glow whether you use it alone or layer it under makeup as a face primer. It has a sheer tint that helps blur the look of dark marks and breakouts—plus it's got vitamin C to help improve your skin tone and texture with continued use. When I was pregnant my melasma was raging, and this baby not only helped conceal the look of the patchy discoloration but actually helped reduce it with SPF 50 and vitamin C.
- Protecton level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide
Pros
- Formula is water-resistant and made with 70 percent organic ingredients
I first started using this sunscreen stick on my 14-month-old son, but now I'm kinda obsessed with using it on myself too. It's great for touch-ups on my nose and cheekbones if I'm out in the sun for a long time. And it's convenient for protecting my shoulders without getting SPF all over my shirt straps. And because the formula is fragrance-free and made with zinc oxide and plant-based ingredients it is a great choice for all the pregnant girlies out there too.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Sunflower oil, calendula
Pros
- Great for mid-day touchups
Cons
- Needs to be layered for regular SPF for optimal coverage
There's a reason why pros always recommend this brush-on sunscreen—it makes application a total breeze, thanks to the fact that you can easily reapply it throughout the day by quickly dusting it over your face (no makeup removal necessary). Dermatologist Hadley King, MD, loves that the brand is non-nano and rich in antioxidants. She prefers the "Deep" shade for darker skin types. TL;DR: This one deserves a regular spot in your pregnancy-safe lineup.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin
Pros
- Liquid formula is easy to layer and spread
- Affordable and widely available at drugstores
Cons
- Small bottle gets used up fairly quickly
Don't feel like spending a ton of $$$ on your pregnancy-safe sunscreen? This drugstore sunscreen option is just as effective as the pricier ones, thanks to its mineral formula that's gentle enough for sensitive skin types. P.S.: the smooth, non-greasy texture means this SPF is great for applying under makeup, too.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, niacinamide, allantoin, bisabolol
Andalou Naturals Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Made with 98 percent naturally-derived ingredients
Cons
- Contains essential oils that may be irritating for sensitive skin
Dr. Garshick is a fan of this all-natural face sunscreen for pregnant women. "It contains SPF 30 and offers UVA/UVB protection, plus it contains hyaluronic acid and collagen to boost skin's moisture levels and ectoin to help shield skin from the harmful effects of blue light and pollution, says Dr. Garshick.
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, ectoin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide SPF 50+
Pros
- Great for days when you'll be swimming and sweating
Cons
- Lotion has a thick texture that is somewhat hard to spread
Looking for a pregnancy-safe sunscreen that won't slide off while you swim? This formula offers 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage (after which you'll need to reapply it, ofc), SPF 50 protection, and gentle ingredients that won't stress out your skin. Dr. King also loves it for its aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter
Pros
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and made with organic ingredients
Cons
- Some testers say it can leave a white cast on deeper skin tones
Unlike the chalky, thick formulas of your youth, this mineral-based pregnancy-safe body sunscreen is oil-free, fragrance-free, and super easy to blend. It's got a blend of antioxidants and plant stem cells to keep your skin feeling (and lookin') healthy, so don't be afraid to really slather it on.
- Protection level: SPF 50
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E
Pros
- Made with vitamin E and shea butter to moisturize lips
Cons
- Has a thick texture that sits on lips rather than soaking into them
Yuuup, your lips need sun protection too. The best thing about this pregnancy-safe option is that it's effective with a mild scent (so you won't hate wearing it on your lips), and it's equipped with SPF 30 protection. Heads up that it goes on a white, but it blends and dries down nicely (hint: a little goes a long way).
- Protection level: SPF 30
- Sunscreen type: Mineral
- Key ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin E, bisabolol
What's the best pregnancy-safe sunscreen?
All of our experts agree that mineral (aka physical) sunscreens are the way to go if you're pregnant. "In general, I think mineral sunscreens are best for pregnant women, but also feel that for certain skin types (e.g., darker skin types), it may be hard to find a mineral sunscreen that doesn't make you look like Casper the friendly ghost," says dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD.
So if a pregnant person has a chemical sunscreen that they are extremely fond of, and if they find mineral sunscreens less compatible with their skin, then I recommend that they continue to use their preferred sunscreen," Dr. Ip says. "The rationale here being that any sunscreen use is better than NO sunscreen use."
And in addition to sunscreen, it's also important to cover up your skin—especially in the middle of the day—with a long-sleeve shirt or umbrella, too.
What to look for in a pregnancy-safe sunscreen:
Again, opt for a mineral sunscreen.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, two natural active ingredients that protect skin from UVA and UVB rays, says dermatologist Rachel Westbay, MD. While any SPF is safer than wearing no SPF, mineral sunscreens are generally preferred for pregnant women. "They largely work by creating a physical barrier between your skin and UV rays, while chemical sunscreens can penetrate the skin," explains Dr. Westbay.
Avoid irritants, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Fluctuating hormones can make skin more sensitive during pregnancy, so you want to use an SPF that's as gentle as possible. "With mineral sunscreens, you really cut down the potential for any reaction," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. Dr. Ip agrees, "If you have sensitive skin, stick to mineral sunscreens; If you have allergies, stick to mineral sunscreens." "I also suggest pregnant people avoid any fragrances—you want to keep it as simple as possible," Dr. Gohara adds. Pregnancy can also cause acne and clogged pores, so it's smart to look for a sunscreen that's non-comedogenic too, says Dr. Westbay.
Opt for a tinted formula.
Tinted sunscreens often contain ingredients like iron oxide, which can be particularly helpful for anyone dealing with melasma (a form of hyperpigmentation largely caused by hormones that are also called "the mask of pregnancy"), says Dr. Garshick. Melasma can worsen with exposure to blue light (from things like screens and smartphones) but iron oxides can provide an extra layer of defense against it by helping block blue light and reducing the risk of further skin discoloration, explains Dr. Westbay.
Meet the experts:
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York and Clifton, NJ at MDCS Dermatology.
- Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, is a dermatologist and CEO of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar MD in Boston, MA.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a dermatologist and associate clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine practicing in Hamden, CT, and Branford, CT.
- Hadley King, MD, is a dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology in New York, NY.
- Rachel Westbay, MD, is a dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York, NY.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skin stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new pregnancy-safe sunscreens and skincare brands.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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