Top 15 Safest and Most Effective Sunscreens for Expecting Mothers

Sunscreen is an essential skincare product to protect the skin from the negative effects of UV rays. It's a safe solution to help expecting mothers avoid issues like melasma, freckles, and dark spots. Choosing the right sunscreen for expecting mothers involves several factors. Today's article on Mytour Blog shares tips for selecting the safest and best sunscreen for expectant mothers.

Why Should Expecting Mothers Use Sunscreen?

Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays in sunlight. For expecting mothers, protecting the skin from these rays is crucial because the skin during pregnancy can become more sensitive and prone to irritation. During pregnancy, some women may also experience issues like melasma or skin darkening due to increased melanin production in the body. Therefore, using sunscreen daily during pregnancy is recommended to help reduce the risk of skin discoloration and maintain an even skin tone.

Which Ingredients Should Pregnant Women Avoid in Sunscreens?

When choosing sunscreen for expecting mothers, it's important to avoid the following ingredients to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus:

• Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is a common sunscreen ingredient but can cause skin irritation and disrupt the endocrine system, entering the body through the skin.
• Avobenzone: This is another high-performance sunscreen ingredient but may cause skin irritation and make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Retinyl Palmitate: It's a form of vitamin A, but when exposed to sunlight, this ingredient can produce free radicals and increase the risk of skin damage.
• Parabens: Some studies suggest that parabens can have negative effects on the endocrine system and impact fetal development.

Is Sunscreen Safe for Pregnant Women? 

Zinc and titanium are two common ingredients in sunscreen for babies and are also widely used in adult sunscreens. Both of these active ingredients are typically used in the form of ultrafine particles, which do not penetrate the skin and create a protective layer on the skin's surface to reflect UV rays. This means that sunscreen for babies will not be absorbed into the body, thus, posing no negative impact on the health of mothers and fetuses. Therefore, choosing sunscreen for infants to use during pregnancy is a safe and recommended solution. 

How to Choose Safe Sunscreen for Pregnant Women 

Here are some useful tips for selecting sunscreen for pregnant women throughout pregnancy: 

• Choose sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to ensure sufficient protection for your skin. SPF 30 can block about 97% of UVB rays.
• Look for sunscreens specially designed for pregnant women. These products typically do not contain irritating or potentially harmful ingredients for the fetus.
• Read the ingredients on the product label carefully and avoid ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, etc.
• Before using a new sunscreen, test it on a small patch of skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies.

TOP 15 Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, Best Choices 

If you're unsure which sunscreen is best for pregnant women, you can refer to the 15 gentle and preferred sunscreen products used by expectant mothers as listed below:

Anessa Sunscreen for Pregnant Women Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel SPF 35 PA+++ 

Anessa Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel SPF 35 PA+++ is a sunscreen product from the famous brand Anessa in Japan. This is a lightweight gel sunscreen that easily absorbs into the skin.

Outstanding Advantages:

• With SPF 35 and PA+++, this product provides high protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
• Prevents skin damage caused by sunlight exposure.
• Water-resistant, maintaining effective protection when in contact with water.
• Alcohol and strong fragrance-free, minimizing the risk of skin irritation, suitable for pregnant women.

Sunscreen for Pregnant Women La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Mune 400 

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Mune 400 is endorsed by dermatologists for its superior skin protection against the sun's rays. Additionally, thanks to its gentle ingredients, the product is also recommended for pregnant women.

Outstanding Advantages:

• Mexoryl SX and XL filters provide high protection against UVB and UVA rays.
• Water-resistant, ensuring effective protection when exposed to water or excessive sweating.
• Lightweight texture easily absorbed into the skin without feeling greasy or sticky.
• Free from fragrances or alcohol, minimizing the risk of skin irritation. 

Cell Fusion C Derma Relief Sunscreen 100 - Pure Physical Sunscreen for Pregnant Women from South Korea 

Cell Fusion C Derma Relief Sunscreen 100 is a pure physical sunscreen from South Korea. It is a popular choice in the market due to its safety, ensuring no irritation even for sensitive skin, including pregnant women's skin. 

Key Advantages:

• Utilizes physical sunscreen ingredients to create a protective layer on the skin, reflecting and scattering sunlight.
• SPF 100 protection level, offering the highest degree of protection.
• Designed to be gentle, suitable for sensitive skin, and capable of soothing irritated skin.
• Protects the skin from other harmful effects such as environmental pollution. 

Image Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF30+ - Sunscreen for Pregnant Women 

Image Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF30+ is a sunscreen product specially designed for pregnant women. Thanks to its gentle and safe formula, expectant mothers can comfortably use it throughout their pregnancy without worrying about irritation.

Key Advantages:

• Protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
• The product contains a matte and oil-control formula, helping to manage oiliness and shine on the skin.
• This sunscreen also contains antioxidant ingredients, helping to protect the skin from the effects of free radicals and other environmental factors.

Cancer Council Kids SPF50+ Sunscreen for Expectant Mothers and Children

Cancer Council Kids SPF50+ is a sunscreen line specifically designed for children. Thanks to its safe formula and effective sun protection capabilities, this product is also recommended for expectant mothers.

Key Advantages:

• The product has an SPF50+ rating, ensuring powerful protection against UVB rays.
• Prevents the negative effects of sunlight on the skin.
• Has a gentle formula that does not cause irritation.
• Helps protect the skin from serious effects, including the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and the risk of skin cancer.

Innisfree Intensive Long Lasting Sunscreen Ex 50ml

Innisfree Intensive Long Lasting Sunscreen Ex 50ml is one of the increasingly popular sunscreen options for expectant mothers. The product is affordably priced and contains gentle ingredients, suitable for various skin types.

Key Advantages:

• Prevent harmful effects from sunlight, including sunburn, skin damage, and aging caused by UV rays.
• Lightweight texture, easily absorbed into the skin, non-greasy.
• Maintain effective sun protection for extended periods.
• Provide nutrients and moisturize the skin, helping to soothe and care for the skin.

Bioderma Photoderm Kid Lait Sunscreen for Expectant Mothers

When it comes to safe sunscreen options for expectant mothers, Bioderma Photoderm Kid Lait cannot be overlooked. The product boasts high tolerance and is manufactured by the reputable French brand Bioderma, making it increasingly popular.

Notable advantages:

• Features a high SPF, offering protection against UVB rays.
• Designed with a gentle formula that does not irritate the skin.
• Excellent water resistance capability, maintaining sun protection effectiveness even when exposed to water.

Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream for Expectant Mothers

Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream is manufactured by Some By Mi, a renowned natural skincare brand based in South Korea. With its gentle design and fast absorption into the skin, it does not cause irritation to the sensitive skin of expectant mothers, making it highly recommended for this demographic.

Key advantages:

• The product contains Truecica ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin, providing comfort when exposed to sunlight.
• Contains mineral components such as oxytitanium and zinc oxide.
• Suitable for sensitive skin due to its soothing properties.

Discover Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen, a must-have for expecting mothers.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen offers specialized mineral sun protection for children and moms-to-be with sensitive skin.

Key Advantages:

• Effectively resists water.
• Formulated without harsh chemicals like oxybenzone or avobenzone, reducing the risk of skin irritation and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic formula minimizes skin reactions.
• Gently soothes and effectively protects the skin with its light formula.

Introducing Clarins UV Plus Physical Sunscreen

Clarins UV Plus Physical Sunscreen is a safe and suitable choice for expecting mothers. Certified for its high benignity, it minimizes the risk of allergies and skin sensitivities during use.

Key Highlights:

Prominent Advantages:

• Effectively shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, green tea extract, and aloe vera juice to maintain skin radiance.
• Free from fragrances, parabens, silicones, and other irritating substances.

Cancer Council Face Day Moisturizer Sunscreen 

Cancer Council Face Day Moisturizer Sunscreen is a sunscreen product manufactured by Cancer Council. It is a charitable organization in Australia aimed at raising awareness about skin cancer and providing quality sunscreen products.

Prominent Advantages:

• Offers long-lasting sun protection.
• Has soothing and moisturizing properties for the skin.
• Its gentle lightweight texture provides all-day comfort.
• Effectively prevents skin cancer caused by UV radiation.

Obagi SuzanMD Sunscreen for Expecting Mothers 

SuzanObagiMD Physical Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen is a suitable choice for the sensitive skin of expectant mothers. Thanks to its exclusive patented formula, the product effectively protects the skin from the impact of sunlight.

Prominent Advantages:

• Utilizes inorganic sunscreen filters to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
• Provides powerful antioxidants to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals on the skin.
• Comprises a gentle ingredient list, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic.

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin SPF 30+ 

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin SPF 30+ is highly recommended by many dermatologists for expectant mothers. The product boasts numerous notable benefits, especially its high sun protection capabilities over an extended period.

Prominent Advantages:

• Free from skin-irritating ingredients.
• Helps prevent sunburn and skin damage caused by UVB rays.
• Oil-free formula to avoid greasy skin and pore clogging.
• Special design with Smart Bottle technology, changing color upon sunlight exposure.

Earth Mama Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 40

Earth Mama Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 40 is a sunscreen designed specifically for children and expectant mothers. With a safe ingredient list consisting only of natural nutrients, the product effectively combats the impact of UV rays without causing skin erosion.

Prominent Advantages: 

• The product is designed in a stick format, easy to use and convenient to carry around.
• Free from strong fragrances, helping to avoid skin irritation.
• Contains natural mineral ingredients to create a protective barrier on the skin, guarding against the effects of UVA and UVB rays.

Proper Use of Sunscreen for Expecting Mothers

When applying sunscreen for expectant mothers, follow these steps to ensure safety and effectiveness:

Use an adequate amount of sunscreen to protect the skin effectively.

Ensure even application and gentle massage for the sunscreen to absorb into the skin.