Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen

When you’re pregnant, you’re responsible for caring for not only your health but for your growing baby’s, as well—that includes protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays and other environmental factors. However, it’s not as simple as applying any sunscreen you grab off the shelf. If you’re expecting, it’s especially important to use a sunscreen safe for pregnancy. 

When you’re pregnant, your body undergoes many changes, some of which can impact how the sun affects your skin. This is because hormones drastically increase while pregnant, and these hormones can cause changes within your skin. These hormones make the pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, more reactive to the sun. Your reaction to the sun can cause chloasma, a condition that produces dark brown patches on the skin.

In addition to hyperpigmentation, these hormones can also affect the sensitivity of your skin. The skin on your stomach tends to become thinner during pregnancy, which can increase your risk of experiencing sunburns and other cellular damage. In some cases, this can extend past the pain of the sunburn and put your baby’s health at risk. If you’re expecting, don’t step out of the house without a sunscreen safe for pregnancy to help protect you and your baby.

As with many other products, not all sunscreens are safe to use while pregnant. The concern regarding pregnant sunscreen usage is that certain ingredients may be harmful to the baby once they absorb through skin and enter the bloodstream. However, these concerns don’t mean you should just forgo SPF applications when going out in the sun, which can have a lasting negative impact on your health.

Instead, you need to choose your sunblock* wisely. Fortunately, there are some pregnancy sunscreens that are designed to be safe for use. To determine which sunblocks* you can and can’t use, it’s important to know what to look out for, starting with ingredients.

Not all sunscreens are created equal, and some contain chemicals that can harm you and your baby. Without a proper pregnancy sunscreen, you may be at risk. While it might seem like the sunscreen is only touching the outer layer of skin, many chemicals can actually enter the bloodstream through the skin and interfere with the child’s development or cause skin irritation. If you’re expecting, avoid products that contain these ingredients

• Camphor

• Homosalate

• Octocrylene

• Oxybenzone

• Para-aminobenzoic acid

It can also be tempting to use self-tanning products, which you might think would be a better alternative to spending time out in the sun to get a summer glow. However, if you’re using a tanning product that contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), you may be putting your baby at risk.

When it comes to using any skincare product during pregnancy, an abundance of caution is the best approach. The more you know about the potential risks, the better prepared you will be to make decisions that protect both you and your baby, whether that’s how you spend time out in the sun or what you consume. Before applying any sunblock*, do your research to find out which sunscreen is safe for pregnancy. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe sunscreen options that can help keep you protected over the next nine months. There are several key guidelines to keep in mind when shopping for sunscreen for pregnancy: 

1. Avoid harsh chemical-based formulas. Instead, use a mineral-based sunscreen. 

2. Don’t use spray-on sunblock* which can expose you to carcinogens. Instead, use a liquid or powder sunscreen formula that you can apply by hand or with a brush. 

3. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. 

4. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF between 30 and 50. While it might seem like the higher the SPF, the better, the key is using sunscreen as directed to get the best protection. 

Colorescience is dedicated to helping our customers protect the health of their skin which is why we offer sunblock* for pregnancy that meets all of these qualifications. For example, our popular powder sunscreen with SPF 50 contains natural minerals that protect the skin without causing irritation—making it a great option for those experiencing skin sensitivity while pregnant. 

The minerals in our pregnancy-safe face sunscreen powder are also non-comedogenic, so they provide protection without clogging your pores. Our healthy, chemical-free sunscreen is good for skin and promotes your radiant glow from the inside-out, whether you’re expecting or not.

Of course. After your child is born, their health will remain one of your top concerns—especially when it comes to protecting them from the dangers of sun exposure. That’s why Colorescience offers baby sunscreen to keep sensitive skin safe. Your infant’s delicate skin is especially susceptible to sun damage, so it’s important to protect them using gentle skincare products.

Our safe powder sunblock* for babies and children will shield their delicate skin from the sun and minimize the risk of burns and irritation. After you apply your pregnancy-safe sunscreen, protect the whole family and apply a layer of our safe kid’s sunscreen every two hours to prevent harmful burns, rashes, itching, and peeling.

While you might be taking extra precautions while pregnant, that doesn’t mean you can’t find safe skincare solutions to keep your skin looking it’s best. As with finding a sunscreen safe for pregnancy, it’s important to avoid harsh chemical ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin. Since Colorescience skincare products are made without harmful ingredients, we have a broad range of safe makeup options for pregnant women. Some of our customer favorites include:

• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50: Our loose mineral SPF is tinted to provide natural-looking coverage and chemical-free sun protection.

• SUNFORGETTABLE^® TOTAL PROTECTION^™ COLOR BALM SPF 50: Use this color balm to add a pop of color to cheeks and lips. 

• Morning Glow Illuminator: Use this pressed mineral powder to brighten your complexion and diffuse imperfections.

• TOTAL EYE^® 3-IN-1 RENEWAL THERAPY SPF 35: This eye serum can help rejuvenate the windows to your soul by improving the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

• Hydrating Cleansing Cloths: Remove your makeup with these hydrating cleansing cloths made for sensitive skin.

With Colorescience, you can safely revamp your routine and protect your skin without any guilt over the next several months and beyond. Our products are designed for easy, on-the-go application that allows you to look your best, no matter the demands of motherhood. Make your skincare pregnancy-safe with our gentle, chemical-free products that you’ll want to continue using well after delivery.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.

Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide sits on the skin's surface and is widely considered a gentle option for pregnant women. It provides broad-spectrum UV protection without chemical filters.

Many healthcare providers suggest avoiding chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene during pregnancy. Mineral formulas skip these ingredients entirely.

Yes. A tinted sunscreen with iron oxides helps block blue light from screens in addition to UV rays. Colorescience offers several tinted mineral options in this collection.

Every two hours when outdoors, or more frequently after swimming or sweating. Brush-on powder formulas can make reapplication quick and easy throughout the day.

+No. Colorescience mineral sunscreen formulas are free from parabens, phthalates, chemical UV filters, and synthetic fragrances.