Pregnancy Safe Sunscreen: Non-Toxic Options for TTC and Pregnancy

Whether you are trying to conceive, struggling with infertility, or lucky and already pregnancy, you are probably looking for a pregnancy safe sunscreen! Unfortunately some of the chemicals in mainstream sunscreens are linked to fertility issues and safety in pregnancy, so you need to swap to a non-toxic option as soon as possible, especially if you are trying to conceive! I’ll tell you why in this post and I’ll tell you my favorite pregnancy safe sunscreens!

Are there non-toxic sunscreens that are safe for pregnancy and trying to conceive? You betcha!  There are plenty of safe, non-toxic sunscreen options that won’t harm your fertility, your health, or your baby.  I’ll provide you with a list of my favorite, safe brands for pregnancy and fertility.  

Also– getting sunshine is VERY important for your immune system and for fertility– do make sure you do get outside!

Can the chemicals in sunscreen cause infertility?

Unfortunately, many mainstream sunscreens have toxic chemicals that can harm overall health and reduce fertility. The worst ingredient for fertility is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is one of those dangerous endocrine disruptors that has been proven to reduce male fertility, and may also decrease female fertility, cause irregular cycles, and worsen endometriosis.  

Other ingredients that might be present in mainstream sunscreens that are harmful to fertility include Parabens and Phthalates, both of which are endocrine disruptors and are linked to decreased fertility, miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and diminished ovarian reserve.

Be aware that there are other toxic chemicals in mainstream sunscreens that are also bad for overall health. There are also healthy ingredients- like Vitamin A- that are linked to skin cancer. So-no mainstream sunscreens for you or your husband, ladies! But don’t worry, I have plenty of pregnancy safe sunscreen options!

Check out all my posts on how to go more non-toxic for fertility!

Are there non-toxic sunscreens that are safe for pregnancy and fertility?

Absolutely!  Luckily there are plenty of pregnancy safe sunscreen options!  In terms of active ingredients you need to choose a sunblock that uses a mineral barrier of either Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. These provide the best protection from UVA AND UVB ultraviolet radiation making them “broad-spectrum” and they don’t aren’t super toxic like other kinds of active sunscreen ingredients.  

Zinc Oxide is best, as some studies have show some linkage between Titanium Dioxide and cancer. Further, there is some concern that the tiny nano titanium dioxide or zinc oxide particles may penetrate the skin and generate free radicals, that could, conceivably cause cell damage (thus, eventually leading to cancer).  

It’s a bit of a stretch, but still, I will only recommend sunscreens that have micronized zinc oxide or that have non-nano, and non-micronized zinc oxide (which means the particles are even BIGGER) as their active ingredient.  As always I recommend products that have excellent ratings with the Environmental Working Group.  Here is their handy Guide to Sunscreens!

Should I wear sunscreen at all?

Now, when you visit the EWG you’ll learn a dangerous truth- there is no perfect sunscreen.  Additionally, there is no sunscreen that can protect you from all types of sun damage.  Further, for health and fertility you need a daily dose of Vitamin D which you can get from about 10-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure.  So, here’s what it all boils down to:

• Spend 10-20 minutes a day in the sun, without sunscreen, to get your Vitamin D. After that:
• Wear clothes, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.
• Find shade to sit under or go out early or late when the sun isn’t as strong.
• When you find you need to be in direct sunlight for longer than 20 minutes without full clothes covering in the middle of the day- Use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen like those I recommend below.  

We generally only use sunscreen when we are at the pool, beach, hiking, or on a boat, or somewhere else where there is no escape from the sun.  Even then, we always set up an umbrella at the beach!  Otherwise, we only expose ourselves to indirect sunlight.

*This post contains affiliate links which at no cost to you provide me with some small change to help keep this blog running! If you decide to buy something I recommend, please consider clicking through one of my links to help support this blog and my family!  Thank you!

Non-toxic, Non-Nano Mineral Pregnancy Safe Sunscreens

To be on my list the sunscreens must: have non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient; receive a 1 (the best score) on the EWG Sunscreen Guide; and be available to purchase on Amazon.com! Pictures are of my picks for grown-up use!  Only Crunchi and Beautycounter rub in without a white sheen, which is why they are more expensive. 

Crunchi Sunscreens

Crunchi sunscreens are my absolute FIRST choice for me and my children, because not only are the non-GMO ingredients completely safe, with non-nano zinc oxide, but they rub in CLEAR, with no white sheen! I haven’t found any other sunscreen currently on the market that rubs in so well, so I’m willing to spend the extra money! I love their Body Sunscreen the most, but they also have a great Sunlight Facial SPF, a fantastic tinted sunscreen (think tinted moisturizer) and a family bundle to save money! Save money by ordering through my links and getting 10% off your first order of $50+ with code Advocate10, and join the FREE rewards program to earn perks and discounts.

Babo Botanicals Sunscreens

Babo uses non-nano, non-micronized, clear zinc oxide with no preservatives! I’ve never used them before, but they are top-notch in offerings. I’m ordering some for this summer for me and the kids! Some Babo Botanical products have ethoxylated ingredients, such as PEGS, PPGs, or things that end in -eth, but I do not believe their sunscreens have those ingredients.

Kabana Organic Green Screen Sunscreens

Although these are slightly more pricey, they are an incredibly safe brand.  They even add in Vitamin D to some of their sunscreens to make up what you’ll lose from sunscreen protection. With non-nano zinc oxide, and no toxins, you can feel safe with this brand! People do say it is very tough to rub in, however! Some varieties come tinted to it doesn’t looks so white. Available on Amazon. 

ThinkBaby and ThinkSport Sunscreens

A good, clean brand that you can find in stores and on Amazon! Please know that some of their sunscreens contain unidentified “natural fragrance” which you may way to avoid (I would). Some are fine, however.

Beautycounter Sunscreens

I love Beautycounter, now Counter! Right now, they only have Dew Skin, a tinted moisturizer with non-nano zinc oxide, but I anticipate them coming back out with their sunscreen stick and sunscreen lotion soon. Join my Safer Skincare Newsletter to find out how to save money and find deals when shopping Counter (Beautycounter)!

Goddess Garden Sunscreens

Currently Unavailable

I love these!  They use non-nano micronized zinc oxide, score the best rating on the EWG, and, best of all-  it rubs in very easily!  No thick white mess left behind.  We used this last summer and loved it.

Badger Sunscreens

Badger brand items consistently score great scores on the EWG for everything- sunscreen, lotions, chapsticks.  For sunscreens, all their formulations use micronized zinc-oxide, and they get the best rating on the EWG’s Sunscreen Guides- a 1. The only trick is that they apply pretty white and thick, so it will probably not rub in completely.  This is good if you like that white sheen that lets you know you are covered, but no good if it makes you crazy. Please know that they were under investigation in 2022 by the FDA for manufacturing practices. Don’t shoot the messenger people. 

Have another pregnancy-safe sunscreen that you love? Leave a comment and let us know!

How to Check if Your Sunscreen is Safe

There are plenty of other options if you don’t like any of these.  Here’s how to find a safe one:

1. 1. Go the the EWG list of safe sunscreens
2. 1. Open up Amazon.com
3. 1. Click through the EWG list looking for sunscreens that catch your fancy and have a “1” rating.
4. Search on Amazon for the price and read reviews!

Here are some of the safe brands, but always double check the individual product on the EWG website: All Good, All Terrain, Burn Out, CoTZ, Raw Elements, Sunology.

Check out my daily non-toxic beauty routine here!

DIY Homemade Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Now, you can always buy some straight up non-nano zinc oxide and make your own sunscreen at home!  Maybe I’ll do that someday and blog about it, but for now it is just one more DIY item for my to pin on Pinterest!  Honestly, when I started reading the instructions and there was math and a face mask, I thought, I’ll stick with my premade sunscreen, thank you very much!  All the same, here’s a link to a brave blogger who does it: How to Make Non-Toxic Homemade Sunscreen.  

Follow my Toxin Free for Fertility Pinterest board to see all the things I hope to make in the future!