Chemical Sunscreens
Quick answer
Chemical sunscreens, including ingredients like avobenzone and octinoxate, are best avoided during pregnancy due to potential endocrine-disrupting concerns. It's a gentle nudge to opt for mineral sunscreens instead to keep your skin protected. Remember, SafeMom is for informational purposes only.
INCI name
Chemical Sunscreens
Also known as
avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate
What is Chemical Sunscreens?
Due to potential endocrine-disrupting concerns, it’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens during pregnancy and choose mineral options instead.
What are Chemical Sunscreens?
When you reach for a sunscreen, you’ll generally find two main types: mineral and chemical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into your skin and then absorbing UV rays, converting them into heat, and releasing that heat from the skin. Common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octisalate. These ingredients are often combined to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Unlike mineral sunscreens, which create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays, chemical sunscreens are designed to be absorbed. This absorption is what allows them to feel lighter and often blend more seamlessly into the skin without a white cast, making them a popular choice for everyday wear and under makeup.
Why Pregnant Women Ask About Chemical Sunscreens
Protecting your skin from the sun is always a good idea, and it’s especially important during pregnancy when hormonal changes can make your skin more susceptible to issues like melasma (often called the “mask of pregnancy”). With so many skincare products to consider, it’s natural to wonder about the ingredients in your daily sunscreen, especially since some are absorbed into the body.
As a derm-savvy big sister, we know you’re keen to make informed choices for both your wellbeing and your baby’s. The concern often stems from the fact that certain chemical UV filters can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to questions about their potential effects during such a sensitive time.
What Research and Expert Consensus Say
Regarding chemical sunscreens, the consensus leans towards caution during pregnancy. Several chemical UV filters have shown potential for endocrine-disrupting activity. This means they might interact with your body’s hormone system, which plays a crucial role in development.
While research is ongoing and the full implications are still being explored, the general recommendation is to err on the side of caution. Because of these potential concerns, many experts suggest opting for mineral sunscreens during pregnancy as a proactive choice. It’s all about making choices that offer you peace of mind and align with a gentle approach during this special time.
Safer Alternatives to Use Instead
The good news is that you absolutely don’t have to skip sun protection during pregnancy! Mineral sunscreens are your go-to alternative. These sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. They work by sitting on top of your skin to create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away, rather than absorbing them.
Mineral sunscreens are generally considered excellent choices during pregnancy because their active ingredients are not absorbed into the bloodstream. They offer broad-spectrum protection and are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin, which can be a bonus during pregnancy. Look for products labeled “mineral,” “physical,” or containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
How SafeMom Can Help
Navigating ingredient lists can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re trying to keep things simple and safe during pregnancy. That’s where SafeMom comes in handy! Our app is designed to help you quickly check the pregnancy-safety status of your favorite skincare products.
Just scan any specific product in the SafeMom app for a complete pregnancy-safety check, and we’ll help you understand what’s in your beauty routine with clear, reassuring guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are chemical sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens contain organic (carbon-based) compounds like avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octisalate. They work by absorbing UV radiation as it hits the skin, converting it into heat, and then releasing that heat.
Why is there a concern about chemical sunscreens during pregnancy?
The primary concern stems from the potential for some chemical UV filters to be absorbed into the bloodstream and act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they might interfere with your body’s natural hormone systems. While research is ongoing, it’s a reason to choose alternatives.
Are all sunscreens considered “chemical”?
No, there are two main types: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays, making them generally preferred during pregnancy.
What should I look for in a pregnancy-safe sunscreen?
Look for sunscreens that are labeled “mineral” or “physical” and list zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. These provide effective sun protection without being absorbed into your body.
SafeMom content is informational only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your routine during pregnancy. Scan any specific product in the SafeMom app for a complete pregnancy-safety check.
Related SafeMom Ingredient Guides
Trimester-specific note
The potential concerns regarding chemical sunscreens are generally considered relevant throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. Therefore, it's best to avoid them from conception to postpartum.
When to talk to your OB
If you used a product containing Chemical Sunscreens before learning you were pregnant, mention it at your next prenatal visit — but most topical cosmetic exposures are not a cause for panic. For prescription exposures or specific concerns, contact your OB or midwife directly.