Sunscreen is widely considered safe to use during pregnancy, and health authorities encourage sun protection. If you'd prefer extra caution, mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin and are a common first choice. This reflects guidance from bodies like the AAD, NHS, and FDA.
Sunscreen protects skin from UV rays that cause burning, ageing, and skin cancer. There are two broad types. Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on the skin's surface and block UV. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as avobenzone or oxybenzone that absorb UV, and a small amount can absorb into the body.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends daily sun protection for everyone, including pregnant people, and does not warn against sunscreen in pregnancy. Sun protection matters more in pregnancy because hormonal changes can trigger melasma (dark patches), and UV makes it worse. The NHS advises staying safe in the sun and protecting skin, and mineral sunscreens are barely absorbed, which is why many clinicians suggest them if you want to be cautious.
The FDA has asked for more safety data on some chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone, because they can be absorbed into the bloodstream; the FDA notes this does not mean they are unsafe, only that more study is warranted. If you'd rather avoid that uncertainty, choose a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (SPF 30 or higher). Pair it with shade, hats, and protective clothing, which the CDC and AAD recommend alongside sunscreen.