Is Avobenzone safe during pregnancy?
Chemical sunscreen filter FDA wants more safety data on. Mineral sunscreen is the dermatologist pick in pregnancy; sun protection still matters.
What the sources say
FDA has asked for more safety data on avobenzone before calling it generally recognized as safe, while stressing this is not a finding that it is unsafe. A 2025 pregnancy photoprotection review lists butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane among organic filters with low systemic absorption that can supplement mineral filters. AAD recommends a zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunscreen during pregnancy. Limit: when possible choose mineral sunscreen; if a chemical sunscreen is what you have, using it is better than burning. No breastfeeding-specific guidance beyond keeping products off the nipple.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
bmdbm, bmdm, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, eusolex 9020, parsol 1789
Sources
- FDA: Questions and Answers: FDA's regulatory actions on over-the-counter sunscreen
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Photoprotection in pregnancy: addressing safety concerns and optimizing skin health (Front Med, 2025)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.