Understanding SPF Safety in Pregnancy and Childhood: Why We Formulated Our Face & Body SPF 50 Differently

When it comes to sun protection, choosing the right SPF matters, especially when you’re pregnant or caring for young children. Your skin (and theirs) deserves protection that’s not only effective, but safe. That’s exactly why we created Mother SPF Face & Body SPF 50.

Let’s unpack the science and standards behind what makes a sunscreen truly safe, and how Mother SPF meets those benchmarks.

Why Pregnancy Requires a Closer Look at Sunscreen

During pregnancy, your skin becomes more sensitive, and your body becomes more vulnerable to certain chemicals. Many mainstream sunscreens contain chemical UV filters, like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, or homosalate, that can disrupt hormone function or penetrate the skin barrier.

Several of these filters have been flagged in recent studies for potential risks, particularly in pregnancy. For example:

• Oxybenzone has been linked to hormonal disruption and potential developmental concerns.
  

• Avobenzone can degrade in sunlight and is often stabilised with other chemical ingredients that aren’t well studied in pregnancy.

These concerns aren’t just theoretical, they’ve prompted many dermatologists and paediatric health experts to recommend mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) as the safer alternative.

 What Makes a Sunscreen “Safe”?

A pregnancy- and child-safe sunscreen should be:

• Free from chemical UV filters

• Free from fragrance and essential oils (which can sensitise skin)

• Made with well-researched, stable ingredients

• Dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin
  

And above all, broad spectrum, to protect against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.

Why Mother SPF Face & Body SPF 50 Ticks Every Box

Our formulation was developed over six years, using eco-certified, non-nano zinc oxide as the sole active ingredient. Here's why that matters:

Non-nano Zinc Oxide = Physical Protection

Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that sits on the skin and reflects the sun’s rays, rather than being absorbed into the body. The “non-nano” part means the particles are large enough to avoid entering the bloodstream, something that’s especially important during pregnancy and for growing bodies.

Sensitive Skin? You’re Covered.

We’ve formulated it with jojoba oil (to balance sebum) and tapioca starch (to reduce shine), so it’s suitable for hormonal or acne-prone skin, too. It blends easily, doesn’t clog pores, and is completely free of synthetic fragrance, essential oils, and known irritants.

A quick comparison between Chemical and Mineral SPF

Everyday Use for Every Body

Our Face & Body SPF 50 is designed for:

• Daily protection from harmful UV rays

• Use across all skin types and tones

• Whole-family use, including mums-to-be, toddlers, and teens

• Hot weather, cold weather, and in-between

Whether you're navigating pregnancy skin or protecting a wriggly toddler at the beach, you shouldn’t have to compromise on safety or feel unsure about your sunscreen.

Final Thought: Peace of Mind, in a Bottle

At Mother SPF, we believe the products you use on your skin should support your health, not compromise it. That’s why we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.

Mother SPF Face & Body SPF 50
✔ Backed by science
✔ Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
✔ Kid-friendly
✔ Toxin-free and reef-safe

Because protecting your skin shouldn’t come at a cost to your health, or theirs.