Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Sunscreen? Is Sunscreen safe for nursing mother and child? Does Sunscreen extracts into breast milk? Does Sunscreen has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Sunscreen influence milk supply or can Sunscreen decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Sunscreen lactation summary

Sunscreen usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Sunscreen is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Sunscreen may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Sunscreen may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Sunscreen low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Sunscreen We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Sunscreen usage in lactation

Sunscreens make their action by absorption of UVA and UVB radiation. Most used products are Benzophenones 1, 2 (BP-1, BP-2), p-aminobenzoic acid derivatives (PABA), 3-4 Methylbenzylidene camphor (3-4 MBC), Octyl-methoxy cinnamate (OMC), Salicylates, Avobenzone and Diethyl-phthalate homosalate (HMS). Many synonyms are used by the cosmetic industry to nominate these products. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed and deposited in the skin and can reach important amount into the blood stream. Some compounds have been found among 85% of swiss women tested. Since some of them have shown to have the potential of disruption of the endocrine system that may affect the genital-sexual tract and the hypothalamus-hypophysis-thyroid axis in the infant should be avoided while breastfeeding. Physical sunscreens act as a barrier that reflect all types of sun radiation. Most commonly used are: Zinc oxide (ZnO), Titanium oxide (TiO2) and Calcium or Magnesium carbonates. Physical sunscreens are not absorbed by skin mostly on not-nanoparticle formulation. Because of this, these are considered to be of choice while breastfeeding. Both types of sunscreens, whether chemical or physical, are environmental contaminants of the sea with deleterious effect on Phytoplankton and coral reef. Sunscreens should never be used as substitute of other preventive measures known to be more effective like avoidance of long-lasting sun exposure, higher exposure hours, promotion of wearing of clothes, hats, sun glasses and shadowed shelters. Do not apply it on the breast or cleanse it thoroughly to keep the baby from swallowing. In addition, there is evidence that they may block or inhibit formation of vitamin D3 by skin.

Alternate Drugs for Emollients and Protectives for dermatological use. ATC D02

Aminobenzoic Acid(Low Risk)
Usp Standard & Modified Lanolin(Safe)
Lanolin Ultrapure Medical Grade Usp Modified Lanolin(Safe)
Lactic Acid(Safe)
Urea(Safe)
Zinc Carbonate(Safe)
Zinc Oxide(Safe)
Carbamide(Safe)
Flowers of Zinc(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.