Healthy Homemade Sunscreen
As I’m moving from one beach to the next, sunscreen is something that is as important as ever but the idea of slathering on chemicals that are both harmful to both me and the environment isn’t something that appeals to me. As you may already know, I’m a huge fan of simple and functional DIY projects for everything from 2 ingredient lip balms to 3 ingredient face lotion. Both examples are ultra nourishing and all natural. I feel particularly passionate about this when it comes to products that are being applied directly to your person. After all, so much of it can be absorbed into your system.
This is precisely why for my recipe, I chose to use non-nano zinc oxide which is safer as it won’t enter the bloodstream however use caution that you don’t breathe it in while creating this sunblock as it can be damaging in that way. On a side note, did you know that zinc oxide is the only active sunscreen ingredient that is approved by the FDA for infants under six months?
Beeswax stabilizes the sunscreen lotion while shea butter lends a buttery texture to it and the coconut oil helps to emulsify the zinc oxide as does the red raspberry seed oil. Further more, both oils contain a bit of sun protection factor themselves.
Here’s the breakdown {depending on how much is used}:
- Raw Shea Butter: 5 spf
- Unrefined Coconut Oil: 5 spf
- Cold Pressed Red Raspberry Seed Oil: 25-50 spf
- Non Nano Zinc Oxide: 5-20 spf
As an alternative, you could also source carrot seed oil {35-40 spf} and drop in a capsule of vitamin e oil to further blend your homemade sunscreen and add an extra benefit. As is, my recipe yields a sunblock with a spf of 20. For one that is higher, measure out more than 2 oz of zinc oxide to blend in with your lotion.
The method for creating this natural sunscreen is very similar to my other DIY lotion recipes and is just a matter of melting and blending the proper quantity of ingredients. Shea butter, coconut oil and red raspberry seed oil are all very wonderful moisturizers alone and the beeswax and zinc oxide can be used for several more projects. You can alter the consistency of your finished product by adding more oil for a creamier lotion or less for a more balm-like product. It’s best to store in dark or amber glass {I didn’t have any} or empty squeeze bottles and keep in a cool, dark place. If it exceeds 70-75 degrees in your home, I would recommend storing it in the refrigerator. Each batch has lasted me well into 6 months.
- ¼ c beeswax
- ¼ c raw shea butter
- ¼ c unrefined coconut oil
- 2 tb cold pressed red raspberry or carrot seed oil
- 2-3 tb non nano zinc oxide
- Optional: 1 vitamin e capsule
- Melt the beeswax either in a double boiler or heat safe glass in the microwave. Go low and slow and allow the residual heat to melt the remainder of the wax when it’s ¾ of the way melted.
- Stir in the shea butter, coconut oil, red raspberry seed/carrot seed oil, and vitamin e {if using} until when incorporated. It should begin to thicken.
- Vigorously stir in the zinc oxide, taking care not to breathe it in. You can use a mask and work next to an open window.
- Whisk until the mixture cools down and gets thick and creamy.
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Kudos to you for making your own sunscreen, Angela. I shudder when I see people slathering all those harmful ingredients on their bodies.
Thank you so much for sharing…
It’s a non-micronized powder that is used to reflect uva/uvb rays =)
My pleasure, Louise! Since our recent move to the caribbean, it’s been particularly important to maintain natural living even when it comes to sunscreen as we’ve been learning about how conventional sunscreens have been damaging the reef system here
Hi Pretty! Is your sunscreens is SPF 20? If I want to make it 30.. How do I do it? Please help me with the ingredients.. Thank you so much! I would really preciated!
Hello! Can I use this on my face or only body!? And could my son use it too? Thank you! ?
Hi, Nina. As long as you aren’t sensitive to coconut oil, it’s fine to use all over. I’ve been using it everywhere for about 2 years without a problem but I know some people have issues with coconut oil used as a facial cleanser/oil.
Hi, Nina! This varies depending on the types of oil you choose. As is, the recipe yields a 20 spf. For 30, try adding 1-2 tb more into your sunscreen =)
Thank you so much for your quick answer! You mean add 2 more tb of zinc-oxide in to your recipe,right?
? I think I have problems with coconut oils for my face! If so what is oils you could recommend for replace the coconut oils? And Can my son 3 years old use this suncreen recipe too? Thanks a lot my beautiful!
hehe, thanks for pointing that out. Yes, zinc oxide =)
I would start off with 1/2 shea or cacao butters and 1/2 raspberry or carrot oils. This is safe for your little too. My mama friend uses it on her 5 year old all the time {as long as it doesn’t get into his eyes}.
Thank you so much my beautiful! YAY! but what is nano zinc oxide? haha
Thank you so much for your replied. That is really helpful and very kind of you to help me. God will blessed you and your husband and your family have many many good health and happiness! Love you. Thank you again for the answer in advance!
I ve made the natural sunscreen and I really like it but I have found it isn t water resistant, is there any ingredient that could help make it water resistant?
Hello! I live in the caribbean and find it to be very water resistant. I will swim for up to 4 hours before I even have to think about reapplying. The raw shea butter really makes it stick while the zinc oxide is pretty heavy stuff. You can always add in a bit more beeswax to stiffen your lotion or add in more zinc oxide for added protection. It will make your application very thick and white, just to let you know =)
Hi which oil can be used as an replacement to coconut oil when we need apply it on face?
I’ve made this recipe with raspberry seed and carrot seed oils before =)