Since starting down a more natural living path, commercial sunscreen is something I’ve been wanting to replace. Many sunscreens contain endocrine disrupting chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
The mass amounts of sunscreen that wash off people and into the oceans annually are known as swimmer’s pollution. This pollution damages coral reefs and hurts ocean life. Hawaii even banned oxybenzone in 2018 in an effort to protect its reefs.
Sunscreen is also one of the DIY items I’ve been most nervous about making because it’s important that the homemade version still work. Just a search of natural sunscreens brings up loads of articles about the dangers of making your own because you can’t be sure what the final SPF is.
All of this is further complicated by the fact that skin cancer rates are up while we’re becoming increasingly Vitamin D deficient as a population.
As always I recommend doing your own research and coming up with a solution that fits you best. I’m simply sharing what works for me and my family.
Personally, I’ve settled on using hats, cover ups, and staying in the shade when I’m outside for long period of time. Since I’ve found I’m reluctant to use any commercial sunscreens at all, applying my homemade sunscreen at least helps for longer exposures.
While the main benefit to making your own sunscreen is avoiding the chemicals and toxins present in most commercial ones, it’s important to remember the other advantages to homemade personal care products. Other perks include using simple ingredients, spending less money, and cutting out packaging waste.
Basic Homemade Sunscreen
What You Will Need:
- 1/4 cup almond oil
- 1/8 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 1/8 cup beeswax (I use pellets)
- 1 tbsp zinc oxide powder
Why These Ingredients?
Almond oil is a light carrier oil, appropriate for all skin types. It softens and reconditions dry skin while spreading and soaking in easily. It also has a natural SPF of around 5.
Coconut oil has a SPF between 4 and 6. It increases collagen production, moisturizes, and protects skin by creating a layer that traps hydration inside the skin.
Beeswax contains natural emulsifiers to help lock in moisture. Beeswax helps to thicken the sunscreen. It can also heal dry and damaged skin.
Zinc oxide is an uncoated mineral powder that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. The white layer it creates reflects light off the surface of the skin. It should never be applied directly to skin or inhaled!
Zinc oxide has a natural SPF anywhere between 2 to 20 depending on how much is used. It is hard to verify the SPF of homemade sunscreen but general recommendations are:
- For 10 SPF use 10 % zinc oxide powder in the recipe
- For 20 SPF use 20% zinc oxide powder
How to Make Basic Sunscreen:
This recipe makes about a 1/2 cup or 4 ounces of sunscreen.
You need a double boiler for this recipe. I don’t own one and often make do with a large glass measuring cup hooked over the edge of the pot and held above the boiling water or a glass bowl that is slightly too big to fit down inside the pot.
Using the double boiler, begin by melting the unrefined coconut oil and beeswax pellets over simmering water. Stir occasionally to combine.
Once the first two ingredients are liquid, add the almond oil. Mix over low heat until combined.
Carefully remove the bowl or measuring glass from the pot of water.
Allow to cool slightly, just for a minute of two.
Carefully add the tbsp of zinc oxide, stirring to mix it in completely. Avoid breathing in the zinc oxide or having direct contact with skin! You may want to wear a mask or gloves for this step.
Pour the mixture into your storage jar or container.
Mix occasionally as the sunscreen cools to ensure the zinc oxide is evenly incorporated.
Store in a cool dry place.
Apply to skin 10 minutes before sun exposure. Rub into skin thoroughly and reapply often.
Use within 3 to 4 months.
Notes:
This sunscreen is not waterproof so remember to reapply after swimming or sweating.
This recipe makes about a half cup of sunscreen. It can easily be doubled or even quadrupled depending on the amount you need.
Zinc oxide can leave a white ghostly sheen on your skin. I have pretty fair skin so it hasn’t been too obvious on mine. For darker skin, I’ve read you can add some cocoa powder to tint the sunscreen. Try adding 1/2 tsp at a time until the lotion is a good match for your skin tone.
Other Recipes I Use These Ingredients For:
- I use three of these ingredients in my natural belly butter.
- Almond oil and beeswax are also part of my homemade hand butter.
- I use both beeswax and unrefined coconut oil in my DIY lip balm. Unrefined coconut oil is the base for my 3 ingredient deodorant, basic homemade moisturizer and simple beard balm.
Resources:
6 Reasons to Make Your Own Personal Care Products
What personal care products do you make at home? Have you tried a natural sunscreen?
