Making Natural Sunscreen

Sarah Notte
Dec 2, 2017
2 min read

I've been using different natural sunscreens for a few years now. Some are too "zinc-ey" and stain everything and some are very oily. Some I like but are quite expensive.

I understand it needs to be "zinc-ey" to have the effect.... I would put up with it but my hubby Chris, hates it! I find this recipe in between :)

I have tried this on myself and my kids and I am comfortable using it. I choose not to expose my family to the harsh chemicals in sunscreen.

Our skin absorbs so much and I want to eliminate chemicals wherever I can. I use non-nano particle zinc oxide for this reason.

I personally feel that a little sun exposure at the right time of the day is good for us! So many are now vitamin D deficient.

Disclaimer: You're responsible for your own sun safety. Do not use homemade sunscreen unless you're 100% comfortable with it. Always do a skin test. Limit your exposure between 10am-3pm and reapply every 2 hrs.

The key ingredient that provide the sun protection is the zinc oxide powder. Shea butter does also have a small amount of SPF.

The carrier oil, coconut oil and shea butter provide the moisturising benefits for your skin, whilst the beeswax gives it a thicker texture.

I use local and organic ingredients whenever I can.

Once you source the ingredients, its very easy to make. This recipe & ingredients are from The Inspired Little Pot.

Give it a go!

INGREDIENTS:

120g carrier oil - i.e fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond or apricot oil.

60g coconut oil (from the pantry)

25g shea butter

20g beeswax pellets

40g zinc oxide (non nano particles)

40-50 drops of essential oils - I used 10 drops lavender, 10 drops sandalwood, 10 drops helichrysum & 20 drops arborvitae

Glass jar, tin or squeezy bottle.

METHOD:

Melt beeswax in glass jug/bowl in double boiler method or in microwave in short bursts, stopping and stirring frequently.
Once melted, remove from heat and add carrier oil, coconut oil and shea butter and stir until all melted.
Add in zinc oxide and essential oils and stir until well combined.
Pour into jar or bottle, ensuring all zinc is scrape out.
When the sunscreen sets, stir the cream to evenly distribute the zinc oxide.
Store in a cool place whenever possible.

Its a two thumbs from me!! Thanks Krissy!

Notes:

Be careful using zinc oxide.Do not breathe it in. Wear a mask until it is mixed in and no longer loose and floating around.
Pour fast as the sunscreen sets quickly.