On my quest to use all natural cosmetic products, I knew that sunscreen was going to be a necessary product to make. My skin often gets itchy just from using the store-bought kinds, and it leaves me feeling icky. Not to mention, it is usually polluting a water body. You also want to be on the lookout for the endocrine disruptor, oxybenzone, used in many store bought sunscreens.
Anyways, a few weeks ago I spent all afternoon in the park with my boyfriend and his family. It wasn’t a very hot or super sunny day but I didn’t have any sunscreen on because I hadn’t made any yet. Someone brought out a bottle when we noticed we were getting a little toasty. I read the ingredients label and it had so many bad ingredients that I opted not to use it. Well, sunscreen is tricky isn’t it? Because I ended up with a mild sunburn. So- the choice is- run the risk of skin cancer from the sun, or the list or risks that come from ingredients in harmful cosmetics? It’s definitely a trade off.
Well- there’s no need to decide! Just make your own- it is natural, good for your skin, and it won’t harm your body or the environment! Plus- it is mostly waterproof! What’s not to like?
It costs $7.46 to make 6 oz of this sunscreen. For sunscreen- that’s not a bad price at all!
If you are acne prone, this sunscreen is not non-comedogenic and it could cause you to break out. I also have an acne friendly facial sunscreen recipe that is non-comedogenic.
Before I started making my own cosmetics I had no idea that oils could have natural SPF in them. It makes sense when you think about it. This recipe uses both oils and zinc oxide to achieve a higher SPF level. If you want to learn more about natural sun protection- this is a great article.
So if you leave the zinc oxide out- this recipe will naturally have an SPF of about 20 or so. That is my unprofessional estimate based on the oil SPF ratings.
I like to explain why I use each ingredient in my cosmetics:
- Coconut Oil: Natural SPF of about 2-8, antibacterial, natural moisturizer, full of antioxidants and nutrients your skin needs (you can get it here)
- Almond Oil: Natural SPF of about 5, deep moisturizer, soothes irritation (You can get it here)
- Beeswax: Makes sunscreen waterproof, protects skin against damaging elements, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory (You can get it here)
- Shea Butter: Natural SPF of 3-8, natural moisturizer, good source of vitamins for skin, anti-inflammatory (You can get it here)
- Vitamin E Oil: Antioxidant, natural moisturizer, anti-inflammatory, helps preserve shelf life of sunscreen (You can get it here)
- Red Raspberry Seed Oil/ Carrot Seed Oil: Natural SPF of about 30-40, anti-inflammatory (My favorite essential oils are from Rocky Mountain Oils, and I love their Carrot Seed Oil. You can also get these on amazon here and here.)
- Zinc Oxide: Sun protection (You can get it here)
It’s so easy to make- all you need to do is melt the oils together in a double boiler or a pan placed on top of a pot of boiling water.
They should only take a few minutes and a little bit of stirring to combine.
Ta da! Melted and combined! You are half way there!
Then mix in the zinc oxide and essential oils, and pour into your desired container. It really is that easy. Why doesn’t everyone do this??
This recipe is adapted from Real Food RN:
Homemade Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almond oil
- 2 tbsp-1/4 cup beeswax* (depending on how thick you want it)
- 1-2 tbsp shea butter*
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- 15 drops red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil
- 2 tbsp zinc oxide powder
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil, almond oil, beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E oil in a double boiler until well combined
- Remove from heat and add 15 drops of red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil
- Very carefully add in the zinc oxide, taking care not to breathe any in. You might want to cover your mouth with a cloth if you do not trust yourself to be a careful mixer
- Mix slowly and thoroughly until there are no more powdered clumps of zinc oxide
- Pour into your desired container and let it return to room temperature
- Use as you would any sunscreen of SPF 30-40
*Note: The beeswax and shea butter make the sunscreen thicker- if you want a sunscreen that is easy to squeeze through a bottle you should use the lower amounts, but it may make the sunscreen less waterproof. If waterproof sunscreen is your priority, stick with the larger amounts.
I used this sunscreen on a day at the beach and it passed the test- no sun burn! I wasn’t laying out in the sun- but I was playing in the water and out on a sailboat for several hours. The water didn’t rub it off and I didn’t get burnt. I am a fan. And my skin was moisturized after.
I wouldn’t recommend using this on your face if you are prone to break outs. Don’t worry- I’m not going to leave you high and dry. You can find my recipe for acne-friendly facial sunscreen here.
Try making your own sunscreen and let me know how it goes for you!
Bev says
I cannot wait to try this out! I’m always a bit nervous about all the ingredients in sunscreen and have been on the hunt for a more natural way to protect me from the sun.
M says
Great idea!
Alice says
This looks so good I am going to give it a try. I have just ordered ingredients for this and your face sunscreen also. You mention that you have tried this and no burns, would you consider this to be water resistant? or would you reapply directly after swimming?
Susie says
It’s water resistant but not waterproof. I’ve swam with it on and waited a while to reapply without getting burnt. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry and reapply after you get in the water. That being said, you can tell if it is still on your skin by how it feels and how to water rolls off.
Rob says
Amazing Idea!! I definitely want to try this; but I have a question, I’m a vegan and beeswax is against my code of conduct lol… Any alternatives for a thickner?
Susie says
Beeswax also helps make this waterproof, so you will want to keep that in mind if you change the recipe. You could use soy lecithin or stearic acid instead, but it will be a little less thick. You could also use a different type of wax, like soy wax. I haven’t worked with it personally but it should do the trick.
J says
I bought candelilla wax that’s supposed to be the closest in consistency to beeswax! Yay helping bees :)
Nikki says
I just found your recipe and site – can’t wait to read more! I have a question on the recipe…it calls for almond oil. Is there a possible substitute or can that be left out? My son has a nut/tree nut allergy.
Susie says
You can substitute with jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil…. there are a lot of options!
Nikki says
Excellent, thank you!
Wine Dirt and Flour says
Hi
Can you substitute cocoa butter with the Shea butter?
Susie says
Sure. You can substitute cocoa butter for the amount of shea butter. If you do this, I would use less beeswax because it will be thicker, but will melt more easily on your skin.
Eida McShaw says
Is there any substitute that can be used for the Shea butter. My son has an allergy. Maybe cocoa butter? Thank you
Susie says
You can substitute cocoa butter for the amount of shea butter. If you do this, I would use less beeswax because it will be thicker, but will melt more easily on your skin.
Eida McShaw says
Thank you
Amy says
I’m a fan of DIY recipes, but sunscreen is one that I will not DIY. Sunscreen producers spend tons of money testing to ensure their products are effective. There’s no way to know if your DIY concoction provides any sun protection at all. There are plenty of store bought options these days that don’t include a ton of unnecessary ingredients but have been extensively tested for efficacy.
Cheryl says
how long would this stay good for?
Susie says
Anywhere from one month to several months. If you use essential oils it will last longer.
Christina says
This recipe sounds awesome! I am a fair-skinned red-head and wanted to get some feedback from someone who has used it a few times before trying it out on my sensitive skin. I hope the results are good! :)
cpg says
Hi!!! I was dying to try this recipe and I did make it this morning. Can’t wait to try it later today that the sun is finally out!! One question though, I used the 2 tbsp of zinc and I found it kept settling to the bottom when in container waiting to solidify. i kept mixing and shaking the container to make sure it is properly distributed. Did you have the same issue?
Susie says
For me a little bit settled to the bottom but it mostly mixed well. It might be the type of zinc oxide you are using, but I’m not sure.
Carrie says
Does putting the carrot seed oil in the mixture while it is hot destroy the therapeutic qualities of the oil (like the SPF)? I know we aren’t supposed to let the oils get hot or boil them or anything? Thanks!
Susie says
That is why you add any essential oils after the mixture has been removed from heat. If this really concerns you you can dd the essential oils after the mixture has cooled completely but I don’t know how well it will mix when more solidified.
Reema says
Can we use fractionated coconut oil instead of normal coconut oil in this recipe? Or will adding fractionated coconut oil reduce its spf number?
Susie says
I’m not sure, I’ve never worked with it. It shouldn’t reduce SPF because the zinc oxide and essential oils are what gives this sunscreen the sun protection.
Pauline says
Do you know what the spf would be without the carrot/raspberry oil? And can I just add more zinc?
Thank you!!
Susie says
SPF with zinc oxide can be determined by the percentage of the overall lotion. I’m linking to a chart for you that you can use to determine SPF based on percentage. If you add a lot of zinc oxide, the sunscreen may feel gritty and will not rub in well. I believe SPF 20-25 would be a good estimation without the essential oils in this recipe.
http://modernhippiehousewife.com/2014/04/07/homemade-moisturizing-sunblock-with-zinc-oxide/
Zara says
The only problem I have found with non nano zinc oxide is that the smell is so strong, no matter how many drop of nice aromatic essential oil you use. my next batch will have 2 tsp instead of tbsp. of zinc oxide.
Susie says
Okay, just keep in mind that that will reduce the SPF! I haven’t found that it has a smell- if anything my sunscreen smells slightly coconut-ey.
Annabelle says
Is the raspberry seed oil necessary? Will it still work if I leave out carrot and raspberry?
Thanks!
Susie says
Yes, it will work without it. The zinc oxide is what provides most of the sun protection, the essential oils are more of what I consider a little extra boost.
Britt says
I noticed you have a recipe for face sunscreen and another one for body sunscreen. Can the body sunscreen on my face or is it known to be too greasy or cause break outs?
Susie says
The body sunscreen has a few ingredients that are considered comedogenic, meaning they have a high likelihood to clog pores. Coconut oil in particular is highly comedogenic. But it depends on people’s skin- some people are okay putting coconut oil on their skin without breaking out. So I can’t guarantee the facial sunscreen won’t make you break out, but I designed it with non-comedogenic ingredients only, whereas the body sunscreen has some comedogenic ingredients.
Rachel says
Is this a full spectrum sunscreen or just a sunblock? My son has bad eczema flare ups with almost every sunscreen we have tried. I’m hoping I can use this one, but we need full spectrum. Thanks!
Susie says
Zinc oxide blocks both UVA and UVB rays
Melanie says
Trying to find a sunscreen recipe without coconut oil. Could I sub with anything else? Or maybe use the facial sunscreen recipe as an all over body sunscreen?
Susie says
You can certainly sub coconut oil with a different oil, just keep in mind that it may get a thinner texture. You can definitely use the facial sunscreen as an all over sunscreen- I only call it facial sunscreen because it is designed to not cause breakouts, but you could use it anywhere.
Kayleigh says
I’ve heard people complain of thick pastes that are difficult to spread and leave skin looking white with similar recipes. Does this recipe do that? And is this more of a sunblock (skin doesn’t tan) or a sunscreen (skin can tan)?
Susie says
I haven’t found it to be that way, but you can decrease the beeswax if you want it to easier to spread in. It isn’t as easy as a spray on sunscreen or anything like that, and if you use too much it won’t absorb and will make the skin look white. But if you’re using it correctly there shouldn’t be any problem. I don’t know the difference between a sunblock or sunscreen- zinc oxide blocks both UVA and UVB rays. If you decrease the amount of zinc oxide you’ll get a lower SPF so your skin might be able to get a little color, or it could burn if you’re pale like me. If you don’t want skin to tan at all you just need to apply regularly.
Mae says
Hi. Does this have a smell? I have been trying to find a fragrant free sunscreen as I have to wear it all the time since I had melanoma. I was thinking of making my own, but want something that doesn’t smell so I can wear it anytime.
Susie says
It has a mild coconut smell from the coconut oil. If you don’t use any essential oils it should be fragrance free.
Eida says
Is there an oil with the same SPF as almond oil that can be used for someone with an allergy
Susie says
It can be replaced with avocado oil, olive oil, wheatgerm, or castor oil
Teresa Jones says
Hi Susie, I will be making your sunscreen within the next few days. I’ve read many times Olive Oil can be used… Is this a spacific olive oil… Can olive oil from Costco be used, regular everyday olive oil from a market? When I think of olive oil I automatically think of the olive oil I use to cook with. And the avacado oil, I’ve never heard of it until recently. Excited about this. Thank You
Susie says
Yes! Regular olive oil works fine. I like to use one that is organic and cold pressed, but whatever you have in your kitchen should work. You’d be surprised how many things in your kitchen you can use to make natural beauty products!
Teresa says
Thank you so much!!
Athena says
do the oils promote facial and body hair growth?
Susie says
Not in my experience, but I really don’t know. I can’t see why they would.
Holly says
I burned. 2 hours at the beach (10-12). Not severely but enough to be uncomfortable. Totally bummed! I was so excited about a homemade sunblock.
Susie says
Oh no! So sorry it didn’t give you enough coverage- next time I would reapply more and see if it still works.
Sarah says
In your tutorial how much beeswax did you use?
Susie says
I think the first time I made this I used 1/4 cup of beeswax but found it too thick and have used less subsequently.
Audrey says
On your link to carrot oil, the RMO is a carrot essential oil, and the amazon link is a carrot carrier oil. Which one is the correct one, because these two are different (in price and use)
Susie says
You’ll want to use the essential oil. Sorry for the mistaken link, I will correct it. Thanks.
Mary says
I seen a bug repellent lotion that had a lot of similar ingredients and was wondering if I could add essential oils with bug repellent properties to your recipe or would it mess up the sunscreen? Would it be able to be used as double sunscreen and bug spray?
Susie says
You could add citronella oil and it shouldn’t mess up the sunscreen at all.
AK says
Citronella oil makes you more sun sensitive.
Amanda says
I can’t find powdered zinc oxide only paste. Can that. E used? What percentage should be used? I’ve found 20 to 25%
Susie says
I have no idea if zinc oxide paste would work. I’ve never worked with it or seen it, so I don’t know how it would combine with the other ingredients. Zinc oxide is pretty easy to find online, so I would stick with the original recipe if possible.
Melanie says
I made this last summer (2016). I loved it! Yes, a bit think. But I burn so easily, I needed it. I used Zinc Oxide paste (from an all natural diaper cream) and it worked great.
I’ve kept it in the fridge since the end of summer. Do you think it will still be good now?
Susie says
I would err on the side of caution and guess not, as my official advice. But if it were me, I would try using it at a time I would normally get a slight burn and see if it is still effective. I wouldn’t try it when you’re going to the beach on a sunny day, but just a small test to see if it’s still good.
Rhonda says
Just curious how much this recipe makes? Thanks!
Susie says
About 4 ounces
Anya says
why did you use almond oil instead of jojoba oil in this one? Can I use jojoba oil?
Susie says
You can use jojoba oil, I just used almond because it is less expensive.
Michelle says
After 3 uses, the pyloric keratosis on my 3 y/o daughter’s face cleared up completely! It was an unexpected benefit!
antoinette says
what causes you to look white when putting on sunblock I didn’t use beeswax is it the zinc
Susie says
It is the zinc oxide.
Zeljka says
Ive tried making this but I think I may have put a little more than two tablespoons of zinc oxide so I could t get all of powder clumps to disappear. Do you think that’s still okay or should I remake it? Thanks so much. And thanks for the recipe! :)
Susie says
That should be fine- it might just be a little harder to rub in or make your skin a little white.
Jory Robbins says
Is it possible to make without coconut oil? I have a skin sensitivity to it
Susie says
I have another sunscreen recipe without coconut oil: http://pinsandprocrastination.com/how-to-make-homemade-facial-sunscreen-acne-friendly-and-good-for-your-skin/
jan says
i was wondering if i can not use any beeswax and only the shea butter, it seems buying a pound of beeswax for the block is a bit more then i need and i dont see it in smaller amounts?
Susie says
You can make the sunscreen without beeswax, but without it the sunscreen is not water resistant. If you plan to use it just for everyday use that should be fine, but if you use it when swimming you should reapply it after getting out of the water. You should always test how your skin reacts to the sunscreen on a small patch of skin and reapply frequently as the SPF levels aren’t tested and are just an approximation.
Lady Di says
I bought the beeswax in the pellet form. And although I have not made this recipe yet, I HAVE used the beeswax in LOTION BARS to make them stay in bar shape. So, unless you do not plan to make anything else, I would buy the pellets because they are easy to use.
Chaz says
Zinc oxide is very toxic to the ocean. Not just by going in it with it on but also when you shower so I’d recommend leaving this out
Jena says
Thank you so much for this information. I’m a little confused though. I’m new to the essential oil world in terms of working with them. Your links show carrier and essential oils for the carrot seed oil. Which one am I to use/buy?
Susie says
I apologize if I linked the wrong one. You want to use the carrot seed essential oil which you can find here.
texasgirlfarfromhome says
Will the zinc oxide make the cream white on the skin?
Susie says
It has a slight white cast, but not too much.