It’s finally that time of year when we need to start thinking about skin protection! Looking tanned may be in, but we can guarantee that looking like a lobster is not. We’ve tried out some homemade sunscreen recipes and have found this one by Wellness Mama to be our favorite.
Most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients or endocrine disrupting chemicals that in many cases may actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body. In fact, in the years since sunscreen use began, skin cancer rates have actually risen, and a 2007 document from the FDA stated that: “The FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer.” In fact, many reports show that most sunscreens actually raise skin cancer risk.
As a result, we have been on a search for the best homemade and pre-made versions! Thanks to a lot of research, we think we’ve found it!
Homemade Sunscreen
½ cup almond or olive oil
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup beeswax
2 Tablespoons non-nano Zinc Oxide (Be careful not to inhale the powder)
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter
Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup beeswax
2 Tablespoons non-nano Zinc Oxide (Be careful not to inhale the powder)
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil
Optional: up to 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter
Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference
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Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar.
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Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
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Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
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As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
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Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
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Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
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Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months.
Additional Notes:
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This sunscreen is somewhat, but not completely, waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming.
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Make sure not to inhale the Zinc Oxide- use a mask if necessary!
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This recipe has an SPF of about 15, though adding more Zinc Oxide will increase the SPF.
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Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen.
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We recommend coconut or vanilla extract or lavender essential oils for fragrance.
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Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
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Store in a small canning jar and apply like a body butter. It will be thicker, especially if you use coconut oil in the recipe.
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Remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes an excellent lotion recipe!
Pre-Made Natural Sunscreens
Not in the mood to make your own? Or in need of a quick fix?
Here are some great pre-made sunscreen options for those who don’t have the time or desire to make a homemade version:
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Badger Organic SPF 35
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Badger Organic Baby Sunscreen SPF 30
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Badger Organic Kids Sunscreen Tangerine and Vanilla SPF 30
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Badger Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30