Many commercial sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals, including endocrine disruptors, which may contribute to free radical production and other health concerns. Studies have even noted a rise in skin cancer rates alongside increased sunscreen use. Even some 'natural' brands include questionable additives.
Fortunately, you can make your own 100% natural sunscreen at home with simple, safe ingredients. As someone who's crafted natural skincare for my family for years, I've found this recipe reliable and gentle.
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread today, linked to serious issues like aggressive breast cancers, pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth), and more. While society urges us to shun the sun to prevent skin cancer, moderate exposure is key—our bodies need it to produce vitamin D naturally.
Factors like high omega-6 vegetable oils can also harm skin health. I take a balanced approach: daily sun for my kids and me, enough for vitamin D but stopping short of burns. Hats, shirts, or staying indoors work best as natural barriers most days.
Modern indoor lifestyles make sun time scarce anyway. For beach days or extended exposure, I turn to this homemade sunscreen. It's perfect for sensitive skin, children, those on photosensitizing meds, or fair complexions prone to burns.
This lotion softens skin and smells divine, but remember: prioritize sun for vitamin D benefits. Use sparingly.
- 12 cl sweet almond oil or olive oil
- 6 cl coconut oil
- 15 g beeswax
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder (avoids skin absorption; wear a mask to prevent inhalation)
- Optional: 1 tsp raspberry seed oil
- Optional: 1 tsp carrot seed oil
- Optional: 1 tsp vitamin E oil
- Optional: 2 tsp shea butter
- Optional: Essential oils, vanilla extract, or other natural scents
1. Prepare a 50 cl glass jar.
2. Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide.
3. Heat jar in a double boiler over medium heat.
4. Ingredients will melt as water heats.
5. Shake occasionally to blend.
6. Once melted, stir in zinc oxide.
7. Pour into storage container (small jar ideal; too thick for sprays).
8. Shake while cooling to distribute zinc oxide.
9. Apply like regular lotion; lasts up to 6 months.
- Partially water-resistant: Reapply after swimming or sweating.
- Never inhale zinc oxide; use a mask.
- SPF around 15; add more zinc for higher protection.
- Adjust beeswax for thickness.
- Scent with coconut oil, vanilla, or lavender essential oil.
- Store in cool, dry place or fridge.
I prefer a firmer version with extra coconut oil for easy jar application. Skip zinc oxide for a nourishing body lotion.
Key ingredients offer natural UV protection (unlab-tested exact SPF varies by ratios):
Protection Estimates:
- Sweet almond oil: SPF 5
- Coconut oil: SPF 4-6
- Zinc oxide: SPF 2-20 (dose-dependent)
- Raspberry seed oil: SPF 25-50
- Carrot seed oil: SPF 35-40
- Shea butter: SPF 4-6
Basic mixes suit moderate exposure.
Find at organic stores. Recommended:
- Cold-pressed organic sweet almond oil
- Fair trade organic coconut oil
- 100% organic beeswax
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- Raspberry seed oil
- Extra virgin carrot seed oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Organic shea butter
- Vanilla essence
Quick alternatives: Organic Sun Spray Kids SPF 50 or Organic Baby Sun Milk SPF 50.
Share your recipes in comments!
