With spring bursting it’s britches and the temperature on the rise, its time to dust off my diy sunscreen recipe.
I love homemade sunscreens. Not only because I know exactly what is in them, but they also have many other beneficial properties. They are safe for bubbas, super-budget friendly AND fit into my newly-honed Zero Waste way of life.
I purchase my beeswax sticks from a local bee farm.
The butters and oils come in bulk tins which we then use to store our garden and home products. Or you can make a fun play toy out of them, once empty.
Are Chemical Sunscreens Dangerous?
There are loads of articles and studies on the internet relating to the dangers and evils of using chemical sunscreens.
I suggest the best way to decide which form of sun protection is for you is by doing your own research and connecting with your own common sense and inner wisdom. One of the best articles I have read is the EWG’s Hall of Shame – Childrens Sunscreens That Failed The Test.
More info on many other scientific details such as nanoparticles etc is available from the EWG website and a good old Google search.
Alongside using the sunscreen, we boost our nutrition with foods rich in antioxidants (ie: berries) and increase our intake of medium chain fatty acids (ie: coconut oil). This also promotes our body’s natural ability to protect itself from the sun. We also use an Australian bush flower remedy – to prevent dehydration and discourage burning over the hotter months.
Many carrier oils have naturally occuring SPF qualities as well – coconut, jojoba, almond, avocado and hemp.
As always, I choose coconut oil (approx SPF 4) as it is a luxurious base for the rest of the sunscreen ingredients. It also has a MUCH longer shelf life than the others.
There are certain essential oils that are also naturally sun protective – lavender, myrrh, turmeric and roman chamomile. I suggest using just one or two of these when adding essential oils to your base.
With the zinc oxide powder, make sure it is a natural, pure mineral zinc powder. You may need to wear a mask, or at least keep your movements to a minimum when adding the zinc powder as it can get up your nose if you aren’t careful.
There are many recipes for homemade sun protection balms, bars and lotions available. I have tweaked this one and am happy to use it for both body and face.
Also, tinting some to use on my face gives me a light coverage, good sun protection and a boost of anti-aging and healing nutrients all in the one product.
Love it!
Homemade Sunscreen: SPF 20+
Ingredients
3/4 cup Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Beeswax – shaved or pellets
2 Tablespoons Shea Butter
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide Powder
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops roman chamomile essential oil
Method:
Step 1. Place coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter into a heavy based saucepan on a gentle heat.
Step 2. Melt slowly until combined, stirring gently with a wooden spoon. Once melted, remove from heat.
Step 3. Add essential oils and zinc oxide powder – mixing well with a fork or mini-whisk to ensure all is blended smoothly with no lumps.
Step 4. Pour into preferred containers and let set.
Step 5. Store in the fridge or in a cool dry place.
For the tinted version to use on the face – simply add 1/2 teaspoon of a mineral bronzing powder – you may need to adjust to suit your skin colouring.
Enjoy!
