It’s important to practice sun protection when outside, even in cold months. Whether you prefer a lotion, cream, or spray, I’ve got you covered! This DIY is full of great moisturizers and skin healing essential oils. Kids and adults will love this fantastic formula.
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Safety Note About Homemade Sunscreen
Sunscreen at your local big-box store is made with specialized equipment that ensures protection from the sun. Unfortunately, this “safety” comes at a price, and these formulas contain toxic ingredients. Before using this DIY sunscreen recipe, you need to know that home formulations have limits.
We want to equip your family with a great alternative to toxic products. Our options aren’t guaranteed to offer the same protection or specific SPF that you see with professionally formulated products. These recipes are for your personal use only after considering the risks and benefits they may pose.
3 Sunscreen Ingredients You Should Avoid
The FDA recently released safety information about sunscreen, and their research showed that only two of the many chemicals in this product could be classified as safe. (1) Here are some of the dangerous toxins you can find in most sunscreens.
1. Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is a significant hormone disruptor that can wreak havoc on your endocrine system. This chemical has been shown to lower testosterone levels in men and increase the risk of endometriosis in women. The FDA recently released a statement (2) saying that sunscreen ingredients quickly absorb through the skin and stay there for weeks. That’s a lot of time for toxins to destroy your health!
On an environmentally friendly note, many chemicals in sunscreen, including oxybenzone, are horrible for the environment and damage coral reefs.
2. Octinoxate
Octinoxate is one of the leading chemicals companies use as a UV blocker. Like oxybenzone, it damages the environment so much that Hawaii has banned manufacturers (3) from using it! This toxin is also an endocrine disruptor and can affect fertility and thyroid function. (4)
This chemical is easily absorbed in the bloodstream, and it’s been found in breastmilk. It’s crazy how one toxin can affect so many people!
3. Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic fragrance is added to sunscreen to give it that “day at the beach” smell. The worst thing about synthetic fragrance is that a legal loophole keeps consumers in the dark. Anytime a company fears competitors would imitate their secret recipe, they can hide under the FDA’s Fair Packaging and Label Act. (5)
There is such a thing as the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) transparency list, which includes over 4000 ingredients. So, what you see labeled as “fragrance” can be a combination of any of these ingredients. Many of the elements on this list are classified as carcinogens, too. (6) On a surface level, synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritations and allergies. I’ll stick with my essential oils, thank you very much!
Safe & Natural Sunscreen Ingredients
These DIYs are full of fun ingredients, some of which may be new to you! Here’s what each element brings to the table.
Beeswax: Beeswax helps solidify the lotion, and it also gives your skin a more protective barrier. This ingredient helps your sunscreen to last through sweat and water! Beeswax is a natural humectant, so it helps your skin stay supple, even in a heatwave.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is such an excellent moisturizer. I love the instant glow that shea butter gives my skin! Some sunscreens can clog pores, making body acne worse, but shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help eliminate skin issues.
Kokum Butter: This is a firm butter that is amazing for your skin. Kokum butter is full of fatty acids that soften the epidermis. It works great in this recipe because it has a high melting point, so it helps the sunscreen remain on your skin.
Mango Butter: Mango Butter is taken from mango seeds and is rich in vitamins A and E. Studies show (7) that mango is an excellent ingredient for those who want to age gracefully.
Carrier Oil: A great carrier oil is always required when applying essential oils. There are many options: sweet almond, fractionated coconut, jojoba, and argan oil. I recommend using carrot seed oil in sunscreen because it contains natural SPF.
Vitamin E: Many people fear the sun because they don’t want wrinkles. The truth is, your body needs a certain amount of vitamin D to thrive! You can easily fight against photoaging (8) by adding natural ingredients that contain natural protection from the sun. Vitamin E oil is a perfect example of a component that does just that.
Zinc Oxide: Zinc is unique in that it sits on top of the skin and reflects sunlight. (9) In other words, it’s nature’s sunscreen. Zinc oxide has been used for years to heal wounds, and today, you can find it in many diaper rash creams.
Essential Oils: Essential oils add scent and a boost of tremendous health benefits. If you’ve never tried essential oils in your sunscreen, your senses are in for a treat! Here are some of my favorite EOs for sun care.
- Chamomile: Calming to the skin. A great addition if you easily burn in the sun.
- Geranium: Antiseptic, reduces skin irritation, smells fantastic!
- Frankincense: Rejuvenates the skin and promotes cellular healing.
- Helichrysum: Natural antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals.
- Lavender: Anti-inflammatory and can relieve pain. Another great oil to use if you sunburn easily.
- Myrrh: High SPF levels, an excellent addition for those who need extra protection from the sun.
- Peppermint: Cooling on the skin, keeps away bugs!
- Tea Tree: Purifies the skin, natural deodorizer.
All of the above essential oils are great additions to homemade sunscreen. Remember that we should avoid citrus oils in this recipe as they are photosensitizing and can cause you to burn or develop sunspots.
Supplies: To make this recipe, you’ll need a glass jar to use as a double boiler and an empty salve jar or deodorant container for storage.
How to Make a Homemade Sunscreen With Essential Oils
Before you head out the door, take time for a short massage using this sunscreen bar! It’s pampering, smells lovely, and protects from UV rays. Please note that natural body care products, including these homemade sunscreen bars, don’t work like conventional products, and you should always limit full-body sun exposure. If you’re going to be outdoors for much of the day, be sure to wear a hat and clothing!
- ½ cup yellow beeswax*
- ¼ cup virgin (organic) unrefined shea butter
- ⅛ cup organic kokum butter
- ⅛ cup organic mango butter
- ½ cup carrier oil** (I recommend using at least 1 tablespoon of carrot seed oil (natural SPF)
- 2 ounces vitamin E oil
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder (for fair skin add 1 more tablespoon)
- 20 drops essential oils***
- Quart or pint wide mouth mason jar
- Empty deodorant containers or glass salve jars
- This is a thick base that does not melt very quickly. I recommend using a mason jar as your double boiler to avoid permanently ruining any of your best dishes.
- Fill a medium pot with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then turn it down to medium-low.
- Add the beeswax, shea butter, kokum butter, mango butter, carrier oil, and vitamin E oil to the glass jar, then place in the water.
- Stir periodically while the ingredients melt. As soon as all the ingredients are fully melted, take off the heat.
- Let cool for 10 minutes. Before it starts to solidify, add zinc oxide and essential oils. Stir to combine.
- Pour immediately into a glass salve jar or empty deodorant containers. Allow to solidify before using.
- Apply to any exposed skin before going outside.
**No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right for you. You can use any, or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond.
*** These are great essential oils to include in your DIY sunscreen because they promote skin healing:
Chamomile
Geranium
Frankincense
Helichrysum
Lavender
Myrrh
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Step One: Combine Ingredients
This recipe works best with a homemade double boiler. Fill a small pot with 1-2 inches of water, and place on the stove-top over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil. Add the beeswax, shea butter, kokum butter, mango butter, carrier oil, and vitamin E oil to the glass jar, then place in the water. Stir periodically until the ingredients are thoroughly melted.
Step Two: Add Essential Oils
As soon as everything is melted, take off the heat. Let cool for 10 minutes. Before it’s solidified, add zinc and essential oils. Pour into a container. I recommend using an empty deodorant container for easy application.
Apply to exposed skin before going outside.
Homemade Sunscreen Cream Variation
This cream version isn’t as heavy-duty as my sunscreen bar, but it still provides excellent protection from UV rays. Add beeswax to make it waterproof!
- 1 cup carrier oil*
- 2 tablespoons organic shea butter
- 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon beeswax** (optional)
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
- 25 drops essential oils***
- Combine the carrier oil, shea butter, carrot seed oil, vitamin E oil, and beeswax (if using) in a jar.
- Fill a small pot with 2 inches of water over low to medium heat.
- Place the jar in the pot and stir the contents until melted.
- Add the zinc oxide and stir until combined. Remove from heat and add essential oils. Mix well.
- Store in a cool place.
- Apply to any exposed skin before going outside.
*No matter what allergies you may have, there’s a carrier oil that’s right for you. You can use any, or a combination of these: Avocado, Fractionated Coconut, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond.
**If you are allergic to beeswax, try Candelilla Wax or Bayberry Wax
*** These are great essential oils to include in your DIY sunscreen and they promote skin healing:
Chamomile
Geranium
Frankincense
Helichrysum
Lavender
Myrrh
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Step One: Combine Ingredients
Fill a small pot with 1-2 inches of water and place it on the stove-top over low heat. Combine the carrier oil, shea butter, carrot seed oil, vitamin E oil, and beeswax (if using) in a glass jar. Place the jar in the pot and heat until ingredients are melted.
Step Two: Add Zinc Oxide and Essential Oils
Add the zinc oxide and stir well to combine. Remove the jar from heat and stir in the essential oils. Store in a cool place.
Homemade Sunscreen Spray Variation
This recipe is excellent for a day on the go! If you tan easily, this is a good option for you. If you have fairer skin, you’ll want to use our heavier lotion or cream. I recommend storing this spray in the refrigerator.
- ¼ cup organic fresh frozen aloe, or aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil (I recommend using at least 1 tsp. carrot seed oil)
- 10 drops essential oils*
- Add aloe vera gel, carrier oil, and essential oils to the glass spritzer bottle and shake before using.
- Apply to any exposed skin before going outside.
- Be sure to store it in the refrigerator or your cooler if at the beach.
**If you are allergic to beeswax, try Candelilla Wax or Bayberry Wax
*** These are great essential oils to include in your DIY sunscreen and they promote skin healing:
Chamomile
Geranium
Frankincense
Helichrysum
Lavender
Myrrh
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Last, keep in mind that certain citrus oils are photosensitizing and can cause you to burn or develop sunspots. That’s why we avoid them in our sunscreen recipes!
Step One: Add Ingredients to Bottle and Shake
Add the aloe vera gel, carrier oil, and essential oils to a glass spray bottle and gently shake to blend. Be sure to shake before each use!
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20200121/fda-skin-absorbs-dangerous-sunscreen-chemicals
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-announces-results-second-sunscreen-absorption-study
- https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/hawaii-senate-bill-bans-harmful-sunscreen-chemicals-2021-03-09/
- http://europepmc.org/article/med/15458796
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling/trade-secret-ingredients
- https://monographs.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ClassificationsAlphaOrder.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23458392/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789494/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482794/
