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Natural Sunscreen Recipe




Yum

June 8, 2016 by Andrea Fabry 11 Comments

Many sunscreen products contain potentially harmful ingredients, including oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. Why not avoid the chemicals and ingredients and make your own?

Protect yourself from too much sun naturally. Try this DIY chemical-free and nano-free sunscreen recipe!

The Benefit of Non-nano Zinc Oxide

Sunscreens typically block UVB rays but not UVA rays. The UVA rays are responsible for the majority of skin problems due to overexposure. For this reason, a sunscreen with a mineral such as zinc oxide is recommended as it offers UVA protection. Be sure to choose non-nano zinc oxide to avoid health complications that can arise from manipulation of materials at the microscopic level. You’ll know if the zinc oxide is non-nano if it remains white on the skin. Nano zinc oxide becomes translucent when applied. (See Nanoparticles in Baby Formula.)

Sources of Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

  • Amazon
  • Bulk Apothecary

It’s also important to note that a higher SPF (sun protection factor) does not guarantee added protection. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 block up to 93 percent of incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. Keep in mind that SPF does not take into account UVA rays.

(If you prefer to purchase your sunscreen, check out EWG’s 2016 Sunscreen Guide.)

Natural Sunscreen Recipe

The following natural sunscreen recipe uses coconut oil and olive oil. A 2010 study found them to have the highest SPF value. Castor oil and almond oil scored well also. (See In Vitro Sun Protection Factor Determination of Herbal Oils Used in Cosmetics.) *Note: I do not know the exact SPF of this recipe, but with non-nano zinc oxide it should be quite good.

Also, the study found peppermint essential oil and tulsi essential oil to have the highest SPF for volatile oils. Lavender essential oil came in close behind.

  • 2.5 oz. coconut oil
  • 1.5 oz. olive oil
  • .5 oz. beeswax
  • 4 oz. filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural preservative (I prefer Leucidal Liquid Radish Root)
  • 6 drops peppermint essential oil (optional: lavender essential oil or tulsi essential oil)

Melt the oils and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat. Remove from heat, add water, and mix with a stick blender until creamy. Add zinc oxide and stir.

Pour into glass jar(s). I use Miron violet glass as a preserving agent. (Learn more about Miron violet glass.)

Clean utensils immediately. Apply as needed.

For added benefit, mix in 1-2 capsules of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is produced by microalgae and provides a natural sunscreen when eaten by fish such as pink salmon and shrimp.

While direct sun exposure without sunscreen can do wonders for your health, it’s always wise to limit your sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and stick with natural sunscreens. While I am careful about my direct sun exposure, I no longer wear sunglasses, to ensure plenty of access to natural light. (See Health Benefits of Natural Light.)

Natural Sunscreen Recipe
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Ingredients

  • 2.5 oz. coconut oil
  • 1.5 oz. olive oil
  • .5 oz. beeswax
  • 4 oz. filtered water
  • 2 tablespoons zinc oxide
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural preservative such as vitamin E or Leucidal Liquid Radish Root
  • 6 drops peppermint essential oil (optional: lavender essential oil or tulsi essential oil)

Instructions

  1. Melt the oils and beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat.
  2. Remove from heat, add water, and mix with a stick blender until creamy.
  3. Add zinc oxide and stir.
  4. Clean utensils immediately.
  5. Apply as needed.
6.6.15
https://it-takes-time.com/2016/06/08/natural-sunscreen-recipe-2/

Prefer to buy this natural sunscreen? You’ll find it at Just So Natural Products!

Filed Under: Beauty, DIY, Natural Living Tagged With: blocks, chemical-free, Environmental Working Group, nanoparticles, natural, non-nano, non-nano zinc oxide, nontoxic, oils, oxide, protection, rays, recipe, spf, sunscreen, sunscreens, uva, zinc

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Comments

  1. kristen says

    June 8, 2016 at 6:58 am

    What is the added benefit of having essential oil included? Wondering about a lid safe version of tthis for littles (specifically a 3 and 1 yr old). Love your posts!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      June 8, 2016 at 7:49 am

      Hi Kristen. I’m not sure what you mean by lid-safe. Peppermint essential oil is cooling and offers some protective properties. For kids, lavender may be better.

      Reply
  2. Shanna Corum says

    June 8, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Are you selling this on JUST So? I so want this but do not want to make it myself. Just like my shea cream.
    This is great Andrea!

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      June 8, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      Yes, I just listed it, Shanna! http://justso.co/product/organic-sunscreen/

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 17, 2016 at 8:11 pm

        Do you ship to Canada?

        Reply
        • Andrea Fabry says

          September 19, 2016 at 8:49 am

          Shipping is extra, but yes we do ship to Canada.

          Reply
  3. Jean says

    June 22, 2016 at 11:04 pm

    After researching the Vitamin E oil, so many variables out there. Which is best brand/type to use? Also read the alternative you suggested is Leucidal Liquid Raddish Root. Someone mentioned that it didn’t work that great so really interested in the Vitamin E oil.

    Reply
    • Andrea Fabry says

      June 23, 2016 at 6:36 am

      I like the vitamin E from Mountain Rose Herbs, but I’m sure there are other good sources.

      Reply
  4. Ana says

    July 29, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Is there a list somewhere on how much uvA (PF+, PF++, PF+++) you get with different zinc oxide percentages? For example, an SPF 15 with 3% zinc oxide offers how much PF (UVA) protection? Thank you.

    Reply
  5. Pam says

    July 30, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    I’ve used this for the last couple years and I love it ..

    Reply

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  1. 5 Natural Sunscreen Recipes with Essential Oils says:
    June 30, 2016 at 6:52 pm

    […] recipe for Natural Sunscreen was written by Andrea at It Takes Time. This recipe really caught my eye as it is the first […]

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MEET ANDREA

I am a certified Building Biology Advocate, a former journalist, mother of nine, and avid CrossFitter who likes to think outside the box. After our family's health crisis in 2008, I learned to ask questions about what's in our food, our water, and our air. I hope to empower you as you seek to live safely in a complex world. Thankfully, small steps lead to big changes. Let's travel this road together, one step at a time.

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