Homemade Sunscreen: Water-Resistant and Easy to Make

This whipped sunscreen moisturizes skin while protecting it from the sun by using the natural SPF in zinc oxide for a toxin-free sunscreen.

Zinc oxide is a treasure in the cosmetic world for its plethora of uses, from diaper rash cream to providing the main ingredient in natural sunscreens. Used topically, zinc oxide promotes healing while providing a barrier to water. When combined with moisturizing shea butter and coconut oil, it creates a sunscreen that trumps the toxin-laden stuff. Always use uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide. In the natural sunscreen world, this type of zinc is revered as being the best quality to protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

SPF levels in homemade sunscreen can be tricky, but as a rule of thumb zinc oxide should make up 20% of the recipe. If you are fair-skinned, use an extra tablespoon or so to up the sun protection factor. This recipe yields an SPF of around 20, protecting against 93% of the sun’s rays. It is important to note that moderate sun exposure plays an important and healthy role in converting sunlight to vitamin D in the skin. So, spending small amounts of time in the sun is beneficial.

Ingredients can be found online and are often sold in bulk quantities, ensuring you have enough to make a safe and effective sunscreen all summer long. Start by melting coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax using a double-boiler. Beeswax pellets are my favorite form of beeswax to use because they melt down more easily than larger chunks. Beeswax helps make this sunscreen extra water-resistant due to its waxy nature. Still, be sure to reapply sunscreen every hour. Once melted, stir zinc oxide and essential oil into mixture. Cover your mouth and nose to avoid inhaling zinc oxide while incorporating. As a word of caution, do not use citrus oils like tangerine, lemon or bergamot in sunscreens—they create a phototoxic reaction on the skin that mimics a sunburn. Pour liquid into a small jar and secure lid. Store in a dry cool spot for at least 2 hours to allow the mixture to thicken.

Homemade Water-Resistant Sunscreen

Recipe by: Jennafer Ashley

Total Time: 15 Minutes

Preparation time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Serves: 6 Ounces

This whipped, toxin-free sunscreen moisturizes skin while protecting it from the sun with natural SPF.

Tools:

Double boiler

Small jar

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil

 1/4 cup shea butter

 2 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide

 1 tablespoon beeswax

 10 drops essential oil (lavender, vanilla, do NOT use citrus oil)

Instructions:

Using a double boiler, melt coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax together until completely liquid.

Stir in zinc oxide and essential oils, using a mask or shirt to cover mouth and nose.

Pour into a small jar and store in a dry cool spot. Lotion will thicken as it cools.

This article is shared with permission from our friends at PaleoHacks.

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