Have you ever wondered what your really applying to your skin, or even worse your children’s skin when you “spray” or rub on over the counter sunscreens? Well I sure have and so last year we made the switch to an all natural sunscreen that didn’t contain the toxic cocktail most sunscreens offer. With switching I noticed a few things…. Number 1- The price was way more expensive than your run of the mil sunscreen and Number 2. The sunscreen was pretty opaque and left a white residue all over our skin. I can get past the latter but the price was really hard for me to swallow, I mean $20 dollars for 87 ml (ouch). So after doing some research about what main ingredients are in the natural sunscreens I decided to make my own. In Nova Scotia the weather has been very summer(y) so I thought no better time than the present to whip up a batch of home-made sunscreen.
I believe that our bodies need some vitamin D, but our skin also needs to be protected during the suns most aggressive times of the day and of the year.
All Natural Sunscreen
1/4 cup of unrefined organic coconut oil
5 tbsp zinc oxide (I bought a no name brand without fragrance and 40% zinc content) * The higher the zinc content the higher the SPF
2 tbsp of grated local beeswax
3 small sections off my Aloe plant (squeezed and added to warmed distilled water)
1/2 cup distilled water
few drops of 100% Vitamin E oil
few drops of unrefined Grapeseed oil
* Heat coconut oil and grated beeswax in a double boiler and melt down completely
Remove from heat and add vitamin E oil
In a small pan warm distilled water and add natural aloe
add Grapeseed oil
blend in 5 tbsp of Zinc to the mixture, I used a mini food processor
let set in fridge for 10 minutes, repeat blending/ refrigeration until reaches desired texture.
Apply and go!
* Store in fridge for longer shelf life, approximately 2-4 months
Sunscreen just applied to cheeks
sunscreen blended:)
Tested on my oh so sweet little lovely who has super sensitive skin and no reactions:) Try it out and let me know what you think. Enjoy the sunshine friends!
I have finally found a simple, all-natural sunscreen! YAY!! I have a few questions though…
What is the grapeseed oil for? Can I leave it out? Can I substitute it for essential oils instead?
Thanks so much! LOVE your post!
Studies suggest that Grape Seed Oil and its Extract constitute anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, anti-aging, anti-allergic, antimicrobial properties. It also absorbs into the skin quickly and isn’t greasy. I am sure you could leave it out if you want to though I just like to add it to any raw skin products I whip up:)
Thank you! We live in Florida and MUST apply sunscreen to even trim the flowers outside. So I have been searching for something natural that will work. I’m going to try this as soon as I can find all the ingredients.
Is this creamy like a lotion or more like a balm?
It’s like a balm when i get it from the fridge but warms to your touch while you apply:)
i’d love to hear if anyone has used this recipe and how the protective qualities are. Thanks!
where do you find your ingredients? Has anyone tried this? I am allergic to most sunscreens and wonder how well this works?
This is SO great, thanks for sharing! I’m curious as to how many ounces this recipe makes?
Exellent post! I do have a question though. Does it clog pores at all on your face? My skin is not the same as it was when I was a little girl.
Thanks for this. I was telling my dermatologist about making my own and she agreed. She said most on the market are full of chemicals and if they don’t have zinc or titanium they are not effective. Thanks. I have had skin cancers and am undergoing more treatment. When I can go outside in the light, I will have this to protect me.
Could Lanolin or something esle be used in the place of beeswax? Just curious about using some of what I have on hand. Excited about trying this!