Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

Homemade Natural Sunscreen Recipe very moisturizing and easy to make Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

Most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients or endocrine disrupting chemicals that in many cases may actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body. In fact, in the years since sunscreen use began, skin cancer rates have actually risen, and a 2007 document from the FDA stated that: “The FDA is not aware of data demonstrating that sunscreen use alone helps prevent skin cancer” In fact, many reports show that most sunscreens actually raise skin cancer risk.

Even natural commercially available sunscreens often have toxic ingredients! Check out your brand here!

Considering many people these days are actually Vitamin D deficient, I consider lack of sun exposure to be a much bigger problem than too much exposure. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many types of cancers including the most deadly types of breast cancer. Lack of Vitamin D has also been linked to problems during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature labor and more.

As a society, we’ve literally cut off our nose to spite our face when it comes to sun exposure. To avoid skin cancer, which is not a particularly deadly cancer, especially if caught early, we’ve shunned the sun and the Vitamin D our bodies produce with sun exposure.

On top of that, sun exposure itself is not conclusively linked to skin cancer, and many other factors, such as Omega-6 Vegetable Oil consumption can have a big impact on skin health!

In most cases, my approach to sun exposure is to get adequate daily exposure, without getting close to the point of burning. Since most of us don’t work outside these days, it actually takes effort to get daily sun, rather than to avoid it.

In the event that I’m going to be out in the sun for much longer than my skin is used to, it is often easy enough to just put on a hat or shirt to shield my skin.

If none of these options are available, for instance, on a day at the beach in early summer before I’ve been in the sun much, I will very occasionally use natural sunscreen. I’m yet to use it this year, and hope not to at all, but I wanted to share my recipe so that if you are in the sun for extended periods of time this summer, you have a natural option.

This would also be a more natural alternative for really young children, those taking medication that increases sun burn risk, or those who burn very easily.

Just to clarify, even though this natural sunscreen smells great and is naturally moisturizing, I don’t recommend using it daily since the Vitamin D you get from the sun will be more beneficial in the long run!

NOTE: This is an improved recipe since many people were having trouble getting the temperatures exactly right to get the lotion to emulsify (as per the comments below). This recipe will not have any of those issues!

Natural Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients:

1/2 cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
1/4 cup beeswax
2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder). This makes a natural SPF of 20+ or more can be added.)
Optional: 1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Optional: 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5)
Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference

Note: All ingredients and many essential oils are available here.

How to Make Natural Sunscreen:

Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives or other foods.
Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months.

Additional Notes:

This sunscreen is somewhat but not completely waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming
Make sure not to inhale the Zinc Oxide- use a mask if necessary!
This recipe has an SPF of about 20, though adding more Zinc Oxide will increase the SPF
Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen
I recommend coconut or vanilla extract or lavender essential oils for fragrance
Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
I prefer to store in a small canning jar and apply like a body butter. It will be thicker, especially if you use coconut oil in the recipe.
remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes an excellent lotion recipe!

An Even Faster Way To Make Sunscreen:

Get a bottle of your favorite lotion (that doesn’t contain citrus oils!)
Add a couple Tablespoons of Zinc Oxide
Mix well
Use as Sunscreen

You can also make Sunscreen Bars by using many of the same ingredients and which are easier to apply!

What do you think? Avid sunscreen user or Vitamin D junkie?

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About Wellness Mama

Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Many of the links on my site, especially those from Amazon, Mountain Rose Herbs, Tropical Traditions and OraWellness are affiliate links. Should you click on these links and decide to purchase anything, I will receive a small commission and you will have my sincere thanks for supporting Wellness Mama!

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

http://www.wildbound.com Sunny

I tend to fall somewhere in between. If we are out all day, I will put on an SPF 60 in the morning. That keeps me from burning all day long. I *might* re-apply after lunch, but usually I forget.

We just went grain free and for the first time in YEARS I didn’t have a PMS migraine! Yesterday it was cold and rainy and my feet weren’t freezing cold all day long. (I don’t know if this is a grain free thing or not but I’ll take it)
Brittenemily

so funny I was just thinking about homemade sunscreen YESTERDAY because I was at my MIL’s house to play in the pool with daddy and baby! we where going to be out all day and while I was slathering us all in sunscreen I could not help but cringe and think “I need to go home and research a natural alternative!” thanks for saving me the trouble!!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I saw my menstrual symptoms disappear too, and definitely don’t get
cold as easily anymore. The most surprising thing though, was that I
actually don’t burn, at all, and tan really well (definitely a first-
I’m Irish) so you might also notice that you have a higher sun
tolerance.
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Shannon Linder

Where do you buy zinc oxide?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I usually just get it on Amazon, though a few natural stores carry
it… might be worth checking your local health food store.
sally

What does the grapefruit extract do? Can’t wait to make this as I’m working outside all summer.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It is not necessary, it just helps preserve it so it lasts longer,
but it isn’t completely needed.
Kristina

Great, I’d love to try this…if I can get myself to shop for the ingredients. I tend to be lazy when it comes to searching for unfamiliar stuff We don’t use much sunscreen, even when we lived in Miami and went to the beach often. We would go at a nice time of day, not stay long, but if we did I would eventually apply a bit of sunscreen. In fact, I am not sure I burned much the two years we were there, and that was before “real foods” came into my life. Bottom line, we just try not to be out too long, but we do enjoy soaking up the sun!

Last year at my daughter’s daycare they wanted to apply sunscreen every time the kids went outside! I did not think that was at all necessary!
Harpreetsingh

isn’t zionc oxide harmful for our skin as it is a chemical
Tailypoe3

So I bought 40% zinc oxide diaper rash paste as thats the best thing that I could find! The inactive ingredients are: BHA, cod liver oil, lanolin, methylparaben, petrolatum, talc, and water. Think its okay to use this by itself? A lot of natural sunscreens are soooo expensive so I really hope that this can work as an alternative!
Bamared61

I am religious about getting sun daily. I go out in the morning and try to get at least 30-40 minutes. Because i am African-American and naturally brown, I need a little more time in the sun than a fair-skinned person to get adequate vitamin D-making light. After that initial exposure, I rub on sunscreen. Thanks for the recipe! I think I might add shea butter, since I have read that it is has sunscreening properties.
Bigbucketsoflove

OMG! I have hit the mother load! I want to go check in a motel somewhere and just sit and READ and make lists and get to work making all of my own things! I am sooooooo excited! Thank you Wellness Mama! I’m so motivated and excited! THANK YOU!!! (We live on a lake and spend all day, every day in the summertime outside….)
Danelle

My husband is allergic to Aloe Vera (it makes him itch, A LOT) . Do you have any recommendations for a substitution.
http://www.greenparenthood.com/ Reut

I’ll definitely try it next summer! Thank you for the receipt.
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Sherbasm

is there a version of this recipe to produce a spray sunscreen?
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Kat

I do sit and read these things and make lists of all the ,ore natural and healthy things I want to make on my own…Pinterest makes this super easy! It even gives you the means to catalogue and organize them by topic. My only problem now is finding time to do ALL of the awesome things I’ve found in the last few weeks. A lot of the things I’ve found are on Crunchy Betty’s website. She is an an excellent and humorous writer and a woman after my own heart.
Kat

I WANT to make this, but is this oily or greasy on the skin though? I don’t want my face to become an oil slick…
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Not really oily at all. It absorbs in pretty fast.
http://www.bubblebaths.net/ Bubble Baths

Great natural homemade recipe but what retail stores sell beeswax and zinc oxide?
Slu

So I see the the Zinc oxide is the main ingredient that really provides the protection from UV rays – but is it safe? I guess it’s safer than the alternative?
Allison Johnson

This sounds awesome! I love being outside with my baby, and I’m good about keeping his skin covered, but when we’re at the beach or swimming, I’d like to have sun screen on him. Would this recipe be okay for babies, as well?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’ve used it on mine as babies without any trouble.
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Michelle Partington

I have a question…I recently read that coconut oil is a comedogenic and my concern is using this on your face. Can it be used on the face? I have acne-prone skin and I am SO excited about this sunscreen recipe, but the main reason I want to try it is to use daily on my face.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Personally, I would encourage you to do some more research before using sunscreen on your face daily, especially if you aren’t a lifeguard . If you are going to use it, I would definitely encourage a natural solution like this one instead of a commercial sunscreen, but in most cases, some sun exposure is a very good thing! That being said, I have oily skin (and pretty acne prone) too and have never had trouble with coconut oil. While it is an oil, it is also antibacterial so it tends to help with acne/
Michelle Partington

I am definitely not a life guard! Thank you so much, I’m filling up my Amazon/Mountain Rose Herb carts right now!
LC

What is your experience with melasma? I am not on birth control pills but I will get dark spots on my face with any sun exposure even though I tan very well so that is my reason for wearing a hat and using sunscreen. Just curious what your thoughts were on that. Thanks.
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Hope

We are a family of 6, all of us, with blonde hair and blue eyes. The 4 of us tan really well, the two that are the unhealthiest (from the past), have the harder time getting tan, but, it is improving. I do use coconut oil, try to cover the kids up (shirts & hats) when we’re getting too much (we’re in Fl.), I bring along Aubrey Organics Natural Sun and/or Badger brand sunscreen just in case (1 bottle lasts us about 2 years!), and we eat healthy 98% of the time (meaning grain/refined sugar free/paleo).
Hope

BTW, I would love to make my own sunscreen as well. Great idea!
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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1708013821 April Chronister

I am having trouble finding pure non-nano zinc oxide. I read the reviews for the type of zinc oxide that Amazon carries in powder form. I almost purchased it myself…but it is NOT non-nano. It is also not 100 percent pure…not usually a big concern except that the contaminant in Zinc is almost always lead. Even the diaper rash ointments are usually only 20% Zinc. Still looking for high quality zinc oxide so that I can make this sunscreen:)
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

This one has bigger particles and I was able to verify with the company that it is 100% pure and contaminant free http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VEDY1C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=herbkati-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005VEDY1C
Happy2bbusy

Taking the easy route… adding powdered zinc oxide to a “bottle” of lotion (like the simplicity) — what size bottle? I want to get the ratios right!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

About 8 ounces for the same coverage, but you could always add more zinc oxide for more protection.
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Charity Adams

THANK YOU for this post. I’m a huge vit D junkie. Since I work indoors and can usually only get out on my lunch break (fully clothed) I take a liquid D3 supplement daily. When I am in the sun I am religious about getting my 15 mins of maximum exposure before starting to cover up. I also cringe whenever I put on sunblock. This is a recipe I can lather on without regret.
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Janpvincent

Wondering if this homemade sunscreen can be worn under makeup.

Thank you in advance for your response!

~Jan
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yes
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Momvschaos

Would an electric melting pot work (instead of double boiler)? Something like this http://amzn.com/B000H849V6 Thanks for all you do!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I don’t see why it wouldn’t…
http://astepintohealth.com/ Melanie

Why didn’t I think of this sooner? There is an excellent lotion recipe I made for my mom when she was going through cancer treatments. It would make an amazing sunscreen! Zinc oxide added to it… thanks for posting this.
Diana

Can you use pure aloe vera from a plant??
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Mamameesh

Uh Oh! I just made this recipe and had a separation problem. I looked beautiful for the first 15 minutes after I made it, all creamy and pretty, but then when I went to pour it into a bottle, it started separating into creamy clumps and liquid. What am I doing wrong? Please help!
Thanks,
Michelle in MN
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You should be able to either whisk/shake as it cools to keep incorporated, or slowly blend in another teaspoon or so of cold water to re-emulsify… What was the temp of your ingredients?
Diana

Can you use pure aloe vera directly from a plant??
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Hypothetically, yes. I haven’t tried it, but I would definitely store in the fridge if you do. If you try it, let me know how it turns out…
Miriah

is this water resistant for pool time?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Yes, though I’d still re apply every couple hours
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Leanne11ma

About how much does it cost to make this?
Alana Whelan

This sounds Devine!! And is the recipe I have been looking for!! I live next to the beach, I have really fair skin and I always find I literally start to get a bit mental if I don’t get my daily vitamin d, so I go to the beach and sit in the sun for 5 mins before putting on sunscreen. This means I’m using a lot of sunscreen every day though, although I do go later in the afternoon. I’m more worried about wrinkly leathery skin than I sm about skin cancer though which is why I always put sunscreen on! Thank you for this awesome recipe!!
Loritaff

Can I eliminate tge beeswax and use as a spray?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Haven’t tried but it would probably work. Please let me know if you try it!
HealthYkids

I made this sunscreen and have found it impossible to get the zinc powder off the utensils I used. Any suggestions? Also, I ended up getting too much sun when I used this as opposed to the area where I used a store bought high quality product even though I added more zinc than the recipe called for. Am I doing something wrong? Would definitely prefer to use this but don’t want to get burned or get sunspots. I tan very easily but don’t want to get melasma
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

For the utensils… are they metal or wooden or plastic? I usually wipe them down with paper towels and then wash in scalding water with dish soap. How long were you in the sun? This recipe should work at about SPF 20 for several hours… It will, however, block Vitamin D production, so I’d encourage getting some sun before applying (15 minutes or so).
Amy

I am having the same problem. It is a little gritty looking (doesn’t feel gritty) and liquid seems to be settling out. Plan to try the bar but wondered what happened. Thanks!
http://www.cucicucicoo.blogspot.com/ Cucicucicoo

i can’t wait to try this! just a question: could i just use the liquid from inside an aloe plant or is the gel different in some way? i have a huge aloe plant that i’d love to use! thanks! lisa
Jeni

Hey Mama,
I tired out your recipe with the coconut oil, omitting the optional extras.
Everything mixes smoothly and then cools as a white waxy lump floating in a container of water.
I have remelted and mixed. It mixes up smoothly and then separates out again. I’ve cooled at room temp and in the fridge. I’m not sure why it continues to separate.
If you have any experience with extreme separation, I’d love your thoughts on how to keep in combined.
Thanks for all your posts!
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rhea alice hansdak

I Think natural way is the best way for beauty tips,and it will also help to reduse skin cancer which is a very dangerous thing.
Marie

Would’nt the sunscreen seperate if you use beeswax and not emulsifying wax?
elo

What is the estimated shelf life for this sunscreen recipe?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I still have ones I made last year and they are fine. The ingredients are shelf stable, so it should last a while.
elo

Ok good to know. thank you!
http://www.facebook.com/pam.marchant2 Pam Marchant

Please use all natural sunscreens if you feel you need to use any at all. I find that if I’m careful about the first few times I stay outside without sleeves and don’t get a burn and let my skin penetrate the suns wonderful Vit. D rays then gradually I can stay out without sleeves for long periods of time and don’t burn. I never use sunscreen.
http://www.facebook.com/pam.marchant2 Pam Marchant

Please use all natural sunscreens if you feel you need to use any at all. I find that if I’m careful about the first few times I stay outside without sleeves and don’t get a burn and let my skin penetrate the suns wonderful Vit. D rays then gradually I can stay out without sleeves for long periods of time and don’t burn. I never use sunscreen.
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http://www.facebook.com/hibiscus.moon Stephanie Moon

I love this! Does anyone know someone who makes & sells this? I’m interested in buying!!
Erikaw05

Can u recommend a good brand of zinc oxide that’s not in the powder brand that can be found more readily available in the store?
Sunshinekuhn

Mine separated. It looks like the tea did not stay in? Suggestions please.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It was likely a temperature issue… homemade lotions can be really persnickety with temp. Try re-blending the two with a teaspoon of really cold water.
Jones*jungle

Thank you for this recipe, I doubled it and added an extra tbls. of e wax. 1/4 c. of Coconut oil and 1/4 c. infused grape seed oil. I stirred the Zinc into the oils until well mixed. I warmed the “tea” and aloe a bit and let the hot oils set for about 10 min then used the stick blender. I blended then let it set then blended again about 4 times . Then stirred gently to release the air bubbles. It came out beautifully! I do believe temperature is a key element here. Oh , not greasy either. Great recipe with or without the zinc.
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carol hastings

is the zinc oxide a powder or a cream ……help ….I want to make it to day !!!!!!! please …thanks…..
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http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It can be both but the powder is easier to work with in this and the cream can often have other additives…
Lorie

I just tried this recipe today and as I was adding the brewed green tea, it started to separate. Was my tea too cool? I was hand stirring, vigorously and adding the liquid very slowly. Should I have stopped adding the liquid a bit earlier? If I reheat it and stir vigorously, will this help blend it all together again? Thanks for your help.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’d try adding a teaspoon of ice water while whisking vigorously and see if that helps re-emulsify…
Colleen

Didn’t have time to read all the comments here yet but I was so excited to make this and followed directions I think to a T and the water or tea(I chose to make tea) after I mixed it was sseparated from the wax and oil. Did I do something wrong or what. I don’t see in the directions any indication that will happen. I ended up just pouring the water off and am using it like a body butter. I even tried reheating first again but it did not work. Any suggestions on making it into more of a lotion?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Unfortunately, homemade lotion is very persnickety about temperature. Re-blending with a teaspoon of really cold water might help. I’m going to try to post more detailed temperature directions. In the meantime, the body butter will actually have a higher SPF
http://twitter.com/MNM293001 M.N.M.

I tried this recipe (well – a really similar one that I adapted from your recipe and a few other sites), and so far it’s working really well! I was afraid it would stay white on my skin, but it rubs right in, and it’s not sticky or anything! And the best part: I didn’t get burned!!!

Here’s the recipe I came up with - http://mothernaturesmaid.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/whats-your-spf/

Thanks!!!!
Kyungnam67

Is the aloe vera necessary or could I substitute with something else? Just made the natural bug spray, thanks for the recipe!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You can omit if you don’t have it
Adenner916

Question about the deodorant and sunscreen. I made the deodorant that is arrow root, baking soda, coconut oil and essential oils (lavender is what I used). Can I add zinc oxide to this to make sunscreen?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You could or could also omit the arrowroot…
http://up2speed.tumblr.com/ Up2speedgirl

This is an excellent article. People should not be afraid of the sun just wise at how they get exposure.
According to The Essential Oil Handbook, the follow citrus essential oils are not phototoxic: Sweet Orange, Tangerine and Mandarin. The following oils can cause negative reactions if applied to the skin/sun exposure: Bergamot, Lemon, Angelica Root, Grapefruit, Lovage Root and Lime.
http://www.rojerthat.com/ Megan of RojerThat.com

Love the idea of adding zinc to my favorite lotion!
Ovulatingfreely

THis is such a dumb idea. Why do “natural” people reject solid science?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Show me the supposed solid science…
I Marandao

What happens if there are citrus oils in the lotion. I have a lotion I love and want to add zinc, it doesn’t list any citrus oil but essential oil blend is on the label…….
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

some, like lemon, can make you more sun sensitive. If it is part of a blend, it is probably not in high enough concentration to cause trouble..
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Knlrichter

I have the same separation problem. I didn’t check the temperature, I just heated up until the beeswax melted. I get a hard layer on top and then more than 1/2 a layer of water on bottom. Tried melting whole thing and mixing better but same thing happened after it sat.
Lauren

I could not be more disappointed in this recipe. I ordered all the ingredients that I didn’t have and was so excited to try this. I ended up with a grainy watery mess. I could not get the ingredients to blend so I poured off the excess liquid, reheated some more and tried again. Same thing. I also tried the suggestion to add a little bit of cold water. Nope. The resulting “body butter” is like white clown paint. Just a dab is enough to make my whole arm completely white. It will not rub in. I wish I would have read the comments before investing in these ingredients
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’m so sorry you had trouble with it. I didn’t have any trouble at all when I made it so I’m trying to remake several times to see what could be wrong…
Monica

My Sunscreen seperated, all the white settled to the bottom and the gel/water mixture is sitting on top. Any suggestions for what I may have done wrong?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Probably a temperature thing… Maybe try blending with a teaspoon of ice cold water.
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Jenniferh34

Although I like this sunscreen recipe and I don’t like to put chemicals on my skin, my advice to readers is: do not take advice given on blogs as a substitute for medical advice. Just ask someone who has lost their nose how they feel about this statement: “To avoid skin cancer, which is not a particularly deadly cancer”.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’m not saying that skin cancer isn’t horrible or trying to downplay it, I’m just challenging the assumption that it is caused by sun exposure and only sun exposure. In fact, the three people I personally know who have had skin cancer on their face have worn sunscreen everyday for YEARS before that.
Lindsayowens86

How many pounds is 1/4 cup? I’m trying to figure up how much I would need.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

4 ounces would be plenty
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andrea-Ros/1305401076 Andrea Ros

can we sub something for the beeswax? we’re vegan. thx!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Emulsifying wax might also work. Mountain Rose Herbs carries that too…
http://www.facebook.com/Sunmaylo Brandy Marie Maheu

Is there anything that can be substituted for the beeswax? my mom is allergic to all bee products and breaks out in hives from even touching them, so i dont want my baby slathered in bees wax. Thanks!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Mountain Rose Herbs also has emulsifying wax that will work
http://www.facebook.com/Josierawr Josie Copeland

I’m a vitamin D junky! I just have to do a couple of short tanning periods at the beginning of summer then I’m good to go for the year, texas summer n all with very little red n no peeling(occasional exceptions like once every couple of years) If I’m at the lake or somewhere with little shade to give my skin a break i might put sunscreen on half way through the day, but I haven’t used any all summer n only got red ones (n it was tan the next day) but texas has had a surprisingly mild summer this year…
Ehughes E

What is non-nano version of zinc oxide?? and what is it important to not inhale it if it is safe to put on your skin? I could no find zinc oxide in powder form but did find zinc caps that are “natural” and chelated. I just opened the capsules until I had 2 tablspoons of powder. Is this the same?
JazzFest

Why should we avoid a lotion with citrus oils? Does it not mix well with the zinc oxide?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

They can make the skin more sensitive to the sun…
Smgmj21

Just use Applewel sunscreen it is the best ever plus all natural.
http://www.facebook.com/amy.l.martinez.5 Amy L. Martinez

I have found just using coconut oil alone is protection against the sun when we are outside swimming. I am one who usually burns easliy. This summer since using only coconut oil on my skin I did not burn at all even after hours in the sun. It has worked for my kids too so me get good vitamin D exposure when we are outside.
Mandy

I am currently trying to replace all of the commercial products I currently use with natural ones, and I love sites like these. But you really lost credibility here with comments along the lines of skin cancer not being a particularly deadly cancer. In Australia melanoma is the fourth most common cancer and the ninth most fatal. You really need to research before writing throwaway comments such as that. Melanoma is exceedingly dangerous, especially because it can begin with a tiny spot you never even realise you have.
disqus_tQPYmyLu6V

why not just use coconut oil alone? Or coconut with the zinc to enhance spf?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

You definitely can, this just makes it a little thicker and spreadable.
http://beurredekarite.net/ beurre de karité

Natural homemade sunscreen are much more better than the ones being bought in the market. At least with this recipe you will sure that what you are using is much safer for your skin.
steve bell

I made the mentioned sunscreen and have to be totally honest, that it DID NOT work, i was badly sunburnt in a few hours, so switched to a commercial sunscreen out of desperation. However, as a skin moisturiser, its great.I think i have less chance of skin cancer with a branded sunscreen than one that had no effect.
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OzzieMillie

I work as a fashion photographer and it is not uncommon for me or a co-worker to get burned – lights, props – anything! When these accidents happen, without hesitation, i apply Made From the Earth “Pure Aloe Vera Treatment”. I keep this product on hand at all times. I went to the beach with my children and experienced the worse sun burn i have ever experienced. I fell asleep in the sun. I remembered this product was for burns and i prayed it would work… MAGIC is the best word for this product. It was soothing, fast acting, cooling, long lasting, non-greasy, non sticky.

I went from being in tears to wearing clothes and leaving the house in 2 days.
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stef

Hi was wondering if titanium dioxide can be added also or both to create a stronger SPF? I love the sun but am aware of its dangers esp. as im australian and our sun can be scorching although I do believe mainstream sunscreen is worse than the sun….I use coconut (spf 4) or black sesame (spf 8) on body but would like to create a facial and decolletage sun cream for use during summer. Thanks for great info xxx
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It definitely can. Some people avoid it, so I didn’t include it here, but you could absolute incorporate in equal parts to the zinc.
http://allritefenceandconstruction.com/ Brandie Puckett

Hi, homemade are better to use and do to predict the effect and result of what you made. Thank you.
http://www.perfectskinsite.com/
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Emily

Where do you get your essential oils, beeswax and zinc oxide? Is this something I can find at my local health store?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I get from Mountain Rose Herbs, but they are available at some health food stores…
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Randy

Thank you for some common sense here, Mandy!
Randy

Excellent advice, Jenniferh34! A heartfelt thank-you from an RN!
Randy

Thank you for letting us know about your results. If I do try this recipe, I will be sure to use extreme caution, and will test it on myself before my Son!
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Jules

How do I know the zinc ozide that I buy is safe to use? I read that most is synthetically made and having not used it before I am unsure what to look for. I dont want to replace one bad thing for another. Thanks.
Karla Mendoza

Hi, when does it expire??? thanks!
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http://www.facebook.com/liz.hancock.503 Liz Maglaras

I brought some zinc oxdie how do i know if its a non-nano version? Please help before I potenital poision my mum and kids!!
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Senae Smith

I made this up, and it mixed beautifully. I saw another comment below that someone’s was a liquid mess. I mixed mine up (with double the zinc oxide) and refrigerated it until it set, and the texture is awesome. Next time, I’m going to whip it in my mixer to make it more creamy, but I think the recipe is great!!
http://www.facebook.com/dessiec1 Dessie Carpenter

I Make A Homemade GoAts Milk Lotion From FresH Milk. if I Take My Current Recipe And Add The Zinc And Coconut Oil Will It Add Sunscrean Qualities. My Lotion Is A Shea Butter Base.
http://www.facebook.com/jessica.rech.37 Jessica Rech

So I live in Southern Arizona and both my boyfriend and my mother burn INSANELY easily, as in we use SPF 100 (conventional sunscreen) every few hours just to make sure they don’t blister. My poor boyfriend can’t even be out in direct sun for more than fifteen minutes without starting to burn. I worry about all the chemicals in sunscreen, but I also worry for their comfort and health. How much Zinc would you recommend to make a sunscreen of about 80 SPF?
Carol

Where can I find non-nano zinc oxide? Thanks.
Kelly Killeen

I did some checking on the zinc oxide that you listed. It seems there may be some question about whether there are actually nano particles in that brand. Do you happen to know of another brand that is non nano?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

From my email with the company, it is supposed to be non-nano, though it is micro.
Kelly Killeen

Oh ok. Thank you so much for checking! Can’t wait to get started on our sunscreen!
maddy

zinc oxide from what i know is not very natural, its all changed and processed and in organic, very little of it is not. your not suppose to breathe it in, so i am if-y about putting it on my largest organ (my skin). is there any suncreens that dont need metals?
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Silvia

Hi Katie, What brand of Zinc Oxide Powder do you use? The above link no longer works. I’m finding it diffcult understanding what contains nano zinc and what doesn’t. Many thanks!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I found one on Amazon that is micro but non nano particles…
courtney

i will be making this today but im curious what the purpose of the beezwax is? just a thickener? can i just mix the coconut oil and zinc ?
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http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It is just to thicken so it can be left out
Mary

While it is good to get some exposure for vitamin D production we usually cannot get as much as we need. It has also become more dangerous to be out in the sun because we have polluted our air and depleted our ozone layer. This has happened relatively recently and we haven’t evolved yet to combat the extra uv rays. That is why we do need sunscreen and we need to get most of our vitamin D from nutrition.
Sandy

I have beeswax in the bar form not the Pastilles. How much in grams of beeswax should I weigh? I can’t figure out how to convert 1/4 cup into grams and its too much of a pain to melt it then measure it. Can you help me?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Can you grate it? That gives a similar size to the pastilles and then you can measure dry…
Senae Smith

I’ve been making this and love it. I like it best when I let it cool and then whip it in my kithenaid mixer. I’ve used it, doubling the zinc oxide, and it works great. I do feel like I need to reapply after about 3 hours, which is acceptable. I spent one day last week schooling my kids in the sunshine without sunscreen and accidentally got burnt. So I used the sunscreen to help my skin heal in the days to follow. The ingredients in this are amazing for skin and for even for sun damage, so it’s a total win-win!
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http://www.facebook.com/deborah.weinischke.harris Deborah Harris

Where do you see aloe vera as an ingredient?
http://www.facebook.com/deborah.weinischke.harris Deborah Harris

Inquire with some bee keepers about the beeswax. Zinc oxide is probably found at a pharmacy, but you need the non-nano kind.
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http://www.facebook.com/rachaelshannon2 Rachael Louise Shannon

Woot Woot! Just found out I got a job as a lifeguard yesterday! Questions: 1) is it waterproof? 2) Will it do any damage to the PH of the pools at my park? Thank you!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Not waterproof but shouldn’t hurt the pH…
http://www.facebook.com/kellylanep Kelly Poe

i just ordered a pound of it off of ebay for $9.71 with free shipping.
http://www.facebook.com/kellylanep Kelly Poe

i just bought everything i needed for it off of ebay for around $25
http://www.facebook.com/kellylanep Kelly Poe

if you’re talking about to relieve sunburn, black tea works amazingly well
http://www.facebook.com/rosanna.goldstein.biondolillo Rosanna Goldstein Biondolillo

I whip it in my mixer as well!!!
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http://www.facebook.com/rachaelshannon2 Rachael Louise Shannon

Thanks a bunch!
Ana_900

You are right however, each case is unique. I got the best advices for my kid’s eczema from other moms and blogs. Docs loaded us with steroids and antibiotics till I learned that are other natural ways to fight eczema.
11tatic

Can I use this on the face?
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