Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

In the book Zero to One, Peter Thiel asks readers to consider what views/truths they believe that very few people agree with them on. For me, it’s that most sunscreen does not help avoid skin cancer and may actually increase the chances of it! This is one of the reasons I’ve been making homemade sunscreen for years (even though I rarely use it).

Sound crazy?

Sunburn is harmful… we all agree on that and it should absolutely be avoided. But sunscreen isn’t the only way to avoid it.

It’s definitely not a popular opinion, and I’m certainly not encouraging you to avoid wearing sunscreen or to ignore the advice of your doctor. I am, however, encouraging you to do your own research, look at the actual studies, and use common sense when it comes to sun exposure.

Why Make Homemade Sunscreen?

I explain in full my stance on sunscreen here, but here’s why I decided to try making my own years ago.

Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

In the years since sunscreen use began, skin cancer rates have risen. Many reports show that most commercial sunscreens actually raise skin cancer risk. This might be due in part to the fact that many sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is a known hormone disruptor that isn’t recommended for use on children. It’s been banned in many locations worldwide.

A 2020 study looked at several different active ingredients in sunscreen products. While they did offer SPF protection, chemicals like avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream, even after one use.

My DIY sunscreen recipe relies on a physical mineral barrier that stays on the skin’s surface. It doesn’t penetrate through as most synthetic chemical sunscreens do.

There are many more mineral sunscreens with safer ingredients on the market now than when I first started making homemade sunscreen. I’ve listed some of my favorite EWG-rated sunscreens below. That being said, you still have to read labels. Even more “natural” sunscreens can still contain problematic ingredients.

Protect the Coral Reefs

Recent research shows the ingredients in many sunscreens harm ocean life, especially coral. Researchers estimate over 5,000 metric tons of sunblock wash off of swimmers each year. This “swimmer pollution” threatens a large part of the coral life in the ocean and many other ocean species as well. This is because these compounds may awaken dormant viruses in symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide food and color to the coral.

Some sunscreen ingredients have even been banned in some places due to their negative environmental effects on the coral reefs. This natural sunscreen recipe avoids all such ingredients.

The Vitamin D Factor

Also, our bodies need some exposure to the sun to make vitamin D, a necessary building block for hormone function. Combine vitamin D deficiency with hormone-disrupting sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and is it any wonder some of us are concerned?

I don’t buy the idea that even moderate sun exposure is harmful when our bodies need vitamin D and light exposure for so many aspects of health. Getting some of the sun’s rays every day is an important part of my daily routine. I also take astaxanthin daily to help protect my skin from the inside out (read why here).

Looking at these reasons, it makes sense to ask if sunscreen is the best or only way to avoid sunburn.

Is Homemade Sunscreen Dangerous?

Several recent articles claim that homemade sunscreens are harmful and you should never make your own sunscreen. This is because the FDA tightly regulates and verifies the SPF protection of commercial sunscreens. Since you can’t verify the SPF of homemade sunscreens, the chance of burning is higher.

I certainly agree that homemade sunscreens don’t have the lab testing that conventional ones do. But you know what else they don’t have? Endocrine disruptors and coral-killing compounds. Also, sunscreen should be a last resort as shade and getting out of the sun’s UV rays in the heat of the day are better options anyway.

So while maybe we shouldn’t use homemade sunscreens like conventional ones, I’d also argue we shouldn’t use conventional sunscreens in the way we do either!

Bottom Line: Use common sense and get safe sun exposure. The amount and safety will vary by person. I recommend doing your own research and talking to a knowledgeable naturopath or dermatologist to figure out what works best for you.

A Common Sense Approach to Sun

In most cases, my approach is to get adequate but moderate daily sun exposure, without getting close to burning. Since most of us don’t work outside these days, it takes effort to get daily sun, rather than to avoid it. I definitely don’t slather on the coral-destroying sunscreen on the off chance I might encounter a few stray rays of sunlight, and in fact, I welcome it!

Thanks to Nutrition Genome Testing, I know that I have mutations that make it very difficult to get enough vitamin D. This puts me at risk for a lot of serious diseases, and supplements don’t work very well to raise my levels. For this reason, my doctor advised me to get adequate vitamin D… from natural sun exposure.

Of course, there’s a limit to how much sun a person needs or should get. Here’s what I do when I reach this limit:

Use the Shade or Cover Up

If I’m going to be out in the sun for much longer than my skin is used to, it’s easy enough to put on a hat or shirt to shield my skin. This is the approach that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends. It’s more effective at stopping excess sun exposure, costs less, and doesn’t harm the environment. A common sense win/win scenario.

Use Natural Sunscreen When Needed

If I’m going to be in intense sun and can’t easily cover up, I will very occasionally use a natural sunscreen. I’ve yet to use it this year and hope not to at all, but I’m sharing my recipe (and the healthiest options for store-bought sunscreens).

Important Note: Unlike most sunscreens, natural and homemade sunscreens may not be as waterproof or have as high (or broad spectrum) SPF. Homemade versions may not protect as fully against UVA and UVB rays. I am not recommending entirely avoiding sunscreen or getting too much sun which could lead to sunburn or sun damage.

Support Skin From the Inside Out

Sun exposure itself isn’t the only factor linked to skin cancer. Many nutritional factors, such as optimal vitamin D levels or even reducing harmful omega-6 vegetable oils, can have a big impact on skin health. Getting enough antioxidants in our diet from colorful fruits and veggies also plays a big role. See this post for how I optimize my diet and supplements for healthy skin and improved sun tolerance.

Natural Sunscreen SPF

This homemade sunscreen uses a blend of waxes, butter, and oils to make a moisturizing base. The main ingredient for natural SPF (sun protection factor) though is zinc oxide. It acts as a barrier on the skin to block harmful UV rays. Non-nano and uncoated zinc oxide is the healthiest option for skincare.

My homemade sunscreen also uses skin-nourishing and moisturizing antioxidant ingredients for even more skin protection. These include red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and vitamin E.

The final version will have a varied sun protective ability depending on the amount of each ingredient used. This recipe uses about 10% zinc oxide which is roughly a 6-11 SPF. If you want an SPF of around 20, then double the zinc oxide. Keep in mind it hasn’t been tested by a regulatory organization for exact SPF.

For a simple version, even just coconut oil and shea butter with some zinc oxide or a little raspberry seed and carrot seed oil will work for moderate exposure.

As always check with your doctor or dermatologist before using any new products.

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 shouldn’t have any of those issues!

Optional Essential Oils

You can add some skin-safe essential oils here for added benefits and scent. Be sure to avoid any phototoxic oils, as these can cause serious skin burns if used before sun exposure. Common phototoxic oils include:

  • bergamot
  • bitter orange (wild or sweet orange are fine)
  • cold-pressed lemon (steam-distilled is ok)
  • cold-pressed lime oil (steam-distilled is ok)
  • grapefruit (experts are mixed on this one)

Do not use the above essential oils for sunscreen! Some better options include lavender, frankincense, sweet orange, or sandalwood.

homemade sunscreen
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4.13 from 270 votes

Homemade Sunscreen Recipe

Make your own sunscreen at home with natural ingredients and avoid the chemicals in commercial brands. Make sure to check out the notes at the end of the recipe for tips.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Cooling time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Combine all the ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint-sized or larger glass jar. You can also use a double boiler instead of a jar.
  • Fill a medium saucepan with a few inches of water and place on the stove over medium heat.
  • Put a lid loosely on the jar and place it in the pan with the water.
  • Stir occasionally to mix the ingredients as they melt.
  • When all the ingredients are completely melted, stir in the zinc oxide. This will take some stirring to incorporate.
  • Pour into whatever jar or tin you’ll use for storage.
  • Stir a few times as it cools to make sure the zinc oxide is incorporated.
  • Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator to increase shelf life.

Notes

  • This sunscreen is not waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming.
  • Make sure not to inhale the zinc oxide. Use a mask if necessary!
  • Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen.
  • Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge. I prefer to store it in a small canning jar and apply it like 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

This easy recipe just takes two ingredients. While there’s no exact SPF guarantee, it should yield about 20 SPF.

  • 1/2 cup of your favorite lotion (that doesn’t have phototoxic oils!)
  • 2 Tablespoons of non-nano zinc oxide
  • Mix well

You can also make sunscreen bars with many of the same ingredients!

Store-Bought Natural Sunscreens

Not Interested in DIY? I’ve gotten numerous questions over the years about pre-made sunscreen options for those who don’t have the time or desire to make their own. I list my favorite store-bought brands in this post.

Does your family regularly use sunscreen? Do you try to get regular sun exposure? Leave a comment and let us know!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Get sun protection without the toxins with homemade sunscreen. Made with coconut oil, shea butter, non-nano zinc oxide and other natural ingredients.
Sources
  1. Matta M. et al. (2020, January 21). Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(3):256–267.
  2. Ortenzi, T. (2011, November 17). Sunscreens With Vitamin A May Accelerate Skin Cancer: FDA Knows Danger, Doesn’t Report. Huffington Post.
  3. Hall, D. (N.D.). The Truth About Corals and Sunscreen. Smithsonian Ocean.
  4. Moulite, M (2018, July 3). Hawaii bans sunscreens that harm coral reefs. CNN.
  5. Roach, S. (2016, July 11). The Truth About Phototoxic Essential Oils and How to Use Them Safely. The Herbal Academy.

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

991 responses to “Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe”

  1. Peter Avatar

    We live in a world where you can’t buy seeded grapes yet drive miles and pay a lot for grape seed extract. Half of the World believes in the glory of religious darkness. The other half creates fear over the loss of health then charges you for potentially avoiding it through their products. I’m nearly 40, never touched sunscreen, especially not for short walks. I’m not afraid of nature, trying to respect it. I don’t buy anything my granny didn’t harvest (lactose free milk!?????) 2/3rd of my meals are fruit and veg, ugly, deformed, natural. Don’t eat peaches during Christmas, they are not in season. I know this sounds like a manifesto -it’s not. I just look around and see a crazy and difficult to break cycle of bad habits. Honestly… Half of the breakfast isle I have no clue what it is or used to be before packaging.

  2. Heather Avatar

    what is the shelf life of the sunscreen? Would you say its good for about 6 weeks or 6 months? and then if we follow the simpler recipe above about how much will it make at once?! all together

  3. jai Avatar

    hi there,

    thanks for your post about natural sunscreen…..
    I have a question: i oil my body every morning as part of my ritual, and ayurvedic practice: i was wondering if i could just put carrot seed essential oil in the blend to make it a higher SPF, the oil blend already uses half sesame and half coconut oil. And how many drops to 8oz, and what protection would that give me?

    thanks so much!!
    warmly,
    jai

    1. tamarinera Avatar
      tamarinera

      I was really excited for an essential oil sunscreen (no zinc) because zinc is pasty white and the tinted versions stain clothes. So I went all out with raspberry oil, carrot seed oil, coconut oil, wheat germ oil. Added some shea butter for thicker consistency.

      Long story short, it didn’t work at all. I’ve got Irish-Italian skin, prone to burn at first but eventually develop a base tan. My forearms never ever burn, for example. I took this to the beach and used it on fresh white thigh (has been tan in other years, but not yet this year). I left some skin bare next to where I oiled. They were equally burned…perhaps the oiled section was a bit worse.

      So in my experience essential oils did not protect against the sun. Alas.

  4. Christina Avatar
    Christina

    Thank you so much for this recipe!!

    We live in Hawaii so sun exposure is not just a summer thing, it’s an all year round thing. We spend all our free time in the ocean (surfing, spearfishing, diving, swimming etc.), and, being blonde, blue eyed and fair skinned, we would RELIGIOUSLY use the commercial 60 spf, reapplying every hour on the hour trying to protect our skin. (Getting enough Vitamin D is not an issue here, noon hour lane swims over lunch take care of that!). This was not only starting to make us feel queasy about the potential chemicals, but even with that much sunscreen we would STILL come out of the ocean with red faces and shoulders. I made this sunscreen a couple weeks ago and we tried it out with huge success! Not only does our skin feel great but no burns! No red faces! No red shoulders, even after multi-hour surf and freedive sessions!! So a big MAHALO to you! We are stoked on this find and on how well it works for us!

    1. Audrey Avatar

      Hi,
      I am really glad it worked for you! I just made a batch and it turned out very oily :'( Do you have to reapply after contact with water? I am very keen to know as I love swimming myself and I burn easy

  5. Lisa Avatar

    I appreciate this recipe, but like the idea of adding the zinc oxide powder to a bottle of lotion. It is easier for me and much less expensive as well. How much of the zinc oxide powder would I add to a 16 ounce bottle of lotion? Is this safe for babies?? My girl is 4 and a half months old. And if it is safe for her, how much zinc oxide powder would I need to add to make it an spf 30???…….that is what I usually see for babies, but what would you recommend? What do you use for your babies? Hope to hear from you soon, as I’d like to stay away from the chemical laden sunscreens. Thanks!

  6. Ann Stanley Avatar
    Ann Stanley

    I made the current version of your recipe, without the red raspberry and the vitamin E, and I love it. I bicycle a lot – the weekend before I made it I used a commercial sunscreen and got burned, then I used this for a longer ride and was completely fine. All that sweating, and it didn’t come off at all. In fact, we took a hot tub after the ride and it stayed on. I was probably in the sun for sevon hours that day. I love the way it moisturizes my older dry skin, and the zinc is just enough that I can rub it in well and not have white streaks.
    People worry about zinc oxide, but I remember the days when a nasty white cream of it was all we had to protect our nose, and we hated it, partly because it was so greasy and would get all over our clothing if ever touched our nose.
    I also love that you recommend Mountain Rose Herbs. I’ve used their products for years and I think they’re the best.

  7. Hafsa Avatar

    I would like to know how much this recipe makes? I am going away on holiday for 3 weeks with my 4 children and husband . How much sun cream do I need to make or will I need? Also I would like to know that I have to started to use organic coconut oil all over my body but only my face tingles when I use it and I have come out with a few spots so I want to know if I make the lotion and use will it affect my face or it will better then using coconut oil on its own or should I cut the amount of coconut oil down then how do I put more of the other oil? If the place I am going to is 28- 31 degrees celceuis will the Spf in this lotion be enough or do I need to put more zinc oxide?

  8. Carolina Avatar
    Carolina

    Thank you for all your recepie said and research and trial you go through!

    I just made this sunscreen and it doesn’t look the picture you have. Mine is white! Did you not have zinc oxide on the pictured one!

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I did, and in real life it is white too… the picture is a few years old and the lighting was really strange in this picture. Good reminder that I need to post an updated one!

  9. Eve Avatar

    Is it possible to omit the beeswax/shea butter and make a sunscreen spray?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      Um… those two ingredients are not anywhere near similar. I have no idea why you would want to substitute one for the other. If you are allergic to beeswax, I suggest using another kind of wax. Maybe someone has tried something different?

  10. Nadia To Avatar
    Nadia To

    Hi Katie,

    I am a Christian, I believe God made all things well, therefore there can be found adequate sun protection in eating and using plants and other natural created substances. I am also a nursing student, I believe our body and this world works on a miniscule atomic and chemical scale which we still mostly do not comprehend. I have taken college chemistry and understand, at a college level, how chemical reactions work, and that things dont always react together as planned. I try to consider both nature and science when making my choices. These things said, here is an article you may want to consider { http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2691697/The-dangerous-trend-DIY-sunscreen-Dermatologists-issue-warnings-against-trend-homemade-SPF-actually-RAISE-risk-melanoma.html }. It is important to understand that our created protective ozone layer is being destroyed, and with the increased toxic chemical load in our country, permeating everything from clothing to furniture to housing materials and beyond, we are at a greater risk for skin and other cancers. Without understanding how ingredients bind and mix together is is difficult to create an effective product. Think of it this way, baking soda is an effective cleaner, vinegar is an effective cleaner. So if I combine them I will get a super cleaner right? No, the chemical reaction produces water among other things. And that, when matched atom for atom or molecule for molecule. If you add 5 molecules baking soda and 4 molecules vinegar, you get 4 molecules water and 1 molecule baking soda left over (this is a extremely simplified explanation, the reaction is more complex and also produces carbon dioxide gas, and socium acetate). All the ingredients you listed are great, and I love them. I just ask you to consider sound science as well. At the end of that article they list some natural sunscreens, made by people who have degrees and do research in this area, who spend months creating formulas that work well together, don’t react, and provide constant results. Wish you the best in your health journey!

  11. Ashton Avatar

    5 stars
    I made the simple version of this recipe and used olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and zinc but I am afraid the two tbsp of zinc won’t be enough, can I add more zinc now that it’s cooled? Thank you!

  12. Colette Avatar
    Colette

    I’d heard coconut oil was great to use as sunscreen and started using it on my toddler’s skin earlier this summer… Then, I learned the spf coverage of coconut oil alone doesn’t provide enough protection from harmful rays. So, I ordered the non-nano zinc oxide. I was thinking of adding lavender essential oil to it for the fragrance and because it’s good for the skin.
    However, after reading your list of ingredients, I’m wondering if I NEED to add other things to it.
    I noted the dog of carrot seed oil and that is appealing. However, I also noted one reader commented about carrot seed essential oil not having an dog, but that I’d need to get a carrot seed carrier oil? Now, I’m confused about that one!!
    If I don’t need it to be waterproof, do I need to add beeswax? If I’m not adding beeswax, do I need to heat oil before adding zinc oxide powder?
    What about the shea butter – is it necessary? What purpose does it serve? Does it help improve consistency?
    Bottom line, I would like to make a sunscreen with about 15-20 spf… And I’d like to use as minimal ingredients as necessary to do so and it be effective and also slather on without it making a mess.
    What would you consider absolutely necessary and what amount of zinc oxide would you add to the coconut oil if that was the only oil used?
    Is there a cap on how much zinc oxide one can use? Does it become unsafe at any point?
    Thanks so much for your website and your reply. I always learn new things that I can apply to our family’s lives here!

  13. Lisa Avatar

    If this was answered previously – sorry. I can’t read through all the posts now.
    Question: If carrot and red raspberry seed oils are the big SPF providers, why are they optional?

    And do you think vanilla extract would attract bugs?
    Thank you!

    Lisa

  14. sophie Avatar

    hello, was just busy sourcing ingredients and the zinc oxide says it is ´very toxic to aquatic life´ so carrot seed and red raspberry are high spfs but what quantity if not using the zinc?

    thanks WM

  15. Alessandra Avatar
    Alessandra

    Hi there! This sounds like an awesome recipe, but I’m worried about the coconut oil and whether or not I can put this on my face without breaking out. I’ve heard that coconut oil works really well as a facial moisturizer for a lot of people, but it made me break out like crazy for months after I tried it (used unbleached, organic), so I’m worried that this sunscreen might do the same. Bottom line: is this okay to use if my skin is more sensitive to coconut oil or should I try to find a replacement ingredient? Thanks!!

  16. Courtney Avatar
    Courtney

    5 stars
    I sent you a question askiaskfor another kind of zinc oxcide due to Amazon not having it. I also would LOVE to know what essential oils to use to get the scent close to that Tropical smell such as Hawaiian Tropics. Love the scent, but want to start using natural products on my skin as well as my boys. Also, where to get those essential oils for that scent. Thanks in advance! Ck

  17. Kirstin Avatar
    Kirstin

    Does this tend to melt if exposed to hot temps (say you’re at the beach and have it in your bag?).

4.13 from 270 votes (222 ratings without comment)

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