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homemade sunscreen bars
  • Beauty

Homemade Sunscreen Bars

Katie WellsMay 2, 2012Updated: May 22, 2020
Reading Time: 3 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Homemade Sunscreen Bars

I’ve had fun lately creating a several different varieties of lotion bars. I started with the basic recipe and realized that the options were truly endless for variations.

Another of my favorites so far is the sunscreen bar!

It’s basically a bar version of my homemade sunscreen, and it avoids all the chemicals and potential carcinogens in regular sunscreen. It’s also easier to apply, since it is in a bar (use it almost like soap) and easier for kids to do themselves. I would recommend keeping it in the cooler if you take it to the beach, because it will start to get soft when the temperature hits the high 80s, but it will store well at room temperature.

I’d also encourage experimenting with how much coverage you want based on how much Zinc Oxide you add to the recipe, as this will be a smoother and thinner (and more waterproof) coverage than the basic sunscreen recipe. When possible, it is also important to spend some time in the sun without sunscreen for vitamin D production and there are some supplements and high nutrient foods that will help you avoid burn when you don’t use sunscreen.

What You’ll Need

  • Coconut Oil
  • shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 cup)
  • beeswax
  •  non-nano Zinc Oxide
  • Optional: Vitamin E oil to preserve
  • Optional: a few drops of vanilla or essential oil for scent (do not use citrus oils!)
  • A double boiler or glass bowl over a small pan
  • Silicone molds or empty deodorant containers for an easy-to-apply solution

Sunscreen Bar Ingredients

  • 1 cup coconut oil (I get mine here)
  • 1 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three equal to 1 cup)
  • 1 cup beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)(I get mine here)
  • 2 tablespoons (or more) of non-nano Zinc Oxide
  • Optional: Vitamin E oil to preserve. I added 1 tsp vitamin E oil for this recipe made with 1 cup of each ingredient)
  • Optional: a few drops of vanilla or essential oil for scent (do not use citrus oils!)

Sunscreen Bar Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients (except zinc oxide and essential oils if using) in a double boiler, or a glass bowl over a smaller saucepan with 1 inch of water in it.
  2. Turn the burner on and bring water to a boil. Stir ingredients constantly until they are melted and smooth:
  3. Remove from heat and add the zinc oxide powder and essential oils.
  4. Gently stir by hand until essential oils are incorporated.
  5. Carefully pour into molds or whatever you will be allowing the lotion bars to harden in. I used these silicon baking cups, though any mold would work. This recipe exactly filled 12 silicon baking cups when I made it.
  6. Allow the lotion bars to cool completely before attempting to pop out of molds. These could be made in different shaped molds for different holiday gifts (hearts for valentines, flowers for Mother’s day, etc.) or made in a square baking pan and then cut into actual bars.
  7. They can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge or freezer for longer term storage. Keep below 80 degrees or they will melt! Adjust coverage to your needs and be careful not to burn while determining how long you can spend in the sun with these.

Address the Inside Too!

It is also important to protect your skin internally by making sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to avoid burning, even when you don’t use sunscreen.

About this time of year, I start taking a specific regimen of supplements that help reduce inflammation and improve sun tolerance. The supplements I take are:

  • Vitamin D3 (I take about 5,000 IU/day)- Emerging evidence shows that optimizing blood levels of Vitamin D can have a protective effect against sunburn and skin cancer
  • Vitamin C (I take about 2,000 mg/day)- A potent anti0inflammatory, and it is good for the immune system too.
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted in a cup of herbal tea per day- the Medium Chain Fatty Acids and saturated fat are easily utilized by the body for new skin formation and are protective against burning
  • Fermented Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil Blend  (also great for remineralizing teeth)-Probably the most important supplement for sun protection. I take double doses during the summer and the kids take it too. Since adding this and the coconut oil daily, none of us have burned. It’s also great for digestive and oral health. (Amazon finally has the capsules back in stock)
  • Astaxanthin– A highly potent antioxidant which research shows acts as an internal sunscreen. It’s also supposedly an anti-aging supplement. I don’t give this one to the kids though.

Do you use sunscreen? What kind do you use? Share below!

These sunscreen lotion bars contain zinc for a natural sunscreen without the chemicals. The natural coconut oil and butters provide SPF and moisturize skin.

Category: Beauty

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and 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.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (331 Comments)

  1. Cathy

    May 3, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    We do occasionally use my homemade sunblock (made with zinc oxide, could also use titanium dioxide), but avoid sunscreen altogether, as it contains chemicals which react with the skin  to “protect” the skin.  They are actually very different products, though the names tend to get mixed up.

    Reply
  2. Cindy

    May 3, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    Can the astaxanthin be taken during pregnancy or while nursing?

    Reply
  3. Colleen

    May 3, 2012 at 7:57 AM

    I am completely addicted to your site.  This is an amazing idea!  Totally pinning it.  Thanks for posting!

    Reply
  4. Nikki Welch

    May 2, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    does this protect from UVA too?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      Yes though the amount of protection depends on the amount of zinc oxide

      Reply
      • Sarah

        May 28, 2014 at 4:09 PM

        My sons Pediatrician and allergy Dr. had recommended that with his Atopic dermatitis I avoid sunscreens with zinc oxide, but go for ones with the titanium dioxide instead. It does seem to make a difference with store bought sunscreens. He doesn’t breakout from the titanium ones, but does with most zinc. I would like to make these but am curious where I can find the titanium dioxide, if you know of any reasons not to use it, and if it would be used in the same amount as the zinc oxide. I have to make our own soap, laundry detergent and lotions already since his skin is so sensitive. I would much rather make this as well, and not have the chemicals in the store bought items. Thanks for what you do! It’s been very helpful.

        Sarah

        Reply
        • Colleen

          July 8, 2014 at 11:59 AM

          Hi Sarah, I am a soap maker and have purchased titanium dioxide from brambleberry.com. I have never used it for sunscreen so I don’t know a specific amount to use, but I know they carry it.

          Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 10:12 PM

      Yes though the amount of protection depends on the amount of zinc oxide

      Reply
      • Kristen Junker

        May 20, 2018 at 10:39 PM

        https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/labeling-and-effectiveness-testing-sunscreen-drug-products-over-counter-human-use-small-entity

        And since sunscreen is an OTC drug according to the US FDA, I hope all of you DIYers are submitting the bars with the agglomerated zinc oxide to an acreddited laboratory (approx. $700) to find out that they are nowhere near adequate….nope, didn’t think so. Even of it stayed suspended (commercial brands use coated zinc oxide for a reason), it won’t be broad spectrum.

        Reply
  5. Mary

    May 2, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Are your bars standard muffin/cupcake size (seem so from the glasses comparsion, but wasn’t sure) and how many does one batch make? I’m trying to get a guage on how much supplies to buy.

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 10:15 PM

      Mine are standard muffin tin size and I used silicon because they are easier to get out but if you use a regular muffin tin you can just put in the fridge to harden and then really quickly dip the pan in boiling water to loosen and turn upside down quickly to get them out. I used 1 cup each of the oil, cocoa/Shea butter and beeswax and it perfectly filled 12

      Reply
  6. Pacha

    May 2, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Seems that the commercial “natural” sunscreens that “repel bugs” contains lavender.

    Reply
  7. Brooke Redfern

    May 2, 2012 at 6:46 PM

    I can’t wait to try this. What do you use to store the individual bars in?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM

      I’ve got a few in the fridge in cellophane bags, but I have little pyrex containers with lids that hold the ones we use 🙂

      Reply
    • stacey

      June 10, 2015 at 7:48 PM

      Lavender and Lemongrass work the best for mosquitoes.

      Reply
  8. Bahain

    May 2, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    What would be the best essential oil to repel bugs in these?

    Reply
    • Dawn Martin Wilson

      May 2, 2012 at 6:16 PM

      What a great idea! I didn’t even consider the multi-use! I am gonna go look online for that now, I am guessing Thyme or Basil.

      Reply
      • Pamela

        March 18, 2014 at 9:57 AM

        Hello! I am going to make this for the first time but will incorporate a few drops of either lemongrass, rosemary, mint or catnip oil. They all repel mosquitoes. Thanks so much!

        Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 6:29 PM

      I just ordered a blend and have actually been pretty impressed with it so far.

      Reply
      • Olug

        May 14, 2015 at 9:14 AM

        Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! Would you use this blend on a baby?

        Reply
    • Robbie Joe Lowry

      May 15, 2013 at 9:02 AM

      Peppermint is the best at repleling bugs.

      Reply
      • Stephanie

        August 21, 2015 at 2:30 PM

        Be careful with EO’s as many of them stain!! I found this with many bug sprays I made incorporating Geranium, Lemongrass, etc. Only EO I have found doesn’t stain is Birch Wood, but I can’t make any promises. Haven’t found a consice list of non-staining EOs on the web. Lemongrass seems to leave terrible rust coloured stains when I put my clothes/swim suits through the wash. This always coincided with use of some EO.
        I bet this recipe is amazing. I will make.
        The deoderant bar recipe is the bomb! I will try half coconut oil this time and use only Shea butter. I wish for more specific measurements of the different butters because they each have different consistencies and would like to made one that can be left out of the fridge. So true about leaving stick in fridge so less oil costs your pit.
        P.s. You cannot entirely omit the coconut oil. It lends a velvety consistency, creates a thorough coating, and seems to help with the odour side of things as well…in case anyone was thinking of experimenting in this way.

        Reply
        • Cristy

          April 8, 2016 at 9:09 PM

          Aloe butter and castor seed butter works well in place of coconut oil. It lends a similar(even better silky smooth glide) ??? I use the combo for clients that are allergic to coconut.?

          Reply
    • Eliza

      April 23, 2014 at 10:32 AM

      Planning on making a few different ones actually 😉 One with lavender (really helps with burns on the off-chance we have burns), geranium (helps with dry skin/eczema), and then some TerraShield (which is a mix by DoTerra for insect repellant)

      Reply
    • Eliza

      April 23, 2014 at 10:33 AM

      Also, has anyone tried putting these in containers like push up deodorant containers??? Would that work???

      Reply
      • Marilyn

        March 31, 2015 at 10:01 AM

        I made this and filled one deodorant container with it, which worked fine. I poured the rest in a pan and cut into bars. The bottom of the bars are white, what is the reason for that? Has all of the zinc settled to the bottom of the bar? I hope not.

        Reply
        • chellie

          March 31, 2015 at 2:52 PM

          Marilyn, I feel like the zinc settles in my bars as well. And, I often have it left at the bottom of the jar I make it in. They do still work, but if you can see it settled then it probably is stronger on that side of the bar. I have started using carrot seed oil along with or even instead of the zinc. It has a natural spf of about 40, and it blends great!

          Reply
          • Rena

            March 27, 2016 at 8:37 PM

            A lot of the zinc settled to the bottom of my mixing bowl too. I’m worried that not enough zinc made it into the molds. Do you think it’s safe to re-melt the bars and add more zinc?

          • Penny

            April 20, 2016 at 11:57 AM

            Hi Chellie, would you happen to know where I can buy these? or anyone who sells homemade ones?

            Thanks

          • Kirsten

            April 29, 2018 at 2:10 PM

            The zinc settled immediately- before I could even pour into molds. No matter how much stirring! Help, what am I doing wrong?

    • Teresa

      April 20, 2016 at 11:28 AM

      doTerra has a wonderful TerraShield for keeping bugs away! You only need a little bit and it works WONDERFUL! totally safe for kids! we use it each summer 🙂

      Reply
    • Jess

      April 21, 2016 at 1:13 AM

      Clove is great against mosquitos but can have an overwhelming scent. Cypress oil acts as a natural deet. Perhaps a combination of both. That’s what I do for homemade bug repellent

      Reply
  9. Aimy

    May 2, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    How long is the shelf life??

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 4:53 PM

      They will last about 2-4 months at room temp and over a year in the fridge or freezer. Also, none of the ingredients will go bad, so only after they come in contact with skin will that time start…

      Reply
      • Sara Thyng

        May 7, 2015 at 6:54 PM

        which one would be better for the outdoor water park? sunblock bars or sunblock cream? The sun gets very hot here in Wichita KS.

        Reply
        • Lisa

          June 25, 2018 at 9:48 PM

          I have made both and hands down I prefer the sunscreen bars. I make them in deodorant containers so it’s a roll on. They stay solid and mess free. The cream version gets liquidy while out and gets all over the container…. sticky mess

          Reply
      • Sara Thyng

        May 18, 2015 at 1:20 AM

        I just made this today. Love how smooth it is when you put it on. How do I wash the bowls and utensils I used to make these? I think the waterproofing beeswax is making it really hard to wash off!

        Reply
        • Kayla

          June 27, 2015 at 2:46 PM

          Scrape as much as possible and then wipe out with a paper towel while still warm. Best way to clean up that I’ve found. 🙂

          Reply
        • Nicole

          March 10, 2018 at 8:48 PM

          Try putting them in the freezer. It will freeze the wax and should make it easy to scrape out without leaving a residue.

          Reply
  10. Karen Phelps

    May 2, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    Looks great! But tell me, lots of white film? 

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      May 2, 2012 at 4:47 PM

      Practically none at all. I was shocked actually, but since it can go on so much thinner as a bar, it doesn’t leave the ashy look…

      Reply
      • Jen

        May 20, 2012 at 7:26 PM

         I just made it tonight.  I didn’t realize until I got down in the recipe that the zinc oxide was to be ‘powdered’.  I used cream.  Hope that’s not a problem.  I bought one of those tubes for camping that you can fill with stuff and seal off at the end.  I poured the mixture into that tube.  Hopefully it will squeeze out okay.  Can’t wait to try it.  I’ve made the shampoo and LOVE it.  I made the lotion but it didn’t emulsify properly … using it anyway.  I will try that one again and put it into one of these camping tubes this time.  Thanks for all the recipes.   Not too sure about the make-up one … I’m middle aged now and not sure this makeup will do the trick.  I’ll be curious to hear feedback on that.

        Reply
        • Sherry

          June 5, 2016 at 7:16 PM

          What’s the shampoo recipe please?

          Reply
      • Vanessa

        March 12, 2016 at 3:32 PM

        Do you sell these?

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          March 12, 2016 at 8:48 PM

          No, I just make them for myself and family & friends.

          Reply
          • Kayla

            April 20, 2016 at 10:12 AM

            Hi Welness Mama 🙂

            Would patchouli oil be okay in this recipe?

      • Millie

        June 5, 2016 at 8:55 PM

        is this ok to use on babies and expecting moms?

        Reply
    • Travis

      May 3, 2014 at 1:56 AM

      Is there any way to make the sunscreen slightly less hard. I used to love the Vietnam-era sunscreen tins (don’t start I know it was LOADED with chemicals) but mostly for the fact that it was in a tin & that was easy to apply. It was like a heavy grease, you just take a big gob out with your fingers and smear it on. I would love to be able to do whit again with the empty tins, as they are now $5-15 online (since they are much rarer now) and regular commercial sunscreen is much cheaper. I am trying really hard starting this year to get healthy, and that includes less chemicals going into and onto my body.

      Reply
      • Marisa

        June 30, 2014 at 11:12 AM

        Maybe try it with less beeswax and see what happens?

        Reply
      • Kdonat

        April 28, 2019 at 12:51 PM

        How about a recycled Altoids tin, or something similar ?

        Reply
    • Marlene

      February 20, 2016 at 2:08 PM

      Can you tell me how much of the food items you take to prevent sunburn from the inside you give to children? I believe what you’ve posted is for yourself as an adult. How much would you use for, say, a 6 year old, or a 12 year old? Thanks!

      Reply
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