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If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m all about low-tox living. I’ve been making this homemade sunscreen for a few seasons now and genuinely love it clean ingredients, simple process, and it leaves your skin feeling amazing. Let me show you how!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Homemade Sunscreen
This recipe puts you in control of what goes on your skin. Instead of chemical filters like oxybenzone, it uses non-nano zinc oxide the same mineral in clean store-bought sunscreens, at a fraction of the cost. It physically reflects UV rays rather than absorbing into your bloodstream, and the shea butter and carrier oils leave your skin moisturized and soft. Sunscreen and skin treatment in one!
🌿 Ingredients & What They Do
I love understanding why each ingredient is in a recipe especially when it’s going on my skin. Here’s the breakdown:
Carrier oil forms the moisturizing base. I love almond oil for its lightweight feel, but avocado is great for dry skin. Shea or cocoa butter thickens the formula and adds vitamins A and E—shea gives a softer finish, cocoa a slightly firmer one. Beeswax gives the sunscreen body and water resistance so it actually stays put.
Non-nano zinc oxide is the star your broad-spectrum UVA/UVB blocker. The amount in this recipe yields an estimated SPF of 20–30. And essential oils are optional, purely for scent. Lavender is my go-to.
🫙 How to Make It
Use a double boiler to melt everything gently high heat can degrade your oils and scorch the butter. The most important step: add your zinc oxide off the heat and wear a dust mask while handling the powder. Then whisk or blend thoroughly until it’s completely incorporated no streaks, no clumps. Uneven mixing means uneven protection!
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Apply generously and reapply every 2 hours especially if you’re swimming or sweating. The biggest mistake with mineral sunscreen is not using enough. There will be a slight white cast from the zinc oxide; give it a minute to blend in, or mix in a tiny bit of bronzer to offset it.
🗒 Variations
For a tinted version, add a pinch of cosmetic-grade iron oxide to reduce the white cast. For a kids’ formula, skip the essential oils entirely. Want a lotion consistency instead of a balm? Reduce the beeswax to 1 tablespoon and add a little extra carrier oil.
📦 How to Store
Store in airtight glass jars or metal tins in a cool, dry place avoid hot cars and direct sunlight, which can melt the beeswax. Label with the date made and use within 6–12 months. If the smell or texture changes, make a fresh batch.
🤔 Common Questions
With 2 tablespoons of non-nano zinc oxide, you’re looking at an estimated SPF of 20–30. Home formulations aren’t lab-tested, so I use this for everyday outdoor activities and always seek shade during peak sun hours. For a long beach day, I’d use a professionally tested product.
I order mine on Amazon or through natural skincare suppliers. Just make sure the listing says non-nano and uncoated. Don’t use industrial or craft-grade zinc oxide.
Homemade Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup carrier oil (almond, olive, or avocado oil)
- 1/4 cup shea butter or cocoa butter
- 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder
- 10-15 drops skin-safe essential oils, optional (lavender is lovely)
Instructions
- Set Up a Double Boiler: Fill a small saucepan with 1–2 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe glass bowl or smaller pot on top.
- Melt the Base: Add the beeswax pellets to the double boiler first and allow them to melt fully. Then add the shea (or cocoa) butter and your carrier oil, stirring until everything is combined and smooth.
- Remove from Heat: Carefully remove the bowl from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 3–5 minutes. It should still be liquid but no longer steaming hot.
- Add the Zinc Oxide: Wearing a dust mask, slowly add the non-nano zinc oxide powder. Whisk vigorously—or use a small immersion blender—until the powder is completely and evenly incorporated with no white streaks or clumps.
- Add Essential Oils: If using, add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil and stir to combine.
- Pour and Set: Pour the mixture into clean glass jars or metal tins. Allow to cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or speed up the process by placing in the refrigerator. Do not stir while setting.
- Label and Store: Label with the date made. Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 6–12 months.