Note: I am not a doctor, herbalist, aromatherapist or chemist. I am just an everyday mom trying to figure out how to live naturally. This recipe is one that works for myself and my family. Please consult your doctor before using any diy recipe or essential oils to confirm that they are safe for you. This holds especially important if you are currently pregnant.
DIY Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide (Natural, Homemade)
Only six ingredients in this DIY sunscreen with zinc oxide. This homemade sunscreen recipe is all-natural and made with a blend of butters, oils and zinc. Learn more about how to make DIY, natural sunscreen as well as the best, store-bought, natural sunblocks!
A simple, DIY Sunscreen recipe. In conjunction with safe sun practices, this homemade sunscreen recipe has worked well for all of my kids!
Plus, it’s a great way to keep your skin moisturized!
- kid-safe
- no essential oils
- easy to make
First off, let’s get the obvious out of the way: I am not a doctor (of any sorts, or a chemist). Gasp! Aside from what I read oh so long ago when I was researching, I don’t have any straight references to give you when it comes to the complete potency or effectiveness of this natural sunscreen recipe.
There’s a lot of back and forth regarding homemade sunscreen so do your own research and make the choices best for you 🙂 This blog post lists a few yucky things in traditional sunscreens, so if you’re shopping, avoid these ingredients!
All I have to offer in this post is my experience in the last four years of using it and what I have learned along the way.
So as long as you’re cool with that … read on! Or, JUMP to the recipe.
My Experience With Homemade Sunscreen
I first began using a homemade sunscreen recipe a few years ago when I was starting to switch over a lot of my household and beauty products. Truthfully, I just thought it would be fun to make my own and it sounded easy.
I was definitely a bit worried though as I have somewhat fair skin and had always used spf 50 up until that point. In fact, I slathered it on in hopes of preventing burns!
So I started reading. And the more I read and learned about traditional sunscreen the more I didn’t really want to rub it onto mine, and now my daughters’ skin.
I mean really, if I go through all the trouble to make every single lotion, buy only quality soaps and bubbles and whip up everything else in the house, why would I ruin all my work with regular sunscreen?
! I was learning everything I could about homemade beauty products so sunscreen was the next step.
The SPF Of This DIY Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide
Each ingredient in the natural sunscreen has its own SPF content and the bit of zinc gives it an extra boost.
There’s no way that I can give you an exact idea of the SPF content of this homemade sunscreen recipe. However, my thinking is it’s around 15-20. Personally, this works for us.
I actually read along time ago that anything over an spf of 25/30 isn’t “more effective” anyways! It’s just additional chemicals. I have no idea if this is true, but it definitely got me thinking – if you know the answer to this please comment below and inform me!
The thing is, even with traditional sunscreen lotions you sometimes get burned. Nothing is foolproof. This is my biggest pet peeve when it comes to making my own: if I get a little bit red everyone freaks out. I got plenty burnt as a kid with crazy chemical-filled spf 50 so let’s all settle down a tad.
A quick note on zinc. I believe that there are various kinds of zinc and you’re looking for Non-Nano Pharmaceutical Grade Zinc. I wish I would remember why. However, I know it has to be that one (sorry!).
Safe Sun Practices
Now that said, yes both of my daughters wear this natural, DIY Sunscreen. But they also:
- Wear hats
- Alternate between sun and shade
- Re-apply
- Wear UV protected clothes
- Drink lots of water
I haven’t tested this natural sunscreen recipe out in direct sunlight for eight hours because that’s insane. The sun here in Canada gets intense so yes, they are forced into shade sometimes to cool off their systems.
One thing I do love about this homemade sunscreen recipe though is that because it is oil-based it doesn’t come off easily in the water!
Oil repels water, so you stay protected a bit longer.
How Do You Make DIY Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide?
Whipping up a batch of homemade sunscreen is as easy as any homemade lotion. All you need to do is:
- measure out the ingredients
- melt the oils and butters togethers
- whisk in the zinc oxide
- let sit on the counter until firm (roughly 12 hours)
The Consistency
This particular DIY sunscreen recipe seems a bit hard once it sets and you have to mush it a bit with your fingers.
Buuuttt I actually prefer this as when the jar sits in your beach bag or car all day and gets warm, it’s not insanely goopy- just soft. If this drives you bananas though, just add some extra oil (start with one teaspoon).
This particular recipe is one that must be stored in a jar or container. It is not soft enough for a squeeze tube.
Can I Make Sunscreen Without Zinc Oxide?
Truth be told, I’m not sure as I’ve never tried.
I know that carrot seed oil has a higher SPF, as does avocado oil.
That said, be careful adding essential oils to your sunscreen. Some oils (like citrus ones) actually cause burns when exposed to direct sunlight! Keep it natural.
So, I am sure you could make an effective, natural sunscreen recipe without zinc oxide. However, I prefer to use it for a bit of extra protection.
Ingredients in the DIY Sunscreen Recipe
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc
- 2 tablespoons shae butter
- 1 tablespoon Cacao butter
- 3 tablespoons almond oil
Note: all of these DIY ingredients can be found from my favorite buyers here. I especially like to purchase from Pronounce Skincare as she has quality products and is another mama trying to make it all work!
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
How To Make Homemade Sunscreen
In a jar combine all ingredients except for zinc.
Place into a pot with only an inch of boiling water. Making sure that no water bubbles into the jar. Stir frequently.
Leave in the pot until everything is melted.
Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the zinc.
Really whisk it in (for about one full minute). If it’s not dissolved it sinks to the bottom. Likewise, you can whisk it well, then re-whisk about one minute later to ensure it’s combined.
Pour into jars and let sit on the counter for twenty-four hours until firm.
Don’t forget to pin this natural sunscreen recipe!
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Only six ingredients n this DIY sunscreen with zinc oxide. This homemade sunscreen recipe is all-natural and made with a blend of butters, oils, and zinc. In a jar combine all ingredients except for zinc. Place into a pot with only an inch of boiling water. Making sure that no water bubbles into the jar. Stir frequently. Leave in the pot until everything is melted. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the zinc. Really whisk it in (for about one full minute). If it’s not dissolved it sinks to the bottom. Likewise, you can whisk it in, let it sit for one minute, and whisk again to ensure it's combined. Pour into jars and let sit on the counter for twenty-four hours until firm. Do not add essential oils to your sunscreen. Some oils (like citrus ones) actually cause burns when exposed to direct sunlight! This sunscreen comes out a bit hard. I personally like this as it melts a bit when in the car/at the beach and makes it easy to go on. If you don’t like this, either cut the beeswax back ever so slightly or add in a bit more almond oil (start with one teaspoon) All of these DIY ingredients can be found from my favorite buyers here. I especially like to purchase from Pronounce Skincare as she has quality products and is another mama trying to make it all work!
Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
What Is The Best Natural Sunblock?
DIY sunscreen with zinc oxide may not be for you- and that’s ok!
Remember, I can’t give you a zillion reasons as to why this sunscreen recipe might work, only that it has for me in the past couple of years. It’s our go-to and it leaves my skin soft, so I love it.
However, I also now use store-bought sunscreen as well. The biggest reason for this is that it’s easier t bring to a beach than a glass jar. Also, my husband doesn’t like the texture of homemade lotion.
My two favorite brands are:
Both of these brands I use a lot for natural baby products (here’s a master list of the best baby brands!). Likewise, both have low EWG ratings and work well!
One thing to note is that there have been a few burns on my end in the last few years (none on the kids) and it’s mainly from falling asleep on the beach (oops).
If this is you, check out these natural sunburn remedies! My favorite is pure aloe and lavender 😉
Having a natural sunscreen recipe on hand is awesome for both yourself and your kids! Personally, I make a big batch up at the start of summer and am good to go. And while sunscreen is awesome, keep in mind that safe sun practices need to be combined with the lotion- enjoy your Vitamin D… but safely!
I love DIY but have yet to try sunscreen. I’ll definitely be trying this soon!
I was super scared at first that I was going to burn to death lol it works pretty well for us but again, we do practice a lot of safe sun protocols! It’s just the good brands are soooo expensive lol
Ooh, I’ve been looking for a decent natural sunscreen recipe for ages! I’ll give this a whirl at the weekend, when I’m making new batches of my other personal care products. Thank you!
Let me know what you think! I personally love it and it works well for us 🙂
I’m going to have to try this! I honestly hate the sunscreen you buy because it’s basically a lot of chemicals. I try and go with the most natural one I can find..lol. I’m going to try this out, I’ve never thought about trying to make it myself!
Ugh I know, sunscreen can get pretty yucky when it’s the regular stuff. I do have a brand I like to buy but it’s sooo pricey lol Give this one a try if you can. We really like it!
Hi! I was wanting to know how much carrot seed oil you would put in the sunscreen? I have some but I haven’t used it yet.
I haven’t done carrot seed oil in a long time but I would go for 1 tsp! if you’re adding oil though just remember it will change the consistency of the sunscreen (obviously make it more oily) so I would counter it with a teeny bit extra beeswax. That said, I like my sunscreen more firm so it’s not an oil pit after being in the car lol