DIY Homemade Natural Sunscreen

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 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," Many reports show that most sunscreens actually raise skin cancer risk.

Even natural, commercially available sunscreens often have toxic ingredients. People these days are Vitamin D deficient and the lack of sun exposure is 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.

Many of the ingredients in this recipe have a natural SPF. The finished product has around 15-35 SPF, depending on how much of the higher SPF ingredients you use. I find the exact recipe I make to be just right for my fair skin. It is water resistant for about 80 mins, but be sure to reapply after sweating, getting wet and/or toweling off.

SPF Content per ingredient:

Almond Oil - SPF around 5

Coconut Oil - SPF 4-6

Zinc Oxide - SPF 2-20 depending on how much used

Red Raspberry Seed Oil - SPF 25-50

Carrot Seed Oil - SPF 35-40

Shea Butter - SPF 4-6

Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients: 

1/2 cup Organic Almond Oil

1/4 cup Organic Coconut Oil

1/4 cup Organic Beeswax

2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (Here is a non-nano version that wont be absorbed in the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder.)

Up to 1 tsp Red Raspberry Seed Oil

Up to 1 tsp Carrot Seed Oil

2 Tablespoons Raw Shea Butter

Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference.

Instructions: 

1. Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar, like a mason jar.

2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.

3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.

4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Stir occasionally to incorporate. When all the ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.

5. Small mason jars are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump.

6. Stir a few times while it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated. Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months. Store in a cool dry place.