Make Your Own Non-Toxic Sunscreen Lotion + Non-Toxic Pre-Made Mineral Sunscreens

Too much exposure to UV rays cause more harm than premature wrinkles and skin aging. They can also cause skin cancer. But hey, you can’t sit indoors all summer long. The warm sunshine beckons. A day or several days at the beach is what summers are all about. Sleeveless tops and sandals are the fashion statements of the season. Unfortunately, all of these mean over-exposure to the sun.

Applying sunscreen before stepping out is one way to enjoy the benefits of sunlight while staying protected from its adverse effects. It’s not the only way of course. Scroll down to read more about other things you can do to stay safe in the sun.

When you do need sunscreen, select one that is made from all-natural ingredients. Some chemicals that are used are harmful both for your skin and for the environment.

This homemade sunscreen lotion recipe uses only natural ingredients. Each of the ingredients is also considered low SPF by themselves.

DIY Sunscreen Lotion Recipe

Ingredients

• ½ cup Almond Oil
• ¼ cup Coconut Oil – natural SPF of 6-8
• ¼ cup Beeswax
• 2 tablespoons Mango Butter or Shea Butter– natural SPF 3 – 5
• 2 tablespoons Nano-Nao Zinc Oxide – this doesn’t get absorbed into the skin
• 20 -25 drops Essential Oil –Myrrh has powerful skin-healing properties, which makes this the best essential oil for your homemade summer sunscreen. Lavender oil is also a good choice.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon or less of Carrot Seed Oil – approx. SPF 28-40
• Small Dark-Colored Glass Jars

A Look at the Individual Ingredients Used

Coconut oil is a carrier oil. It’s naturally high 4 – 6 SPF makes it the perfect choice for using in this homemade sunscreen recipe,

Along with excellent skin moisturizing properties, Mango and Shea butter both also have an SPF of 3-5.

Beeswax gives the sunscreen a more solid consistency. It also helps lock the sunscreen and moisture to the skin, which is what you want in your homemade sunscreen.

Nano Nano Zinc Oxide powder is the main ingredient in most sunscreens, homemade as well as premade. It provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun and is stable in sunlight too. The nano nano zinc oxide powder has larger particles that won’t penetrate the skin. This is a white, chalky substance that lifeguards and sports persons use to protect their faces when staying or playing out in the sun all day. Micronized or nano zinc oxide is not suitable for making sunscreen because they have tinier particles that can enter the bloodstream through the skin and cause various health issues.

In addition to its high SPF, Carrot Seed also contains antioxidants that protect skin cells.

 Step-By-Step Instructions

Create a double boiler by pouring a little water into a medium-sized saucepan. Keep it on the stove on medium heat.

While the water is heating, add all ingredients except zinc oxide in a large clean glass jar. Cover the jar loosely and place it in the middle of the pan with the water.

The ingredients in the jar will start to melt as the water heats. Stir or shake the jar occasionally to speed up the process.

When all ingredients are completely melted, remove from the flame and add in the zinc oxide. Stir gently so all ingredients mix well. As it cools, stir every few minutes to make sure the zinc oxide is properly mixed with the other ingredients.

Add the essential oils when the mixture has cooled down completely. Heat causes the essential oils to evaporate faster and you won’t get the scent you want.

When the mix has cooled down completely, transfer it into small dark-colored glass jars. This homemade sunscreen lotion is too thick to use with a pump bottle.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Important Things to Know About Making and Using Your Homemade Sunscreen Lotion

Do not add citrus oils to your sunscreen lotion. Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, and tangerine increase your skin’s photosensitivity to the sun and can have an adverse reaction.

This homemade sunscreen is not waterproof. You will need to reapply regularly if you are spending the day in and out of the water, whether it’s your backyard pool or the ocean. You will also need to reapply sunscreen after sweating.

Add a smaller amount of beeswax if you like your sunscreen to be runnier. Add more if you prefer to use thicker sunscreen.

This homemade sunscreen is quite thick and creamy and is best stored in a small glass jar. It is too thick to be stored in a squeeze bottle.

Store in a cool, dry place or the fridge.

Remove the Zinc Oxide and this recipe makes a super soothing and nourishing skin lotion to use all day long out of the sun.

Don’t Want to Make Your Own Sunscreen? Best Pre-Made Mineral Sunscreens

Not everyone is interested in making their own sunscreen lotion. That’s understandable. Unless you are enthusiastic about DIY projects, making your own products can be tedious and time-consuming.

These all-natural, non-toxic premade mineral sunscreens are great alternatives for anyone who doesn’t want to make their own.

All of the mineral sunscreens listed below have environmentally-friendly formulas and are safe to use in the ocean without damaging precious reefs.

BADGER Spf 40 Water Resistant Broad Spectrum Kids Sunscreen, 2.9 FZ

Made up of only 9 ingredients, all of which are non-toxic this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen is the safest sunscreen for kids. The mineral zinc oxide stays on top of your kid’s skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays without getting absorbed into their bloodstream. Badger Sunscreen is easy to apply, rubs in clear to blend with most skin tones, and is naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen – No Chemical Actives – SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Protection, 8.75 oz

This dermatologist-tested broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen provides head-to-toe sun protection. Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen contains no parabens, fragrances, or other skin-irritating chemicals, making it the perfect sunscreen for sensitive skin. The SPF 30+ formula starts with Zinc Oxide that provides true broad-spectrum protection from 97% of the sun’s burning rays.

JASON Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, 4 Ounce Bottle

JASON Broad Spectrum Mineral spectrum is made using safe and gentle ingredients and infused with chamomile and marigold extracts that help calm and soothe sensitive skin. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is free of parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other toxic chemicals.