Woman apply cream on her smooth tanned legs
Image: Shutterstock/Zhoozha

Natural recipes to make your own non-toxic sunscreen

If you’re ready to kick back and relax at the beach, but don’t want to take all the harsh chemicals with you, try making your own non-toxic sunscreen! It simply makes sense for when you’re getting back to nature to only use all-natural products, right? Try the non-toxic sunscreen recipes below to get started. For your added benefit, in case you’ve had too much fun in the sun, and are in need of some sunburn relief, an additional recipe is included at the bottom for such an occasion. Whether you’re enjoying the sun or recovering to enjoy it again tomorrow, there’s an all-natural option for you to choose.

Water Resistant Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Ingredients:

  • 2oz of beeswax
  • 2oz of cocoa butter
  • 2oz of coconut oil
  • 2oz of liquid oil (argan, carrot, etc. It’s your preference.)
  • 2oz of zinc
  • Kitchen scale
  • Double boiler
  • Squeeze tubes, optional

Directions:

  1. Finely grate the beeswax and weigh the grated bits to 2oz.
  2. In a double boiler, melt the beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil until liquid. Remove from heat.
  3. Slowing whisk in the zinc, stirring until all lumps are gone. When this mixture is slightly cooled, stir in the liquid oil until well combined.
  4. Use a butter knife to scoop the sunscreen into the squeeze bottles, or store in a glass jar with a lid. Makes one cup of sunscreen.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen Lotion Bars

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup shea butter
  • 5 tbsp beeswax
  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp Zinc Oxide
  • ½ tsp Vitamin E oil
  • ¾ tsp lavender essential oil (you can substitute another oil if you prefer a different scent—don’t use a citrus oil though, as they are photosensitive and are not conducive for a sunblock)

Directions:

  1. Combine the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a glass bowl placed over a hot pot of water, or use a double boiler. Heat on low until the ingredients are melted and fully incorporated.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the zinc oxide, the essential oil, and the vitamin E oil.
  3. Pour into silicone mold and place in the fridge to cool for about thirty minutes. Pop out and store in tins or an airtight container. Store at room temperature.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen Spray

Ingredients:

  • 10-25+ drops of Carrot Seed essential oil (average of 30-40 spf UVB protection)
  • And/or 10-25+ drops of Myrrh essential oil (average of 30-40 spf UVB protection)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of Zinc Oxide Powder
  • Carrier oil of your choice (coconut, olive, sesame, etc.)
  • 1 2oz amber spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Combine with a whisk until all particles are divided into the oil mixture, then add to spray bottle.
  2. The zinc powder will settle over time so remember to shake well between uses.
  3. Oils can be adjusted to suit your needs and skin type, so play around until you find the right ratios.

Roll-On Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Ingredients:

  • 25g beeswax (about 1 1/2 tbsp beeswax pastilles)
  • 40g shea or mango butter
  • 50g coconut oil
  • 20g cocoa butter
  • 30g zinc oxide
  • Cocoa powder, 1-7 tbsp (optional, it adds a tint to the sunscreen depending how much you wish to use)
  • Empty deodorant tubes

Directions:

  1. Melt all ingredients except zinc oxide and cocoa powder together in a double-boiler (or in a small saucepan set inside a slightly larger saucepan with simmering water). If you must heat the ingredients on direct heat, be sure to use the absolute lowest setting your stove will allow.
  2. When all ingredients are melted, remove from the heat and stir in the zinc oxide and cocoa powder, if using. Be careful not to breathe in the zinc oxide powder.
  3. Make sure the mixture is well mixed, especially if you’re using large amounts of cocoa powder, then pour the mixture into your deodorant tubes.
  4. Let stand until completely cool and very firm, 6-12 hours.
  5. Store in the refrigerator for 6-12 months. Carry in any bag, but word to the wise: if you will be in a warm location, keep the sunscreen in your cooler or store in a zipper-top plastic bag out of the sun, as the sunscreen will soften as it warms.

Sunburn Relief Spray

Ingredients:

  • 16oz glass spray bottle
  • 1 cup + 1 tbsp of aloe vera juice
  • ¼ cup of coconut oil
  • 1 tsp of Vitamin E oil
  • 8 drops of lavender essential oil
  • 8 drops of melaleuca essential oil
  • 8 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in the bottle.
  2. Shake before use to incorporate ingredients. Spray onto skin as needed.

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