This DIY Sunscreen Is Made From All-Natural, Non-Toxic Ingredients - And It's Even Water-Resistant

Jun 15, 2018

It's important to stay safe while spending time in the sun, but many store-bought sunscreens are filled with harsh chemicals and toxins. If you're worried about the potential health risks of standard sunscreens, consider making your own! With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a water-resistant sunscreen that's just as effective as anything you can buy at the store. 

• ½ cup shea butter 
• 1 cup coconut oil 
• 2 tablespoons beeswax 
• 4 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide 
• A few drops of your favorite non-citrus essential oil 
• 1 container for your homemade sunscreen 
• 1 double boiler*  

*Many people don't own double boilers, which are comprised of a saucepan and a detachable upper container. The contents of the upper container are heated when water is boiled in the saucepan. If you don't have one, simply craft a makeshift boiler out of a pan and a mixing bowl. 

1. Combine the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in your double boiler. Melt the ingredients until they achieve a liquid consistency. 
2. Once the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil are liquefied, add the oil and the zinc oxide to your mixture. While stirring, keep your nose and mouth covered. 
3. Once your homemade sunscreen is thoroughly mixed, pour it into your container. As it cools down, it will thicken and achieve a consistency similar to store-bought sunscreens. 

Before you slather on your homemade concoction for an afternoon of sunbathing, you probably want to know why it works. The most crucial ingredient is the non-nano zinc oxide, which is found in skincare products ranging from calamine cream to anti-dandruff shampoos. It also works as an effective physical sunscreen. There are several types of zinc, and non-nano zinc oxide is best at shielding the skin from sun damage. When making your DIY sunscreen, make sure to purchase the correct kind of zinc. 

While zinc wards off sun damage all by itself, the other ingredients in the recipe serve purposes as well. Coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils all have potent moisturizing properties, which keeps the skin healthy and hydrated while you're out in the sun. 

While zinc is a great physical sunscreen, it can be difficult to gauge SPF when making homemade sunscreens. If you follow the above recipe, your sunscreen will have an SPF of 20 or less. For extra protection, add an extra dollop of zinc. 

Have you ever tried making your own sunscreen? Did it work? Show this recipe to a friend who loves to make everything at home as much as you do!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!