There are natural ingredients, some may be found in our kitchens, that work to protect us from overexposure to the sun. Many are oils that contain SPF properties such as:
- Raspberry Seed Oil. The highest of all natural ingredients contains an estimated SPF of 30-50.
- Shea Butter. An excellent skin protectant with an SPF of approximately 6-10.
- Carrot Seed Oil. Carrot seed oil is an essential oil and has been estimated to contain SPF levels of 30.
- Wheat Germ Oil. While super nourishing for the skin, it too possesses a natural SPF of 20.
- Sesame oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Soybean, and Peanut Oil. All contain SPF levels between 4-10.
However, none of these ingredients are necessarily adequate on their own to provide us protection for an all-day experience…say, out on the lake.
In order to make your own sunscreen, you really should add the natural mineral zinc oxide (and possibly titanium oxide) to your recipe. This will give you real power to reflect the sun’s ray, with minimal negative effects. Let’s give it a try! Let us know if this recipe works for you!
Ingredients:
Customize this recipe based on your budget and what you have available.
-1 ounce oil blend (use any combination of the oils listed above)
-1 ounce beeswax (adds waterproof properties)
-1 ounce butter blend (i.e. Shea butter, mango butter, or cocoa butter)
-1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
-0.36 ounces of zinc oxide powder
-30 drops essential oils, optional
How it’s done:
1. Gather ingredients and kitchen tools. Note: Many of the oils listed above can be found in the grocery store or health food store. I love the quality and cosmetic properties of the oils, essential oils, and butters available from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are my source for these things. Find beeswax here or search for a local source by clicking here.
2. In a double boiler, over low heat, melt the oils, beeswax, and butters.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly prior to adding the vitamin E oil, zinc oxide powder, and essential oils. Note: Wear a mask when working with zinc oxide. Although it has not been proven harmful when used topically, inhaling the substance can be dangerous.
4. Stir until zinc oxide is dissolved. Note: Purchase zinc oxide powder here.
5. Pour into a push-up or roll-up dispenser. This recipe will produce a product similar to a lotion bar or sunscreen stick. You could easily clean out and re-purpose a used deodorant or lip balm container. But, if you want to buy a new one…I love these containers.
6. Allow to cool and harden on the counter overnight and then you’re good to go! During times of heavy sun and swim exposure be sure to reapply often for the best coverage.
Notes:
-This recipe contains zinc oxide at 12% which gives it an SPF of around 10-12 (note: this has not been approved or tested).
-Want to reduce your cost of the products used to make this recipe? Call together a group of like-minded friends, ask them if they are interested in making this recipe with you, and split the costs!
-Beneficial, sun protecting essential oils include lavender, myrrh, carrot seed oil, and peppermint.
-Don’t shun the sun completely! Our fear of the sun has precipitated a societal vitamin D deficiency that is, unfortunately, taking us by storm — potentially producing an increased rate of cancers, autism, asthma, heart disease, and mental illness, just to name a few.
