Non-Toxic Homemade Sunscreen Recipe with Essential Oils and Shea Butter
Most store-bought sunscreens are full of toxins, but the good news is you can make your own with all natural ingredients. The key ingredients for homemade sunscreen are carrot seed oil and zinc oxide. Both have high natural SPF and are natural and nontoxic.
Carrot seed oil has one of the highest SPFs of all natural sunscreens: the natural SPF value is between 30-40. You can also layer in natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax for extra SPF and a creamy sunscreen lotion. They are all natural sunscreens, but usually under 10 SPF. This recipe includes carrot seed, zinc oxide, shea butter, almond oil and coconut oil for a combined estimated natural SPF of 60+.
Natural Homemade Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond oil (natural SPF of 5) or avocado or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter(natural SPF of 5)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF of 4)
- 2 Tablespoons zinc oxide (non-nano non-GMO, natural SPF of 20+)
- 10 drops carrot seed essential oil (natural SPF of 30-40)
- 10 drops myrrh essential oil
- 25 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops vanilla extract (optional)
Method
Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint-size or larger glass jar.
Fill a medium saucepan about 1/3 of the way with water and place over medium heat.
Stir occasionally to incorporate ingredients.
When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well. Pour into the jar, tube or tin you will use for storage. I like to use these squeeze tubes or these 4 oz glass jars.
Shake or stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is mixed in well.
Use as you would regular sunscreen. Use within six months.
Or try one of these other sunscreen recipes from our friends:
Homemade Bug Repellent with SPF
DIY Homemade Natural and Safe Sunscreen
If you decide to buy sunscreen, be sure to consult our Sunscreen Guide: Ingredients to Avoid and Natural Brands to Love. You can also find our annual product guides listed here.
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21 Safe & Natural Sunscreen Brands for Swim and Sport, Summer 2014
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Image: miss messie
