It’s the time of year when I start slathering the kids with sunscreen before heading out to school. And man, it’s a challenge! This homemade natural sunscreen uses zinc oxide and red raspberry seed oil as the primary skin-protecting ingredients while the coconut oil, which has a natural SPF of about 4-6, makes it easy to apply and adds moisture. You can’t beat the texture of whipped coconut oil – so soft and creamy!
Ingredients for natural sun protection
Oils
Using an oil to protect your skin seems counterintuitive, but several oils not only provide your skin nourishment but a dose of UVB ray protection as well.
- Avocado oil – SPF 4-15
- Olive oil – SPF 2-8
- Coconut oil – SPF 4-6
- Almond oil – SPF 5
- Jojoba oil – SPF 4
Shea butter
It naturally protects and conditions skin which has been damaged and offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF 6).
Red raspberry seed and carrot seed oil
Both oils have naturally very high SPFs because the vitamin A, vitamin E and fatty acids they contain are at just the right balance to protect against UV rays. Red raspberry seed oil has a natural SPF of around 30 and carrot seed oil provides SPF 40 protection.
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide is unique among sunscreen ingredients in that it is truly a broad-spectrum blocker, protecting from UVA, UVB and even UVC rays. It’s safest to use non nano versions of zinc, as other types will absorb into the skin instead of providing the physical barrier on the outer layer of skin.
Zinc oxide should be 20% of the sunscreen recipe in order to get an SPF 30, which for this sunscreen recipe equals roughly 2 tablespoons. You can add more zinc for more protection, but note that it will make the cream a bit thicker.
Whipped Homemade Natural Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (this giant jar will last forever)
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide (make sure it’s non nano)
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl over warm water.
- Add red raspberry seed oil and zinc oxide and stir together.
- Cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes – 1 hour until you get a solid consistency.
- Whip 3-5 minutes until you get a frosting like consistency.
- Transfer to container with lid and store in a cool place.
- Apply liberally. And always wear a hat and glasses!
Hello there!
Is it possible to replace the shea butter for cocoa butter?
Thanks!
Hello,
What’s the shelf life of this homemade sunscreen? Is it resistant to heat i.e. if you bring the product to the beach with you.
Thank you.
i know this post is from over two years ago, but I do have one important question. I have highly sensitive to sun skin, and generally end up having to use 50+ spf sunscreen. would this still work well for me and what oil should I use?
I turn very red within fifteen minutes of sun exposure. as in lobster red. to give a good idea of how bad is is.
If I used any of the other oils that you mentioned instead of the coconut oil, will it still whip up the same?
These are the exact ingredients I use in my homemade sunscreen and I know for sure it works. I’m making more and will whip it this time. Great for sensitive skin.
Wouldn’t it fry your skin, with all the oils?
how long will it take to apply it on our skin????? i hrd that homemade sunscreens take about 10 mins to be applied properly
Which type of container is best for this ?.. A jar or a squueze tube? Does it melt if I take it with me to the beach/pool. Trying to decide if I should buy some squeeze tubes because I don’t want to bring a glass jar by the pool.
Is there a substitute for coconut oil for those with allergies?
Babassu?
I’ve been searching for a natural sunscreen to try out because I am going away on a beach getaway. Sunscreens are necessary then. Great post.
Thank so much! Can’t wait to try the sunscreen recipe.
You should try Badger Balm Sunscreen. It is natural and they have certified organic options as well. Good luck!
Oh la la, this is a good one. I had no idea those oils had a sun protection component. I will definitely link to this one.