Since I started making most of my own skincare products, sunscreen has become a bit tricky. Oils have some sun protection, but not enough for a day at the beach or even a long walk. This homemade sunscreen lotion combines green tea, zinc oxide, natural oils and butters to provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Green Tea Infused Oil
Infusing oils is one of my favorite things, and for a DIY sunscreen, green tea is the perfect choice. When applied to the skin, green tea has the ability to absorb UV rays. Now green tea alone won’t give you enough sun protection, but it’s a great complimentary ingredient because it has antioxidants that also help your skin resist UV damage and the the aging effects that come with it.
Plus, infusing coconut oil with green tea gives you this awesome green color.
You can get additional natural sun protection with these ingredients:
Zinc Oxide
Zinc OxideLong used for sun protection (remember those white noses?), zinc oxide is a powdered mineral that sits on top of the skin, scattering, reflecting, and absorbing UVA & UVB rays. Be sure to get a non nano, uncoated zinc oxide (like this one) to avoid it absorbing into the skin.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil
Exceptionally rich in vitamin E, vitamin A and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, red raspberry seed oil provides broad spectrum UV protection against UV-B and UV-C rays.
Carrot Seed, Shea Butter + Coconut Oil
You’ll get a bit of sun protection from natural oils – coconut oil rates about SPF 7 (see table 3). Primarily, they help moisturize skin and repair skin damage.
I’ve been using this sunscreen on my face, chest and especially my hands because I hate age spots! Yes, it does give you a hint of the white face, but if I let it sit for a few minutes and then apply makeup, it doesn’t bother me.
Green Tea Infused Homemade Sunscreen
Equipment
- Double boiler
- Airtight glass jar
Materials
- 1 cup green tea infused coconut oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
- ⅛ cup red raspberry seed oil
- ⅛ cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons non nano uncoated zinc oxide
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 20 drops carrot seed oil
Instructions
- Combine the coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat over low until melted. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir. The zinc oxide thickens the mixture quite a bit so add that ingredient last.
- Transfer to a jar and let it cool completely. Replace lid and keep in a cool, dry place.
Notes
I really love all the ingredients in this recipe but how much of each one?
Can the ingredients list and amounts be added to the recipe please!
Sorry — I found this page a bit later than it was originally posted. Has something changed, b/c I can’t see the ingredients list. I have no idea how much to add! Thanks for any help!
What is the SPF?
Do you really use ⅛ cup red raspberry seed oil?
What texture does have that cream? Is it really heavy and oily? Is it suitable to use under make-up? If so, is it possible to get more light texture without losing it’s sunscreen properties? I’m looking for something like a face milk.
Omgosh. Definitely pinning this! I have been looking for sunscreen diy and I’m so glad I found yours. Best of all (as a tea writer) I am stoked it is infused with tea!!! Thank you :)
Love seeing the information of Red Raspberry Seed oil becoming more and more talked about!
We have been producing Red Raspberry Seed oil, from seed to oil, for the past 4 year (5th season coming up this July) here in Washington State. We noticed that you’re recommending Red Raspberry Seed Oil from a large oil re-seller. Re-sellers are notorious for buy cheap oils and re-bottling them as apposed to being involved in the actual production of the oils.
If you’d ever like to try a sample RSO, directly from the producers, send us an e-mail and we’d love to send you a bottle or two to try out and compare.
How long will this keep for?
Can this be made without the red raspberry seed and carrot seed oil? If so, will the texture/consistency be the same? I have all the other ingredients except those two. When used solely as a sunscreen, how often does it need to be reapplied throughout the day? I am anxious to make this, as summer has long begun here in NC! Thanks for a great post!
You might want to substitute another oil for the red raspberry seed oil – something like almond oil would work. The zinc oxide thickens the mixture quite a bit when added but you could try leaving it out and see how it feels. Most barrier sunscreens recommend reapplying every 2 hours.
How about avacado, or olive oil?
Wow! Haven’t heard this before, but yeah I should give it a try. I’m sure I’ll love it.
Wonderful ideas as usual ?
Oh my gosh this looks so heavenly and I’m pretty sure I could smell it through my screen! Sunscreen really is a tricky one, I can’t wait to try making this whenever the sunshine decides to return to Seattle :)