Learn how to make organic sunscreen at home to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays without using harmful ingredients. This homemade waterproof sunscreen recipe is simple to make and easy to use.
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Summer is right around the corner, and it has me thinking about sun protection. Making your own homemade waterproof sunscreen is easy, and it works great.
Did you know that most store-bought sunscreens use many chemical SPF ingredients? Unfortunately, very few contain mineral SPF, and the ones that often include other potentially harmful chemicals defeat the purpose anyway.
When I decided to make my natural sunscreen recipe, I wanted an easy DIY, effective, and safe recipe for kids. This organic sunscreen is also waterproof, making it an excellent option for the pool or for working outside and sweating.
One batch of this homemade waterproof sunscreen recipe should last an entire summer; if not, make another one and enjoy.
Homemade Waterproof Sunscreen recipe
From my personal experience and research, homemade sunscreens may not be as waterproof as mineral-based sunscreens. Also, they have as high or broad spectrum SPF. That said, always remember that homemade versions may not protect as fully against the sun’s rays. Don’t get me wrong; I do not recommend avoiding sunscreen or getting too much sun, which could lead to sunburn or damage.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Shea butter for a spreadable consistency
- 1/4 cup Coconut oil (natural SPF of 7)
- 2 tbsp Zinc Oxide powder (natural SPF of 20)
- 1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil (SPF 25-50)
- 1/4 cup pureAloe Vera gel(m (must be 50 percent or higherpure aloe)
- 25 drops of walnut extract oil for scent and anadded SPF boost
How to make organic sunscreen
- Combine everything except the zinc powder and aloe vera gel in a double boiler.
- Heat water to a simmer and melt all ingredients, stirring well to combine.
- Let it cool for several minutes before stirring in the aloe vera gel.
- Cool completely before adding zinc oxide. Mix well to make sure the zinc oxide is distributed throughout.
- Put a tight lid on the jar and shake well. Avoid breathing in the zinc powder. Wrap a towel around the jar to help when you shake it!
- Once sunscreen has started to thicken but is still pourable, pour it into a glass container or a mason jar.
- Follow up with an after-sun lotion or spray.
If you have oily skin, try not to slather on a homemade waterproof sunscreen heavy on oil ingredients. Add some essential oils (geranium, neroli, and rosemary) instead that will correct the overproduction of sebum (oil) on your skin. To avoid oil buildup on your skin, swap coconut oil (comedogenic) for another carrier oil, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil. If you have dry skin, use argan oil, olive oil, avocado, and coconut oil. These oils are rich in fatty acids and vitamin E oil, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Why DIY natural sunscreen for summer?
Sunburn is dangerous!
Sunburn is harmful!
It should be avoided!
But luxury and expensive sunscreen isn’t the only way to avoid it.
We need a little sun on our bodies daily to keep the old Vitamin D levels up. That could mean 10- 15 minutes in the morning or later, not around noon at peak sun hours.
I like to get a little sun every morning because it gives me energy and makes me feel great.
I wouldn’t say I like to roast in the sun all day.
So after your 15 minutes of sun, it’s shade time! Put the umbrella up, wear clothing with SPF, slather on your homemade waterproof sunscreen, and protect your precious skin.
Regular sunscreen you buy from the store (I call them chemical sunscreens) has a few questionable ingredients you will want to avoid. The luxurious organic brands can be expensive, so making your own homemade waterproof sunscreen is the best option. Because this sunscreen’s active ingredient is zinc oxide, it is safe for babies under 6 months of age.
Areport from the EWGfound numerous ingredients in sunscreen at unsafe concentration levels. Studies also found some ingredients absorbed and remained in the body for weeks, even after just one use.
Let’s look at some problems with conventional sunscreen ingredients:
- Nano zinc oxide is zinc oxide with particles small enough to go deep into the layers of skin. That’s unsafe, and it leaves the top layers of skin unprotected.
- Harmful chemicals that do not break down naturally can be found in commercial sunscreens. These substances are known to cause cancer and interfere with our hormones. Considering how quickly our skin absorbs substances, we certainly do not want these chemicals entering our bloodstream.
- Conventional sunscreens transport these chemicals into the body’s depths. When these chemicals penetrate the layers of the skin, they can interact with ultraviolet light and result in skin harm. Using mainstream sunscreens may elevate the likelihood of developing skin cancer. (source).
When buying zinc oxide, ensure that you select a non-nano form. Nano zinc oxide particles are incredibly small and can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream easily. Non-nano zinc oxide is also safe for marine life, in contrast tostudiesshowing the toxic effects of nano zinc oxide on marine organisms.
Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Last summer, I read a lot about sunscreens. Lately, I’ve discovered that in the years since sunscreen use began, skin cancer rates have risen. Many reports show that mostsunscreens raisethe risk of skin cancer.
The answer is simple: many commercial sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate. Oxybenzone is a known hormone disruptor that is not recommended for use in children. It has been banned in many locations worldwide.
Protect the Coral Reefs
Recent research shows thatcompounds in many types of sunscreen harm ocean life, especially coral.
Experts predict that more than 5,000 metric tons of sunscreen are rinsed off swimmers yearly. This pollution from swimmers poses a significant threat to a considerable portion of coral life in the ocean and, in turn, various other marine species. The reason is that these chemicals have the potential to activate inactive viruses in zooxanthellae, a type of symbiotic algae that contributes food and vibrant color to the coral reefs.
Some sunscreen ingredients have even beenbanned in some placesdue to their negative environmental effects on coral reefs. This DIY sunscreen recipe avoids all such ingredients.
Is DIY Sunscreen Safe?
Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t easy to make your effective natural sunscreen – and how important it is for your sunscreen to work.
When you look online, you will find numerous articles warning against using homemade natural sunscreens, stating that they can be harmful and should be avoided at all costs. The primary concern is the inability to confirm the SPF (sun protection factor) of homemade sunscreens, which may increase the risk of sunburn.
I agree with that!
While homemade sunscreens may lack the laboratory testing typically conducted on conventional sunscreen products, they also lack harmful endocrine disruptors and compounds harmful to coral reefs. Therefore, homemade sunscreens should not be used in the same manner as conventional products, but likewise, conventional sunscreens should not be used in their typical fashion!
The sun protection factor, or SPF, is the ranking factor on how much protection you receive while wearing that product.
The FDA recommends that zinc oxide in sunscreen should not make up more than 25% of the total ingredients.
It is important always to be mindful of the sun’s rays and practice safe sun exposure. Since everyone is unique, the level of exposure and precautions needed may differ from person to person. Suppose you need help with how to protect your skin effectively. In that case, conducting your own research and seeking advice from a qualified naturopath or dermatologist is recommended to determine your most suitable approach.
Natural Ingredients for Homemade Waterproof Sunscreen
Coconut oil– contains natural SPF properties. It blocks only 20 percent of the sun’s damaging rays.
Aloe Vera– is a good active ingredient in your homemade sunscreen. It’s been proven to both treat and prevent burns on your skin.
Shea Butter– naturally protects skin, making it perfect for use in homemade organic sunscreen.
Raspberry Seed oil– contains powerful anti-oxidants and vitamin E to help fight free radicals, renew skin cells, and improve tone/elasticity. It has an SPF against UVB rays of 28-50 and an SPF against UVA rays of around 8.
Zinc oxide(non-nano) – a non-toxic, effective broad-spectrum sunblock. The particles sit on the outermost layer of your skin, scattering and absorbing UVA and UVB rays, protecting the skin below.
Walnut extractoil contains rich vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for achieving smooth and youthful skin. It also protects against UV rays and is attractive to the sun. Additionally, it is effective in treating sunburn due to its properties. Furthermore, due to its high content of essential fatty acids, walnut oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin before and during sun exposure.
How to Choose your DIY Sunscreen SPF
With plenty of naturalhomemade sunscreen recipes, finding one that will protect your skin from cancer-resulting UVB and UVA rays isn’t easy.
I decided to use aloe vera gel in this DIY sunscreen because it is an effective active ingredient. It has been shown to heal and protect the skin from burns.
The quantity of zinc oxide required varies based on the desired SPF of your homemade sunscreen. Remember that the zinc oxide should make up a specific percentage of the total weight of your ingredients (before adding the zinc oxide).
- 2-5 SPF: Use 5% zinc oxide
- 6-11 SPF: Use 10% zinc oxide
- 12-19 SPF: Use 15% zinc oxide
- >20 SPF: Use 20% zinc oxide
How to store the DIY Sunscreen
Keep your sunscreen in a glass jar or a container that seals tightly. Remember that glass and water do not go well together if you plan to use this sunscreen at the pool during the warmer months. Use a plastic container instead, and avoid adding any essential oils. The sunscreen has a shelf life of one year, but its longevity will greatly diminish if it comes into contact with water.
Importance of sunscreen
There’s aton of researchto show that sunscreen reduces your risk of sunburn, lowering your risk of the lesions that can lead tomelanoma.
In full disclosure, this homemade waterproof sunscreen will not function like commercial sunscreen. So, do your own research, and check out the article above to decide if homemade sunscreen is right for you.
Homemade all-natural sunscreen will give your skin a bit of a white tint. Also, this must be reapplied frequently if you use it at the beach or a pool, as it is partially waterproof. It is also not the high SPF (sun protection factor) recommended for long-term exposure. This homemade waterproof sunscreen recipe is easy to make and a fun DIY project to prepare for summer.
If you’re looking for homemade waterproof sunscreen, look no further.
It’s time to put your new skills into action. You’ve learned how to make homemade sunscreen, so what’s next? Grab the ingredients and start making your DIY natural sunscreen. You’ll save money. You’ll be using only natural products. You’ll feel better. Your skin will be healthier and glowing.
Let me know how you experience it!
Take care, beautiful soul!
