Natural Sunscreen Options & Homemade Natural Sunblock Recipe

I've read so many articles lately about using natural oils for sunscreens. However, not all oils’ Sun Protection Factor (SPF) are created equal, and not all are strong enough to provide all day sun protection. Thus, I opted for a homemade all natural & organic sunblock. I tested it out over the weekend in Hilton Head & I'm super happy with it. My skin didn't feel greasy and gross like when I used store-bought sunscreen/sunblock. No sunburn on my skin! Absolutely no toxic chemicals entering my body :)

The Best Natural Oils for Sunscreen:

Red Raspberry Seed Oil – SPF 28 – 50 
Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 38 – 40

Wheatgerm Oil – SPF 20
Other Oils with SPF 10 or Less: 

• Macadamia Oil – SPF 6 
• Non-GMO Soybean Oil – SPF 10 
• Avocado Oil – 4–10
• Olive Oil - 2-8 
• Shea Butter – 3–6 
• Almond Oil – SPF 5 
• Sesame Seed Oil – SPF 4 
• Hemp Seed Oil – SPF 6 
• Jojoba Oil – SPF 4 
• Coconut Oil – SPF 2–8

Use caution when using natural oils for sunscreen. Always do your research. 

Aside from Red Raspberry Seed Oil, most plant oils protect only against UVB rays. Use with caution or mix with a non-nano sized zinc oxide formula (non-nano means that the particles are big enough so they don't absorb into your skin).

Homemade Natural Sunblock Recipe:

~Coconut oil - contains natural SPF properties
~Shea butter - naturally protects skin, making it perfect for use in a sunscreen
~Beeswax (OPTIONAL)- makes your sunblock water-resistant, but also makes it harder to apply.
~Jojoba oil, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil or sesame oil - these oils are easily absorbed into the skin and also provide some natural sun protection
~Essential oils (OPTIONAL) DO NOT use citrus essential oils in your sunblock, as they may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
~Vitamin E oil - nourishes and moisturizes skin, and helps naturally preserve homemade sunblock
~Non-nano Zinc oxide - a non-toxic, usually non-irritating, 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.

Choose your SPF

The zinc oxide must be a certain percentage of the weight of your ingredients (before adding the zinc oxide).

For SPF 2-5: Use 5% zinc oxide
For SPF 6-11: Use 10% zinc oxide
For SPF 12-19: Use 15% zinc oxide
For SPF 20: Use 20% zinc oxide

2 oz coconut oil (unrefined)
0.5 oz beeswax
2 oz shea butter 
0.1 oz sweet almond/jojoba/sesame/sunflower oil

0.1 oz. Vitamin E oil 

Zinc oxide powder (determine amount based on the SPF you desire)

Cocoa powder (optional) for tinting if you have darker skin like me
Essential oils (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba/sesame/sweet almond/sunflower oil in a jar over a double boiler.
2. Remove from double boiler and allow to cool a little.
3. Measure out your zinc oxide (you should wear a mask to avoid inhaling the fine zinc oxide powder)
4. Add zinc oxide, Vitamin E oil, and optional essential oils to the other ingredients.
5. Stir well to combine.