One ocean solution option against the use of chemical sunscreens is to make your own DIY mineral-based sunscreen. It’s fun. It’s easy and so far as the research and testing goes, a better option for your own and the ocean’s health than chemical-based sunscreen affecting ocean health. Here is an easy and quick DIY natural sunscreen recipe.
How does DIY mineral-based sunscreen protect you from the sun?
The sun blocking ingredient in DIY mineral based sunscreen is Zinc Oxide (or also used: titanium oxide). These minerals reflect rays and work as a shield as opposed to the chemical sunscreens that our body absorbs. Every percentage of zinc in the mix is around SPF 2. So if your blend is 10% zinc and 90% other oils you have a sunscreen of SPF 20. Additionally, different oils have a certain SPF as well (though no hardcore data on this exist), and feed the skin.
Is DIY mineral-based Sunscreen risky and dangerous?
The reasoning that some articles claim that DIY sunscreen is dangerous is because you can’t verify the SPF with homemade sunscreens as opposed to conventional sunscreens. So you’re not that sure how long it will work and how often you have to re-apply to protect your skin, which is a common concern in homemade sunscreen use.
The mainstream sunscreen may have a more accurate SPF and big budgets to test and improve, but making homemade sunscreen offers control over natural product ingredients. they also have hormone disrupters, chemicals, ocean killing ingredients that may increase the risk of skin cancer., and commercial interest. Above all, sunscreen is the last resort. Before you use sunscreen, do everything else right in the first place.
I just made my first sunscreen at home, and I would like to share the results and lessons learned with you.
Words of warning: I’m not a trained or professional cosmetic creator. I’m simply curious, creative and looking for simple and natural ways to make a positive impact on the ocean and the people around. I research far and beyond to get well-researched data to make it easier for you to make better decisions. Use this advice to make sunscreen with caution and find out what works best for you, while considering the health of Support the ocean we’re all dependent on by choosing eco-friendly sunscreen products..
How to Make DIY Natural Sunscreen?
Step 1. Source the natural sunscreen ingredients
Ingredients for DIY mineral-based sunscreen:
- Coconut Oil (SPF 4-6)
- Almond Oil (SPF 5)
- Jojoba Oil (SPF 4)
- Rose Hip Oil can be added to your homemade sunscreen recipe for extra skin benefits.
- Zinc Oxide Powder (Every % of the total mix is +/-1 SPF 2)
- Shea Butter (SPF 4-6), which contributes to a natural SPF in homemade sunscreen blends.
- Cacao butter
- Love <3
Finding the ingredients for this DIY mineral-based sunscreen is the most time-consuming part. I did the leg work for you. At the end of this blog, I recommend some places (in different countries) where you can source the ingredients.
Other cold-pressed oils can be considered too to make sunscreen. Have a look what you have in your house or boat already. The main working ingredient is Zinc Oxide. The different oils also have an SPF (especially seed oils are said to have a high protection factor generally). But I haven’t found hardcore data on the true SPF of the different oils. Also, some oils smell nicer than others, which can enhance your lotion or sunscreen products. Here are some more oils to consider that I’ve seen being used in sunscreens:
- Olive Oil – 2-8
- Hemp Seed Oil – SPF 6
- Macadamia Oil – SPF 6
- Carrot Seed Oil – SPF 38 – 40
- Avocado Oil – 4 – 10 (can get as high as 15)
- Sesame Seed Oil – SPF 4, which can be part of a more natural SPF approach.
- Raspberry Seed Oil is known for its natural SPF properties. can be combined with other oils for a homemade sunscreen recipe. (SPF 25-50) can be used in homemade sunscreen recipes.
I visited tons of blogs on DIY sunscreen recipes. Also, I’ve looked at the ingredient lists of numerous mineral-based sunscreens. Based on what I could source, what is vegan, and what has proven to work well with others, I choose to mix the 7 ingredients for mineral-based sunscreen as listed above. It turned out pretty good!
What I’ve learned is that it is important to mix with oil and a thicker butter (I choose cacao butter and shea butter). Beeswax is often also used for a thicker consistency, but beeswax often comes with other ethical issues, unlike non-nano zinc oxide.
Step 2. Mix the sunscreen ingredients ‘Au Bain Marie’
To make the sunscreen, put in a glass or bowl:
- 1 Spoon of Coconut Oil
- 1 Spoon of Almond Oil
- 1 Spoon of Jojoba Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Rose Hip Oil
- 2 Spoons of Shea Butter
- 1 3cm x 3cm block of Cacao Butter
At last: add 2 Spoons of Zinc Oxide Powder (or more if you’d like a higher protection ratio).
This recipe, I estimate to be +/- SPF 25, illustrating that you can make a sunscreen with natural ingredients. To increase SPF add an extra spoon of Zinc Oxide powder.
Put this glass or bowl in a pan with warm water so the cold oils will melt and you can mix the ingredients. I wouldn’t let it boil. It may damage the good properties and there is no need. I found a glass useful since it will stand on the bottom of the pan (and not float and risk water ingress).
You also have specialized au bain marie melting pots if you want to go advanced.
Step 3. Put the mixture in a practical package
See if you have something that you can reuse. I used a little metal container originally used for loose tea. It works great!
Some suggestions for sunscreen packaging:
- An old pill jar
- An old sunscreen or shampoo bottle
- An empty soap pump
- A glass jar (if you're not travelling)
- A metal container
Step 4. Let your sunscreen cool down
This will make the sunscreen more solid.
Step 5. Try it out! And go play in the outdoors
I'm surprisingly pleased with the result. The sunscreen feels like a little spa on my face. It applies well, and I have not gotten sunburned in the hot Spanish sun so far. You do need to spread it out well to not be as white as ghost, but this mixture makes me way less white than other mineral sunscreens I'm testing. The cacao butter smell is a bit dominating, but I don't mind this.
To me, it tastes like the tropics. My skin feels soft and nurtured. If you are surfing or sailing the full day, I recommend increasing the % of Zinc Oxide powder to have a higher grade of protection and/or re-apply throughout the day.
Let me know how you like it! And how this works for you.
Recommended Mineral-Based sunscreen on the market
DIY mineral based sunscreen not for you? Here are some recommendations for mineral-based sunscreens out on the market. My favourite: Ohm.
US based favourite: Stream2Sea. Use code OCEANPRENEUR for 10% off. They also have chemical free shampoos.
Where to find the DIY Mineral based Sunscreen Ingredients?
Find the ingredients as local as you can. Here's why. Check out the herbal shop, pharmacy or eco shop near you. Alternatively, we have: the internet ;). The below lists links to local stores.
Choose cold-pressed and organic oils and butter for the best quality.
I like the Natural Heroes shop in the Netherlands to get raw materials. Also, at the Morocco markets and Spanish herb shops, I have found ingredients to make cosmetics for an affordable price.
Zero Waste Sunscreen Packaging Ideas
Check your local zero-waste store:
FAQ Homemade natural sunscreen
What is the shelf life of natural-based sunscreen?
The ingredients of this recipe all have a considerable shelf life. This recipe doesn't have any conserving ingredients. As far as my research and testing have gone, this mixture won't go bad quickly.
Zinc Oxide does not deteriorate over time and has an indefinite shelf life, “which means that they are extremely stable and can tolerate high heat, UV light and moisture without disintegration (1)”
The sunscreen diminishes quicker when exposed to heat, which is likely because we take this stuff to the beach and sun. Try to store it in a dark and cool place.
No need to have it in the fridge. When the sunscreen starts to look grainy or doesn't apply well to the skin it may be time to shake things up to see if it returns to it's creamy form. Un unpleasant sell could be another clue of expiration.
How to increase the SPF?
This recipe, I estimate to be +/- SPF 25. To increase SPF add an extra spoon of Zinc Oxide powder.
What are the benefits of making your own DIY natural sunscreen?
Making your own DIY natural sunscreen allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a safe and effective protection for your skin. Plus, you can avoid harmful chemicals often found in commercial sunscreens.
Is DIY sunscreen waterproof?
DIY sunscreen can be made waterproof by adding ingredients like beeswax or red raspberry seed oil, which can help the sunscreen stay effective even when exposed to water.
What SPF protection can homemade sunscreen offer?
Depending on the amount of zinc oxide used, homemade sunscreen can offer SPF protection ranging from 15 to 30, providing adequate protection against harmful UV rays.
Why is zinc oxide considered a key ingredient in natural homemade sunscreen?
Zinc oxide is often used in natural homemade sunscreen due to its ability to provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, making it an effective and safe ingredient.
How can I ensure that the zinc oxide in my homemade sunscreen is well-mixed?
To ensure that the zinc oxide is well mixed in your homemade sunscreen, make sure to thoroughly stir it into the lotion mixture until it is evenly distributed to ensure proper sun protection.
Can essential oils be added to DIY sunscreen for extra benefits?
Yes, essential oils can be added to DIY sunscreen not only for their pleasant fragrance but also for their potential additional benefits, such as soothing the skin or providing extra protection.
References
In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics
In-Depth Blog on DIY Sunscreen from Wellnessmama
Learn more about sunscreen and the ocean
Biodegradable sunscreen for a healthy ocean and healthy you. What to know? What to choose?
The 7 dangerous ingredients of Sunscreen
Why oxybenzone and octinoxate are bad for reefs
A Single Drop of Sunscreen Can Kill Coral
As always, opinions are my own. No organisation or brand is paying me to write this or mention them. Sometimes links to ocean-friendly items contain affiliate links. If you’re looking to purchase something, huge thanks if you purchase it via this website (but try to find it locally first).
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Brilliant!!
Based on your recipe in the article, what SPF would you estimate this combo to be Suzanne? And based on teh recipe, how much extra Zinc Oxide would I need to add to increase by 10SPF?
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and knowledge!
Hey Elaine! Thanks for your comment. And good question! I added some more info on this. This recipe, I estimate to be +/- SPF 25. Every percentage of zinc in the mix is around SPF 2. To increase the SPF with 10 it needs + 5% of extra Zinc Oxide which is half a spoon.
Enjoy! And let me know how you go!
Suzanne