All Natural Homemade Sunscreen

This is a recipe for all natural homemade sunscreen, without zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  A few years ago, I created this Instructable that shows you how to make your own sunscreen using these ingredients.  In response to many comments I'd been getting on it, I decided to offer a TD/ZO alternative, with all natural elements.  You can actually eat most of the ingredients!  

Carrot seed oil's high carotol content gives it its skin-rejuvenative properties, and can directly reduce the damaging effects of UV rays.  Avocado oil, sesame oil and shea butter contain a low SPF sunscreen. However, they have limited VA/UVB-filtering ability and you should not use them as your only skin protection. For a natural sunscreen with a higher SPF, use a sunscreen with titanium dioxide. Find out how to make your own here! 

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Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. organic sesame oil
• 1 tbsp. organic avocado oil
• 1 tbsp. organic jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp. organic almond oil
• 1 tbsp. organic, unrefined shea butter
• 2 tbsp. raw cocoa butter
• 1 tsp. organic beeswax
• 1 tsp. soy-lecithin liquid
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• 2 tbsp. rose water  (I prefer lavender water)
• 1/2 tsp. borax powder* (used as an emulsifier)
• 20 drops unrefined carrot seed oil
• 3-5 drops coconut fragrance oil (optional)

NOTE: avoid using citrus oils, such as bergamont, orange, lemon or lime. They may cause unpleasant skin reactions when exposed to the sun. They also reduce a sunscreen's effectiveness.

*Even though Borax is used as a food ingredient in some countries, it is banned for such use in the US, and can be harmful if ingested in large doses.  Use gloves and a safety mask when working with borax.  

Tools:

• Microwave and melting pitcher (microwave safe)
• Double Boiler (if you don't own a microwave)
• Small saucepan
• Silicone spatula
• Silicone whisk
• Disposable pastry bag or plastic baggie
• Container for your lotion
• Gloves and an approved safety mask for handling powdered borax 

Directions:

1. Combine the sesame, avocado, jojoba, and almonds oils, shea and cocoa butters, and beeswax in a microwave-safe container and heat until just melted. Add the soy-lecithin, and stir to blend.
2. In a small saucepan, gently warm the aloe vera gel and rose (or lavender water), and stir in borax powder. Heat to a temperature of above 75F, and stir until dissolved.  Remove from heat.
3. When the oil and water mixtures are still warm to the touch and about the same temperature, set the small saucepan into a bowl of ice. Drizzle in the oil mixture while mixing rapidly with a small whisk until a cream forms.
4. Add carrot-seed essential oil and coconut fragrance oil, if desired; blend thoroughly.
5. Use a silicone spatula to transfer your mixture into a pastry bag or plastic baggie with the corner snipped off.
6. Squeeze the lotion into your new containers and label.

Apply liberally and frequently!!

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Storage and Proper Application of Sunscreen

To keep homemade sunscreen from spoiling, use only clean utensils for preparation and storage. Store lotions in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about 3-4 weeks.

To achieve maximum protection, apply sunscreen to dry skin 30 minutes before exposure. Limit your sun time to under an hour.

Enjoy!


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