Homemade Sunscreen

doesnt it need water ?? some recipes for lotions are needed water, wax and oil..  .i needed this recipe for our research proposal, so i need your response quickly. tnx. :)

he he... my uncle just uses butter...

I've been wanting to create my own Sunscreen, so this recipe sounds great. Wanted to know a couple of things. If I wanted SPF30+, I work outdoors and have been using the Sport brands of sunscreen, what would the mixture be? For scents instead of using scented oils, I'm a guy so smelling like an orange or strawberry doesn't really make me comfortable though smelling like a coconut doesn't bother me (go figure), anyways can I add my favorite cologne instead or does that mess up the chemical reactions? Otherwise I really want to try this Sunscreen.

Hi Jax69. I am no expert but it appears to me that if you up-specked the ingredients you would get spf 30+. that being said, i don't know how much would be too much.. (could you make spf 400+ ) As for the cologne, my thinking is that you could scent it with any thing you liked, but the alcohol/solvent base in the cologne might be too harsh for your facial skin (more sensitive) cheers, good luck.

Published detailed sunscreen report - everything you want to know about the current state of the sunscreen industry, why and how to make your own safe sunscreen.
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/2009/common-sense-sun-protection-and-homemade-sunscreens/

very cool I am sure this is so much better on sensitive skin...not all that junk the cosmetic industry is allowed to sell you...definitely worth a try! would this be safe to use on a newborn? because traditional sunscreen is not supposed to be used until they are 6 months old....

Regular (not micronized) zinc oxide cream as in diaper rash creams can be used as sunscreens. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties and is found in many baby care products like natural diaper creams and medicated baby powders. If it is safe enough for your baby's butt and sensitive diaper area, it is safe enough for their face. The recommendation to not use sunscreen on infants under 6 months has to do with some active ingredients absorbing through the skin and staying into the body for days. For details, go to:
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/2009/zinc-oxide-sunscreen-and-diaper-rash-ointment/
and for other baby related skin care:
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/category/skin-care/baby-care/

Zinc Oxide is the base for diaper rash ointments (most are 40% ZO or higher), so it is safe for babies' skin.

Conventional/regular/pigmentary grade zinc oxide is what is in diaper rash and plain zinc oxide ointments. Those are safe for infants. Not micronized. Micronized zinc oxide is purely for aesthetic appeal and does not provide better protection. Also, you do not need a thick opaque layer to be protected. Even a thin layer works. You just need to decide what is acceptable and adjust the other factors accordingly (i.e. time under the sun, seek more shade, cover up, etc...)
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/2009/common-sense-sun-protection-and-homemade-sunscreens/

When my babies were tiny I found the best thing to do was keep them OUT of the sun. Still for those times when a little foot might kick the blanket down a bit or some such; a bit of diaper cream on the little nose or sholder that might peek out always worked. Though they are all light skinned blonds none of them have ever been prone to burning . We used some sunscreen especaily in the early part of the warm season and a top coat of diaper cream on noses, ears, tops of sholders...till they got too old to stand for it. ( with my oldest we also used this any time 'clown white' might be called for in a costume as he reacted terribly to that. the younger ones too due to habit.) One time I did not keep one of my daughters out of the sun was when our Dr. told me to take her home as a newborn and put her down for her nap in front of a sunny open window.She was slightly jaundiced and he felt we would all be happier at home.

I kept mine in until they were bigger also I was just curious because I work in childcare and I see a lady with her 3 month old in the sun all the time and she wont ever put sunblock on the kid because u aren't supposed to until they are 6 months....crazy woman to be honest. Thanks for the comment on diaper rash cream maybe she will at least do that on the super sensitive areas such as nose ears cheeks or something. would the clear petroleum based ones work just the same? (maybe would look more attractive)

I don't think the clear ones would work the same. I think the white stuff works because it literally blocks the sun. I guess products with micronized zinc oxide look better but I would be afraid of absorption through the skin and so avoid it. I suppose she may have started having the baby in the sun for the same reason my doctor advised it for my daughter-it does the same thing as those lights they put babies under. My daughter was premie so it took a while. She wasn't jaundiced enough that she needed to be in the hospital really...just one of those baby issues. Too bad the lady you know wouldn't rig up a shade of some type.

Some sun is fine for most people including infants. Even beneficial. It is one of the best sources of vitamin D. Aside from jaundice, people with eczema and psoriasis are often prescribed sunlight. Many factors, i.e. skin type, affect how much sun exposure you can tolerate. Sunscreen use (and sun protection) is not an exact science. There are simply too many variables and cannot be generalized despite the industry's attempts - hence, all the confusion. If you want to get a better grip on your sun protection AND exposure needs, head on over to my blog where I attempt to answer all of your burning questions.
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/category/skin-care/sunscreen/

my children are old enough I am not worried, I was just curious. I will have to ask the pediatrician tough because I have a friend with a super pale baby!! my kids took after my husband with his beautiful dark skin and they do not burn...sadly I am still pale lol!

Remember, even if you have dark/olive skin, you can still get skin cancer! You do not have to burn to be exposed to harmful levels of UV radiation, even Black people get skin cancer. In fact, it is often I higher risk in places you would think were unlikely. Scotland has particularly high levels of UV due to the Arctic Ozone Hole.

It's great to make your own stuff and to know what your putting into it. But do you really know what your putting into this? Titanium dioxide is found in many commerically available sunscreens. However it is classified as a type 2b carcinogen, which means it is possibly carnicogenic to humans via respatory tract.. so use appropriate dust inhalation measures when handling this stuff. wikipedia titanium dioxide to get a rundown.. And just stay out of the sun!

What would be an alternative carrier to the oil/lotion? I buy the spray on sunscreen whenever I can find it because I hate the greasy feel of the lotion type.

Or you can just wash the original container thoroughly and let it dry for a few hours.

Here is a quote from the U.S. FDA about SPF

"Because of the various factors that impact the amount of solar radiation, SPF does not reflect time in the sun. In other words, SPF does not inform consumers about the time that can be spent in the sun without getting sunburn."

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm106351.htm

Either way, some SPF number cannot accurately represent sun protection.

An informed manufacture of a product for personal use will always be superior to a mass produced product.

I agree. Time is just one factor. BUT, SPF testing itself is debatable and flawed. Not even the cosmetic science industry can agree on an accurate standard. And, the FDA “agrees that SPF values do not reflect exact levels of sunburn protection that consumers receive under actual use conditions. "

http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/2009/is-homemade-sunscreen-for-you-part-i-sunburn-and-uvb-protection/

Consumers can become informed on homemade sunscreen (and homemade everything for that matter) and think for themselves. But it is more than just about the sunscreen. My in-depth e-report has been in the works and is coming soon. Meanwhile, you can find lots of details at:
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/category/skin-care/sunscreen/

Scoochmaroo, I just LOVE your instructables! You sincerely RAWK! - Pj

congrats, this 'ible was featured on lifehacker

P:

Congrats on making it onto lifehacker!

the make your own sunscreen idea is brilliant. i am really impressed with this one. i would love to make it and hope to soon....thank you.

I recently had a VERY bad reaction when wearing bergamot in the sun. After a little research, it turns out that essential oils from the citrus family photosensitize the skin - especially bergamot, lime and bitter orange. Apparently though, if the oil is highly diluted the risk is largely negated. I wouldn't risk it though! My skin reaction was so severe, it's taken over a month for it to heal.

Hi,
I can see you referenced my blog section on sunscreen - thanks for the acknowledgment in step7. I want to point out that you cannot associate an SPF level to the concentration of TiO2 or ZnO used. It is not that straightforward. Also, if the goal is to make a safe, cheap sunscreen, then do not use micronized zinc oxide. For details and more info on homemade sunscreen, please visit:
http://www.wabisabibaby.com/blog/category/skin-care/sunscreen/

just one warning: some essential oils (e.g. bergamot) photosensitise the skin and should not be applied to the skin before exposure to the sun, so I'd be very careful there (I'm not a medical practitioner but I do like bergamot and I've noticed the warnings associated with it)

Bergamot is also in Earl Grey Tea which is my favourite. I used to drink it a LOT. My eyes became very photosensitive. I stopped drinking it quite so much and now I'm fine. However lately I began drinking a little more of it again. Again, headaches caused by light sensitivity through my eyes. Hadn't thought of it causing issues on the skin.

In your deodorant instructable I thought you were overly cautious with aluminum compounds, but here I think you're not cautious enough -- I would NEVER use micronized zinc or titanium oxide. Unlike the regular oxides the micro particles can go right through the skin and enter the bloodstream -- we don't know yet what damage they do there (fatigue right now? seizures in a year or 2? cancer in 10-20 years?) but I'd rather not be a test subject. Also Titanium oxide is carcinogenic, so given the choice, I use zinc. As always, great photos!

I'm a little confused: why are you using emulsifying wax? As far as I can tell you are not using any water based ingredient, so there's nothing to emulsify -- if it's just to get the right texture, it would be easier to use beeswax or even regular candle wax... those can be found locally instead of online. Unless you made a typo and forgot to mention blending in some water?

I don't buy those, I've been making my own sunscreen for a while because it's fun, better and cheaper. To me "all natural" just means "more expensive." It doesn't mean safer, or more healthy. I prefer researching scientific studies rather than "all natural" commercial products to learn about the safety of chemicals. If you're interested, listen to this radio interview on public radio of Monona Rossol.http://www.wnyc.org/shows/lopate/episodes/2009/02/04/segments/122812 Even if she doesn't convince you to change your feelings about health and safety, it's still a very interesting interview.

I make lots of different versions: an anhydrous stick to carry in my bag for emergencies, a face cream which doesn't feel sticky or greasy, a lotion which doubles as an insect repellent... but in all of them the "active" sun ingredient is (regular) zinc oxide. My kids hate putting on sunscreen so I've tried to make some I could put on without getting my eyes scratched out... other ingredients include shea butter, sesame oil, coconut oil, green tea, vitamin E, safflower oil, soy lecithin, raspberry oil... all of which contribute either to the SPF or protection from the effects of the sun. If and when I find time I was planning on writing an instructable.... but by then the summer will probably be over.

I'm not going to do it. I don't believe in sunscreen.

So you are the guy at the beach wearing a sweater, big sombreo, and long pants! :P

Why are you going to the beach when you know it isn't your natural environment? Light skinned folks need to gravitate towards the Northern areas and let natural selection begin as light skinned is phased out because of climate change. Gosh, I thought everyone knew this.

Are you saying you don't believe that sunscreen prevents cancer, or do you not believe that the sun causes cancer? I don't know where you live or your ethnicity, but here in Australia, using sunscreen is the NORM for the summer months. We have a whole generation of caucasian people now facing melanoma (a skin cancer) who didn't believe in using suncreen during the 50s/60s/70s.

I agree I think the sunscreens cause more harm than good.

Unfortunately, you are wrong. Proper, quality sunscreen is highly recommended by physicians. Unless you are allergic to an ingredient in the sunscreen, there is no harm, only good. If you are allergic, talk to your physician and they will help you find a version on the market which will work for your skin. Skin cancer is a serious problem, and the best solution is proper protection. While clothing and shade are good, people looking to be active out in the sun will find these encumbering, and a good sunscreen is just the ticket. Even still, sunscreen is recommended along with clothing cover and shade. Don't be silly. Wear your sunscreen.

If you look at the statistics you wil see that the incidents of skin cancer started rising with the advent of sunscreens in the 60s. It gives people a false sense of security and they stay in the sun too long. As far as the doctors recommendations go are these the same ones who said 'Redux', 'Seldane', 'Propulsid', 'Rezulin' to name a few are are safe and prescribed them by the millions? The MDs in this country don't have a very good track record because they are owned by the pharaceutical companies. People "don't be silly" and educate yourselves and don't be sheep.

I have looked at the statistics and you're absolutely right in regards to chemical sunscreens. I posted further down about alternative sunscreens which are worth taking a look at. It's true, though, that people do use certain forms of protection as safeguards without putting thought into them or using them properly. It's important to do your research and take care what you put in or on your body. The "MDs" you speak of are not the ones I'm referencing. But you're absolutely right about the ones you mentioned. In an article I posted further down it mentions: 1. In 1927, 12,745 physicians endorsed smoking Lucky Strike cigarettes as a healthful activity. In the 1940s and 1950s, thousands of prominent surgeons were used in national cigarette advertisements to reassure the public about the safety of cigarette smoking. 2. In the 1950's, lobotomies were promoted for mental disorders and produced near-totally dysfunctional people. 3. In the 1960's and 1970's, diets high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats and partially hydrogenated fatty acids such as safflower oil and margarine were recommended to reduce heart disease. However, long term studies found that, while such diets decreased heart disease, they increased the total death rate and the cancer rate and produced accelerated aging. So yeah, seek education and patience in making your decisions about things in life.

I think after much discussion we have arrived at the same place... educate yourself. Find many different resources and points of view before deciding what's right for you. One resource I like to use is www.mercola.com. I don't agree with everything thats on this site either but it gives an alternative viewpoint to the mainstream, ironically Dr. Mercola came from mainstream medicine and see its many flaws. Thanks haruspex for your point of view I will take it into consideration when deciding whats right for me.

Another ray of light in a world filled with darkness. Don't buy into COMMON KNOWLEDGE or ACCEPTED practices, because usually, they are motivated by monetary gain rather that the well-fare of human beings. If we lived in a world where people weren't trying to manipulate us, mandate conformity for profit, and based on a culture of mimicry, I too would trust ideas spread by mainstream institutions.

You mean western doctors? Chemicals on the skin are an irritant and cause for many cancers. Wait, you didn't know that? I know one thing most people don't and that is that cancer is caused by a lot of thing, but mostly chemicals that are unnatural and cause unnatural immune responses. All cancer is a cell with its switch turning on. That is it. Anyway, moderation of anything, including the sun, but you also need that sunlight for proper health. So, no, sunscreen isn't necessary, unless of course you abuse the sun like you abuse your body by stuffing it with chemically preserved foods and unhealthy fats. Don't be silly. Common consensus doesn't work everyone, considering we are all completely different.

Most people know cancer is caused by many products in their lives. In fact, many people, like you, over-react about it all the time. There are serious issues out there regarding carcinogens in our daily lives, but you're confusing the issue.

Sunscreen is good and healthy. However, that is not to be misread as "all sunscreen." Chemical sunscreen is a serious health concern. More info here:
http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html

But western or eastern, physicians recommend proper protection from UV rays, whether it be wearing clothing, staying in the shade, utilizing coconut oil, or finding the proper sunscreen. I mentioned talking to your doctor about it. Some healthy products are mentioned on that same site:
http://skinbiology.com/suntanningoptions.html

Overexposure to sun causes cancer. Chemical sunscreens cause cancer. So many things in our lives cause cancer. General consensus shouldn't always be trusted, as people have been fed mass misinformation for generations. However, there's a difference between being cautious and being paranoid. Do your research.

On a lighter note, here's a useful comic to help teach people about cancer:
http://www.phdcomics.com/comics.php?f=1162