Homemade Sunscreen

Make your own sunscreen with this easy recipe.

Sunscreen is intended to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. These can cause premature aging, and more tragically, skin cancer. But commercial suncreens often involve more nasty chemicals than necessary.

By making your own sunscreen, you control exactly what goes in!

In response to a lot feedback I've been getting on this Instructabe, I decided to offerr an all natural TD/ZO alternative.  Check it out here!

Step 1: Materials

Essential Ingredients

• 8oz carrier. oil - jojoba, grapeseed, or almond are my preferences
• 1oz emulsifing wax
• Sunblocking agent - micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Essential oils - coconut is classic

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.


UPDATE:

I recently discovered this great combination of zinc + micronized titanium dioxide.  I consider it to be a safer alternative, as it contains no nanoparticles, and can be used on its own as a powder sunblock!  I don't however have a chart for how the SPF is effected when combining with lotions or other carriers.  

Tools:

• Mixer - either handheld mixer, immersion blender, or mini chopper - NOT TO BE USED FOR FOOD AFTERWARDS
• Silicone spatula
• Disposable pastry bag or plastic baggie
• Container for your lotion
• Scale for accurate measuring
• Gloves and an approved safety mask for handling powdered agents

In order to prepare your personal sunscreen it is important first to be aware that zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are products that should not be inhaled. Always wear gloves and a mask.



Scoochmaroo is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Comments

[Kisu Usagi]

This is a great instructable! I'm looking at making my own as I am allergic to almost all commercial sunscreens. I was wondering if you know/have any advice about whether a silicone base would work? I use 100% silicone as a moisturiser because it's one of the only things I have found that doesn't irritate my skin. I can't see any reason it wouldn't work as a base and I know that it is in some comercial sunscreens already but I thought I'd see what you have to say about it anyway because you seem to be in the know. I think one of the best things about using silicone as a base would be that you could easily see if the active ingredient is incorporated properly because it starts clear and would become cloudy with the addition of the zinc. I would also expect it to last longer than other bases being a polymer which would be very unlikely to harbour and feed bacteria or other nasties.

I also wanted to point out that in my research I've found that powder screens are somewhat dangerous because of the likelihood of inhalation. I originally planed to make a powder because it seemed easier and I hate the feeling of putting on greasy sunscreen in the middle of summer but have decided against that because of this health risk.

Thanks for your time, eagerly awaiting a reply :)

[shazni]

Is it possible to get like spf 100 or more or how do i get a tpf 100 or more? meaning i don't want to get a tan or a sunburn...my skin is tanned as it is :-)

[lesizz]

Much more important than SPF rating is using the right type of sunscreen and using it wisely. This instructible is right-on in using zinc and titanium dioxide. They are the best sunscreens and they do not lose effectiveness over time. The effectiveness of other sunscreens decays on the shelf, and they lose their effectiveness in time after they are applied. It's also important to apply enough. Use enough so that the white color of the zinc and titanium just barely disappears.
I'm an endurance cyclist and will sometimes be on the bike from sunrise to sunset, and I won't touch any sunscreen other than zinc/titanium combos. BTW, one of those ingredients is better for UVA, and the other is better for UVB, but I don't remember which is which. Here's more info:
http://www.oleda.com/oleda_tips/tips.asp?dept=134

[shazni]

thanks...i will try and find the ingredients and make this...btw...is this water proof? the only time i stay long in the sun is when i take my kids swimming!

[Mother Natures Maid]

I tried a recipe very similar to this that I adapted from a few sites, including this one. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised! The homemade sunscreen works really well, and I'm not worried about crazy chemicals that might be in it! My recipe is a little different - I put some green tea in it and some Aloe Vera. Also I found out that it helps sunburn too!! Here's the recipe I used -
http://mothernaturesmaid.wordpress.com/2012/06/07/whats-your-spf/

Thanks for the tips!!!!

[lostandlau]

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.

[cindredm]

ditto to lostandlau info

I was going to post the same thing about using orange oil- as it is photosensitizing. Yes, same amounts may be safer but it counterintuitive to add something photosensitizing to a sunscreen. While sweet orange is not, there is concern that one may not ensure sweet orange is used.
Also, all citrus oils should be avoided for those with sensitive skin.

Love essential oils but perhaps a warning to research which oils are least irritating. And always safest to avoid any essential oils on babies.

[mmade]

I buy a bergaptene free bergamot that reduces the risk of photosensitization from camdengrey.com to use in my skincare products, so i do not have to work about avoiding sun exposure.

[urbanmari]

Good point. I hope everybody takes note of this. Apparently, a popular perfume of the 70s was Shalimar, and someone in my family had a story about a terribly burned neck, where she had applied it. Thanks for sharing this warning lostandlau

[Roxanne_b]

Thank you for this instructable I'm very excited to try it!!

However I'm very confused . . . is the percentage the percentage of the lotion? so for example use 25% of the overall weight of the lotion zinc oxide and that would be SPF 20?

[misatosato]

hi. thanks for this recipe! Might anyone know a UK-based shop where I can get Zinc Oxide from?

[diymom14]

Hi I was wondering if there's a way to make the lotion last longer than 3 months. Thanks for the recipe though. :)

[fbrites]

A recent study shows that titanium dioxide powder can be harmful. Although harmless in the lotion, the powder can be inhaled and if so, penetrate the brain-blood barrier. http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/nanoparticles-damage-brain-cells/

So I'd deal with zinc oxide instead.
One should also keep in mind that sunblocks do not only contain UV reflecting substances, but UV absorbing organic compounds as well, so I'd avoid sunlight exposure, actually, and wear the sunscreens from the drugstore, really.

[miafrieda]

That's ridiculous. How can you recommend using sunscreen from the drugstore. Who says they're better? There are studies that prove actually that no chemist-made sunscreen agent has better UVA-UVB protection than zinc oxide. Most people already know that titanium dioxide is harmful and not just that, also, that creates free radicals when exposed to UV radiation, I even figured out this because I read everywhere from people that wanted to avoid titanium dioxide as much as possible and I was curious why, so I did some research. So, tell your ignorance, that because sunblocks containing titanium dioxide can be harmful, won't mean that chemical sunscreens are better. I'd rather to deal with a titanium dioxide sunblock coated with silica, that prevents the reaction of it with UV radiation, than dealing with a chemical sunscreen full of gross stuff in it that actually can harm more than prevent.
The best stuff one can use is zinc based only sunblock, and preferably with nice all-natural ingredients, like the Badger ones.

[sqirrel]

when I use sunscreen with zinc I cant get it off for days, I get tons of pimples, and i cant even run my hand through my hair without it getting stuck. I'd really appreciate any suggestions on how to wash it off or on another natural ingredient that would work as well as the zinc.
I loved finding this instructable because it had never occured to me that anyone can make their own.THANK YOU!

[Deonis]

I found this post very interesting and scientifically correct, but I would advise to use ZnO rather than TiO2 because Zn is essential element in enzymes which are responsible for repairing skin wounds and synthesis of calogen. Keep up with good work...

PhD in chemistry

[bluemoon6]

years ago --I worked in a health food store and we sold --para-aminobenzoic acid in a tube for sun block--its a B vitamin if I remember right and it really worked for people--back then they just put it on their noses---LOL!!!

[athyme]

If you are looking for Zinc and Titanium oxide I sell it at my shop Called Apothecary in Thyme 2531 Broadway #D1 Everett, WA 98201 425-252-6533 I do mail things out UPS and Fedex and USPS so give me a call if you are in the need

[esmith-anthony]

Does this one turn rancid? Looking to make a lotion that does not have to be refrigerated. Please help me out with the ration on the zinc also...I will be making 8 oz bottles. I stink at math!!!! Help!!! Thanks!!!

[belsey]

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!

[belsey]

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?

[scoochmaroo]

You can use whatever wax you'd like. I think I ended up using beeswax in my first batch and didn't like the resulting texture.

I've used ZO and TD, as every natural sunblocks product on the market that I researched (which is obviously far from all of them) uses one or the other or both. Precautions are necessary while mixing them, but once they are suspended in a liquid are safer at least. I don't know what the future holds for cancer testing. In the meantime, if it's a concern for you, make sure you know whether the all-natural, all-orgainc sunblocks you use have ZO/TD or both in them.

[belsey]

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.

[scoochmaroo]

Cool, thanks! What do you put in your sunscreen?

[belsey]

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.

[madelinetallulah]

Belsey... Your ingredients sound exactly like what I want to make. Can you please, please, please tell us the recipe!!!

[belsey]

I posted one recipe here

[showmethepictures]

Heh, how were you able to wash all of these things off?! after using bees wax to help with water proofing, I am having a great time trying to wash everything.

[Scurvymcdiggle]

if it is heat proof like pyrex just pour boiling water in it a couple times. and it is pretty clean. thats why i have a pyrex measuring cup just for bees wax.

[scoochmaroo]

melting and wiping, melting and wiping :D

[mozarella]

thanks alot for this subject thanks again

[Anykey]

Is it Toxic ?

[gogirlanime]

WOW this worked out better than I thought it would, it's genuine sunscreen and it glides on so nice. Thank you so much for this recipe I will use it over and over again. HURRAY now I never have to spend a ton of money on natural sunscreens or use unnatural one's that may cause cancer even though I'm trying to protect myself from cancer haha.

[kikix2125]

Thanks for the post! Do you know if Zinc Oxide can be added to ANY lotion? Is there any ingredients we should avoid when mixing Zinc Oxide in? Thanks!

[scoochmaroo]

I believe it can, but I'm really not certain about other ingredients to avoid mixing with zinc oxide. My cursory internet searching has not turned up anything, but you could ask a pharmacist!

[bowmaster]

Cool, I'll be using titanium dioxcide, because titanium is cooler in my mind.

[scoochmaroo]

That is the best reason for anything ever.

[bowmaster]

I wonder if I could add lasers, or razer blades?

[Ganoderma]

razor blades for protection... sounds like a bad idea.. You can't go wrong with lasers though ;)

[Ann Everheart]

Thank you for this. I love it, and am posting a link on my site! I do have concerns about using Titanium dioxide, but I think you could use all Zinc oxide and get away with it. I am looking forward to whipping up my first batch! Ann Everheart www.relentlesspursuitofhealth.com