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!

Step 1 Materials

You'll need the following ingredients to make sunscreen:

• 8oz carrier. oil - olive, sunflower, jojoba, soybean - your choice
• 1oz emulsifing wax
• Sunblocking agent - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - available online
• Essential oils of your choice (opt.) - I used geranium and sweet orange

The following tools make the job easier:

• Mixer - either handheld mixer, submersible blender, or mini chopper - NOT TO BE USED FOR FOOD AFTERWARDS
• Silicone spatula
• Pastry bag or plastic baggie
• Container for your lotion
• Scale for accurate measuring
• Gloves and a 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.

Comments

[brighton09]

I have been trying out a few things and have found that Zinc does not mix well with Aloe Vera but loves coconut oil producing a smooth silky mixture that is quite water resistant. However as a skin care formulator from way back I would be inclined to mix avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil and Zinc oxide ( not micronised) and Titanium dioxide

so to 50 grams of oils add 20 grams zinc and not more than 10 grams tianium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is very dense and very reflective, but I am only trialling this this year in out summer when it comes. In Australia we have very hot summers and only mad people stay out in the sun at over 30degrees ( that is a shade temperature)

Lots of interesting stuff here Good luck everyone

[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.

[lauralee19780]

I was itching the other day due to dry skin and decided to try putting zinc oxide into some hand lotion I already had. The next morning I had broken out in a batch of hives. I mixed it by approximating the amount of zinc oxide I figured would be ok but I was wondering if it can be irritating if too much is put in. That is the only thing I have used different from usual so I am assuming it must be the culprit. My daughter is making me some sunscreen using zinc oxide and I want to make sure it won't give me hives.

[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

[sarahfish]

can the mixer or blender used be cleaned and then used again for food, or is it a game over use for food products (i.e. NEVER to be in contact with food again)?

[daemonkrog]

It should be perfectly safe to use for food after cleaning. Most of the ingredients that I'm seeing here are safe to eat actually. I wouldn't go drinking the essential oils though. Either way, as long as you clean it well with soap and water, you should be fine.

[Jax69]

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.