Homemade Sunscreen Recipe
This homemade sunscreen recipe is easy to make and provides effective protection against harmful UV rays. The key ingredient is zinc oxide, which acts as a physical barrier to block both UVA and UVB rays.
Ingredients
- ✅ 1-2 tablespoons of zinc oxide (non-nanometer, larger than 100nm)
- ✅ 1/4 cup of shea butter
- ✅ 2-3 tablespoons of local homegrown beeswax
- ✅ 1/4 cup of carrier oil (e.g., dandelion oil, cucumber seed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or avocado oil)
- ✅ 10-12 drops of red raspberry seed oil (optional)
- ✅ Lavender oil (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions
1. Melt the shea butter and beeswax together.
2. Once melted, turn off the heat and add the carrier oil.
3. Mix well and add the zinc oxide. Stir until thoroughly combined.
4. Optionally, add red raspberry seed oil and lavender oil for additional benefits and fragrance.
5. Pour the mixture into a jar and allow it to cool and solidify.
Benefits of Ingredients
- 🌞 Zinc oxide: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays, acting as a physical barrier on the skin.
- 🌿 Red raspberry seed oil: Contains anti-aging properties, antioxidants, vitamins A and E, and helps fight wrinkles and acne.
- 🥒 Cucumber seed oil: Non-comedogenic, contains Omega-9 and Omega-6 fatty acids, treats dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn, and may reduce dark spots and acne.
It’s important to note that while some oils like carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil have SPF properties, they mainly protect against UVB and UVC rays, not UVA rays. Zinc oxide is the primary ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Additional Facts About Sunscreen
- 📌 The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating measures protection against UVB rays only. For broad-spectrum protection, look for sunscreens that also protect against UVA rays.
- 📌 Sunscreens come in two main types: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, while physical sunscreens (like zinc oxide) reflect them.
- 📌 Regular sunscreen use can help prevent skin damage, premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
While this homemade sunscreen recipe is a natural and cost-effective alternative to store-bought sunscreens, it’s essential to test it on a small patch of skin first to check for any allergic reactions. Additionally, homemade sunscreens may not have the same level of testing and quality control as commercial products.
