Ep. 15 – Happy Memorial Day: Learn How to Make or Buy the Safest Sunscreen

It’s Memorial Day and, for many, that means it’s the kickoff to summer: beach, pools, barbecues, and heaping helping of Vitamin D.

In this episode, I discuss how to make your own homemade sunscreen and highlight brands that actually work, without all of the bad stuff.

The problem with commercial sunscreens is that they often contains toxic ingredients and endocrine-disrupting chemicals that, in many cases, can actually promote skin cancer growth and free radical production in the body.

In fact, in the years since sunscreen use began, skin cancer rates have actually increased.

Homemade Sunscreen

Many of the ingredients in this recipe have a natural SPF (sun protection factor). This is a natural recipe and has not been tested by a regulatory organization for exact SPF. For this reason, I can’t (and don’t) make any claims or even guesses as to the combined SPF.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4)
• ¼ cup beeswax
• 2 Tablespoons Zinc Oxide (This is a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder).
• Up to 1 teaspoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil – optional
• Up to 1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil – optional
• 2 tablespoons Shea Butter (natural SPF 4-5) – optional
• Optional: Essential Oils, Vanilla Extract or other natural extracts to suit your preference (Do not use citrus essential oils as they increase sun sensitivity)

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. I have a mason jar that I keep just for making lotions and lotion bars, or you can even reuse a glass jar from pickles, olives, or other foods.
2. Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
3. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water.
4. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
5. Small mason jars (pint size) are great for this. It will not pump well in a lotion pump!
6. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
7. Store at room temperature.

Additional Notes:

• This sunscreen is not waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming.
• Make sure not to inhale the Zinc Oxide– use a mask if necessary!
• Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen
• I recommend coconut or vanilla extract or lavender essential oils for fragrance
• Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
• I prefer to store in a small canning jar and apply like a body butter. It will be thicker, especially if you use coconut oil in the recipe.
• Remove the Zinc Oxide and this makes an excellent lotion recipe!

I’ve also gotten some questions about pre-made sunscreen options for those who don’t have the time or desire to make a homemade version of their own. The best brand I’ve found is Badger and they have several great organic, non-nano versions:

• Sport sunscreen: Badger Organic SPF 35
• For Baby: Badger Organic Baby Sunscreen SPF 30
• Kids Sunscreen: Badger Organic Kids Sunscreen Tangerine and Vanilla SPF 30
• Best smell (in my opinion): Badger Lavender Sunscreen SPF 30

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Download this Episode MP3.

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Resources:

• Environmental Working Group’s 11th Annual Sunshine Guide

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Disclaimer: The activities and research discussed in these podcasts are suggestions only and are only advised to be undertaken following prior consultation with a health or medical professional. Fitness training, nutrition, and other physical pursuits should be tailored to the individual based upon an assessment of their personal needs.

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