How To Make Non-Toxic Coconut Oil Sunscreen (Guide)
Commercially available sunscreens are some of the most toxic products we could apply to our skin. Try this simple DIY method to make a natural alternative.
Many carrier oils used in holistic and natural skincare have an intrinsic natural SPF, or sun protection factor, and coconut oil is one of many carrier oils which can be used to make a sun protection cream.
Typically SPF’s range from a very low 1 to a very high 50. According to the book Oils of Nature by Anthony J. O’Lenick the oils with the highest natural SPF’s alone are carrot oil which is graded as 38-40 and raspberry seed Oil at 28-50. Jojoba oil, sesame oil and coconut oil range from 4-10, so the oils alone will not offer enough protection.
The recipe below for a natural homemade coconut oil sunscreen uses a variety of oils and produces more of a body butter. It is safe for the whole family to use, but make sure not to ingest it.
Homemade Coconut Oil Sunscreen Recipe
The addition of beeswax will give it slight water repellant properties. The essential oils you add will be a matter of personal preference although in general citrus oils in particular should not be used as they are phototoxic, meaning they will actually cause burning.
Carrot seed essential oil has a natural woody, earthy scent. This is a rich body butter, so a little goes a long way. You can find all of these ingredients online or at your local health food store.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/8 cup sesame or jojoba oil
- 2 tbsp. beeswax granules
- 1-2 tbsp. zinc oxide powder (optional)
- 1 tsp. red raspberry seed oil
- 20-30 drops carrot seed essential oil
- Essential oils of your choice (lavender, rosemary, vanilla, and/or peppermint are nice)
Instructions
- Using a double boiler (or a small pan over very low heat), melt your coconut oil, sesame or jojoba oil, beeswax, and shea butter together. The beeswax will be the last to melt.
- When the beeswax is melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let cool to room temperature. If you’re using zinc oxide, whisk it in at this point, being careful not to create a lot of dust. If there are some lumps, that’s OK. They will break up when you whip the body butter in step 4.
- Move the mixture to the fridge for 15-30 minutes. You want it to start to set up, but still be soft enough to whip.
- Take the mixture out of the fridge and using a stand mixer or hand mixer, start to whip it. Drizzle in the red raspberry seed oil, the carrot seed oil, and any essential oils of your choice, and continue whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Use as you would any regular sunscreen. Application rates will depend on your activity and exposure to water. Store in a glass container in the fridge between uses.
> Make Sunscreen with Coconut Oil | Karma Jello