During the warmer months we do our best to stay in the shade in the hottest part of the day but on the occasions where we have to be out in the harsher sun I prefer to make my own sunblock - so I know it’s going to be safe for my family. (If you haven’t yet looked into general sunblock ingredients and their side-effects, you may want to). Most of these natural ingredients provide an SPF factor on their own with the extra layer of protection with the zinc oxide.
With homemade sunblock you generally need to reapply more often than standard sunscreen, especially after swimming or excessive sweating. I also find it takes a bit longer to soak into your skin and can leave a bit of a white sheen, but I still rather that then the alternative. It is a super easy recipe with easy to source natural ingredients if you want to give it a try.
BASE INGREDIENTS:
½ cup Lavender & Kawakawa infused olive oil *
¼ cup Coconut oil
¼ cup Beeswax
2 Tablespoon Zinc Oxide
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
2 tablespoons unrefined Shea Butter
1 teaspoon Carrot Seed Oil
15 drops of Essential Oils (do not use any citrus ones)
Depending on who the sunblock is for, I will customise the essential oils to suit, for example I will use really gentle ones like lavender for the childrens sunblock, a more masculine Bay West Indies essential oil for my husband, and I like Rose Geranium for mine.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine ingredients (except zinc oxide) in a 500ml glass jar, heat proof glass bowl or double boiler. If using a jar or bowl, fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place over medium heat.
2. Place the jar or bowl in the pan with the water.
3. As the water heats, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide (be careful not to breath in the powder, you may want to wear a mask), stir in really well and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
4. I find that you need to stir this mixture regularly as the mixture cools to ensure that the zinc oxide is properly incorporated. It has a tendency to sink to the bottom of the jar if not stirred regularly as it cools.
5.Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months.
NB: Make sure to check the safety guidelines around any essential oils that you use. Patch test before use.
Store in a cool, dry place or in the fridge, use within 6 months.
* You could also use plain olive oil or sweet almond oil.
See here if you want to make your own herbal infused oil.
