Embrace the sun safely with our Solid Zinc Sunscreen Recipe, enhanced with natural color from Colour Nature powders.
This recipe offers a unique blend of nature’s best ingredients, providing effective sun protection while nourishing your skin. Crafted with coconut oil, shea butter, and non-nano zinc oxide, this sunscreen forms a protective barrier against harmful rays, while the natural tint from Colour Nature powders adds a subtle, healthy glow to your skin.
Perfect for those seeking a natural, chemical-free option in sun care, this DIY sunscreen is not only functional but also kind to your skin and the environment.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (natural SPF properties)
- 1/4 cup shea butter (moisturizing and SPF properties)
- 1/4 cup beeswax (for solidifying the sunscreen)
- 2-3 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder (sun-protective barrier)
- 1 teaspoon Colour Nature powder (choose a suitable color for a tint)
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils for fragrance (like lavender or peppermint)
Equipment Needed:
- Double boiler or a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmering water
- Whisk or stirring spoon
- Silicone molds or empty deodorant-style tubes for the sunscreen bars
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions:
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Melt Base Ingredients: In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir the mixture continuously until it’s completely melted and well combined.
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Add Zinc Oxide: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, carefully stir in the zinc oxide powder. Ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the powder.
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Add Color and Fragrance: Stir in the Colour Nature powder to add a tint to your sunscreen. Choose a color that complements your skin tone. If desired, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil for a pleasant fragrance.
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Pour into Molds: Once everything is thoroughly mixed, pour the mixture into silicone molds or empty deodorant-style tubes. These containers will make application easy and mess-free.
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Let it Set: Allow the sunscreen to cool and solidify. This could take a few hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator.
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Unmold and Store: Once solid, remove the sunscreen bars from the molds. Store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator if your climate is particularly warm.
Tips for Use and Storage:
- Test on Skin: Before widespread use, do a patch test on your skin to ensure there’s no irritation, especially if you’ve added essential oils.
- Application: Rub the sunscreen bar between your hands to warm it up, then apply it to your skin before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Storage: Keep the sunscreen in a cool place, as coconut oil can melt at high temperatures.
- Shelf Life: Homemade sunscreen is best used within six months, as it doesn’t contain preservatives.
Note on SPF: It’s important to note that while zinc oxide provides a barrier against the sun, the SPF of homemade sunscreens can't be accurately determined and may not provide the same level of protection as commercially available sunscreens.
Always exercise caution when in the sun, especially during peak hours.