Semi-Homemade All Natural Sunscreen

Summer is here, at least in Richmond where the temperature today was in the 90’s!

Sunscreen is one of the essentials in the summer time. Think of all the fun we do in the sun!

There are two types of sunscreen, chemical and physical.

Chemical sunscreen,like Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, OxyBenzone, and Homosalate and Helioplex absorb UV rays while natural ones block the rays. Natural sunscreen tends to be better tolerated by people with sensitive skin, like mine. In addition, there is controversy about the chemical sunscreen potentially generating free radical damages and other heath issues. More reason to use physical sunscreen.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide are physical sunscreen while Zinc Oxide blocks against both UVA and UVB rays, covering the whole spectrum.

Physical sunscreen tends to cost more. So purely for budget purpose, I came up with an effective semi-homemade sunscreen. And it is so simple to make!

Any unscented base lotion or your favorite lotion can be used with pure Zinc Oxide. You can purchase the Zinc Oxide at Amazon.com by clicking on the picture .It is non-nano which means it won’t be absorbed into your blood stream and cause harm.

Here is the recipe.

For SPF 2-5: Use 5% zinc oxide

For SPF 6-11: Use 10% zinc oxide

For SPF 12-19: Use 15% zinc oxide

For SPF >20: Use 20% zinc oxide

For example, if you are going to make 4oz of sunscreen lotion of SPF20, you will need

4 oz lotion + .8oz zinc oxide powder. Please weigh them to have accurate measurements.

Combine the lotion and zinc oxide powder (be sure not to inhale the powder by wearing a mask), stir until combined thoroughly. I will combine a small portion of the powder with a small amount of the lotion, mixing them really well. Then combine the rest to ensure even distribution.

FYI: SPF 30 blocks about 96.7 percent of UV rays while SPF 15 blocks 93%.

There you have it, all natural sunscreen. I use it as a daily sunscreen. And it goes on nicely and evenly without leaving whitish residue.