This coconut oil sunscreen recipe is made with three all-natural ingredients that offer natural sun protection, without harmful chemicals.
I don’t wear sunscreen…
I’ve actually never needed to wear sunscreen since I was blessed with skin that doesn’t burn… ever. BUT some of my babies inherited their daddy’s skin so sun protection lotion has been needed for my family occasionally. I avoid body care products for a lot of reasons, but mainly because I can’t pronounce the name of half the ingredients listed. A simple search online or looking at the ingredient list of sunscreen lotion in your home will show a concerning amount of hard-to-pronounce chemicals that my little ones don’t need…at all.
Enter COCONUT OIL.
Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-5 and contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Natural sunscreen!
“The Polynesians, who traditionally wear very little clothing, have for generations been exposed to the hot blistering sun, yet have beautiful healthy skin without blemishes and without cancer. The reason is they eat coconut and use the oil on their bodies as lotion. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause. Their skin remains undamaged even when exposed to long hours in the sun. Whether it’s applied topically or taken internally, coconut oil helps to keep the skin young, healthy, and free of disease.“ – Bruce Fife, The Coconut Oil Miracle
Coconut oil alone has an SPF of 4-5, which isn’t sufficient for a long day in the sun, so I add red raspberry seed oil, zinc oxide, and essential oils. Red raspberry seed oil has an SPF of roughly 25. Zinc oxide (we use non-synthetic) is also known for its ability to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
How To Make Coconut Oil Sunscreen
You will need the following ingredients:
Coconut oil: Natural SPF of 5. Moisturizing and high in antioxidants that help protect the skin from harmful radiation from the sun. Here’s my in-depth explainer on buying quality coconut oil; you can also make your own coconut oil at home)
Raspberry seed oil: Absorbs UVB and UVC sun rays. Soothes inflamed skin and encourages healthy skin cell regeneration.
Zinc Oxide: Powerful UV filter that’s proven to scatter or reflect UV rays. Zinc Oxide is one of the few minerals recommended by the EWG as a safe and effective ingredient in sunscreens.
Essential Oils: Anti-inflammatory and reduces inflammation.
There is no way to know exactly how much SPF is in the lotion since there are varying sources of information about how much SPF is in carrier oils and essential oils. If you have fair skin that burns easily you may need to add more zinc oxide. This recipe is intended for educational purposes only. Please test out the recipes and change them up to suit the needs of your skin.
Update: I used this recipe for several years for daily sun protection. I still use it and love it but I now also use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen during the spring and summer when I’m out in the sun for long durations of time.
FAQ
Cocoa butter or shea butter are good substitutes for coconut oil in this recipe.
Lavender, carrot seed and vanilla essential oils are all good options.
Coconut oil has an spf of 5, so it offers a small amount of protection but isn’t a substitute for sunscreen.
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Coconut Oil Sunscreen – Easy 3 Ingredient Recipe!
Coconut oil sunscreen recipe is made with three all-natural ingredients that offer natural sun protection, without harmful chemicals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Non Nana Zinc Oxide
- 1 Tablespoon Red Raspberry Seed Oil
- Optional: 10 Drops Essential Oils (I used Carrot Seed & Lavender)
Instructions
- Whip coconut oil up in a mixer or food processor.
- Carefully add the zinc oxide (you don’t want to inhale it!), red raspberry seed oil and essential oils.
- Once the oils and zinc oxide are mixed well pour them into a small container.
Sources
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