By The Green Parent
06th July 2017
Combine all ingredients below except zinc oxide in a pint sized or larger glass jar. Small mason jars are perfect. Fill a medium saucepan with about 6cm of water and place over a medium heat. Put a lid on the jar loosely and place in the pan with the water. As the water warms, the ingredients in the jar will start to melt. Shake or stir occasionally to incorporate. When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well and pour into your storage jar. Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated. Use as you would regular sunscreen. Best if used within six months. This sunscreen is not completely waterproof and will need to be reapplied after sweating or swimming. Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, or less to make smooth sunscreen. Store it in a cool, dry place or in the fridge
Many of the ingredients in this recipe have a natural SPF but since this is a natural recipe and has not been tested by a regulatory organisation, I can’t make any claims as to the combined SPF. The final version will have a varied sun protective ability depending on the amount of each ingredient used. As always, check with your doctor or dermatologist before using any new products.
WHAT YOU NEED:
- ½ cup almond or olive oil. If desired, infuse with herbs first
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup beeswax
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide. Use a non-nano version that won’t be absorbed into the skin. Be careful not to inhale the powder – use a mask if necessary.
- Optional: up to 1 teaspoon red raspberry seed oil
- Optional: up to 1 teaspoon carrot seed oil
- Optional: up to 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- Optional: 2 tablespoons shea butter
- Optional: essential oils, vanilla extract or other preference
Feeling the sun on your face is a summer pleasure. However, on a cloudless day, it’s easy to burn fast. If you’re not keen on commercially available sun protection, try making your own. Katie from Wellness Mama’s recipe is simple, cheap, and you can make it smell exactly how you like.
CORAL THREAT
Scientists at the National Center for Coastal Ocean Science have discovered that a common chemical called benzophenone-2, found in sunscreen products can kill young corals, causes colourful corals to bleach, and can potentially induce or increase the frequency of mutation in corals. Green People’s Organic Sun Lotion is kind to the ocean and a 30p donation from every scent free lotion sold goes to support the Marine Conservation Society. greenpeople.co.uk
