DIY Non-Toxic Sunscreen

No matter who you are or where you’re from, most of us share the same summer ritual: slathering on sunscreen. 

But did you know that your sunscreen is probably doing you more harm than good? In fact, I would go as far as to say that most sunscreen companies are scamming you into believing they’re product will “protect you from the sun” or “reduce risk of skin cancer”. 

But we need the sun! The sun is actually so vital to our health. It’s one of the reasons people experience seasonal depression and more sickness in winter because our sun exposure is limited. 

I know that prolonged exposure to the sun can’t result in sunburns and in very extreme cases, cancer. But I always wonder what people did before sunscreen was invented. I’m sure there wasn’t this irrational fear that being in the sun would harm them. People would’ve tried to cover up and stay in the shade if they could.

But before sunscreen companies told us to fear the sun, did we?

I know I’m starting to sound like a conspiracy nut but I promise I’m not. I used to think that companies and the government would never allow products and ingredients that could harm us. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned that’s not the case.

Our food is grown with things that harm us. Our dishes are made with things that can harm us. Our cellphones, our microwaves, our makeup, skincare, and yes, even our sunscreen. 

Read: The 10 most toxic things in your house

Again, not trying to be a conspiracy theorist, but I just think we can’t believe everything we see/read. We have to do our own research, we have to ask questions and we should be well informed on everything that goes into and onto our bodies.

You can read more about the harmful effects of sunscreen here.

But you can make your own that is natural, reef safe, kid-friendly, and actually works!

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Homemade Natural Sunscreen Recipe:

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup almond oil (or any other carrier oil like coconut or jojoba)
• 1/4 cup beeswax pellets
• 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
• 2 tbsp shea butter
• 1 tsp carrot seed oil

Method:

1. Using a double boiler (or a large pot filled halfway with water and a smaller, empty pot sitting inside) combine all the ingredients EXCEPT for the zinc oxide.
2. Stir occasionally until all the ingredients are well incorporated and remove from heat.
3. Add in the zinc oxide and mix well.
4. Transfer mixture to the jar or container you wish to store your sunscreen in and allow it to cool for several hours stirring occasionally to ensure the zinc oxide doesn’t settle at the bottom.
5. Store at room temperature or in the fridge if you wish.

Of all the DIYs I do, this one might be my favorite because it’s simple, it’s safe and it works.

If you’re not much into DIYs though, here are some of the most trusted reef-safe and all-natural sunscreens:

This homemade natural sunscreen recipe is simple and so effective. It doesn’t block the sun out but rather allows in our much-needed vitamin D while still protecting us from harmful UV rays. 

Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think!

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