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Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

The Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Recipe: How To Make Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide Powder

Summer is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about protecting your skin from the sun. If you’re wondering what’s the best zinc oxide sunscreen to buy, a better question is: what’s the best zinc oxide sunscreen to make?

There are a few reasons to make instead of buy. Many commercial sunscreens contain unnecessary ingredients, such as preservatives, artificial ingredients, or other potentially harmful chemicals. Chemical free sunscreen that is also reef safe is the kind of sun care that people have been asking for over the last few years. Whether you have sensitive skin that is acne prone, or just want to focus more on using the cleanest sunscreen or personal care products, making your own is a great way to control what exactly goes into the formula. Mineral sunscreen made with zinc oxide is safe and gentle. It is also great for men and women and is safe for babies and children.

You also control the fragrance or lack thereof. Maybe you want to smell like organic lavender instead of the usual coconut oil formulas. Maybe you want to be fragrance-free. That’s completely up to you.

Neutrogena, Supergoop, Sun Bum, or similar beauty brands are what you’ll find at the drugstore, but if you’re getting into the world of DIY skin care, try this recipe to buy one less product, use quality ingredients, and save money.

All Natural Sunscreen Ingredients

* Zinc Oxide Powder: First, you need a high-quality pure zinc oxide powder. Zinc powder protects your skin from both UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburns) and UVA rays (the ones that cause wrinkles). Our zincoxide is pharmaceutical grade, which means it’s safe to use in skincare applications. Uncoated zinc oxide means that it’s non nano and non micronized, meaning it creates a protective barrier on the skin and does not absorb into the bloodstream. When different sunscreen types are mentioned, this is what is meant by a “physical sunscreen”.

We source and sell this powder from the USA. It is pharmaceutical grade which means it is certified by the United States Pharmacopeia and subject to FDA regulation. It has to be 99.99% pure to meet their strict criteria. Only 5% of the entire skin care industry can meet these high standards. 

* Shea Butter: Shea Butter is moisturizing, nutrient-rich, and melts on skin contact, making it ideal for sunscreen and other lotions. It can also help create a waterproof or water resistant finish on your skin that you don’t have to reapply as much. 

* Carrier Oil: This is where your personalization comes in. Typical carrier oils for lotions include jojoba oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. This helps dilute the shea butter a bit, making it more liquid if you’re looking for more of a body lotion feel. Other carrier oils such as carrot seed or raspberry seed oil contain some natural SPF and are great skin-friendly additions to your custom SPF cream as well. 

* Optional Fragrance: If you want to include a fragrance, make sure to choose natural, 100% pure oils. Synthetic fragrances are full of chemicals that can irritate your skin. Also, be cautious with citrus oils, because some are photo-reactive and make you burn more easily. Skin-friendly choices include lavender, cedarwood, peppermint, or lemongrass.

Sunscreen Recipe

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, the basic recipe for zinc oxide sunscreen is very simple.

  • 3 ounces unrefined shea butter
  • 1-ounce jojoba (or other carrier oil)
  • 1-ounce zinc oxide powder
  • 20 drops essential oil (optional)

Simply whip the shea butter in the mixer, slowly adding the other ingredients until fully mixed. Rub into skin until absorbed, and repeat as necessary. The oils all have a long shelf life naturally, so you can store in a cool place, sealed from moisture all summer long.

Curious what else you can use zinc oxide powder for? Try this acne spot cream, or this 100% natural deodorant recipe.