This summer, I have decided to try something new. We are going to be using (as often as we can) homemade sunscreen. I had my lovely friend Lorraine come and show me how to do it. Lorraine is a Homeopathic Practitioner and a passionate believer in all things natural. 

Here is her homemade sunscreen recipe. We had a lot of fun making it. Every person in my family is getting their own jar for our camping trip. Here’s hoping I made enough!

Ingredients for 1 small mason jar (I quadrupled the recipe)

½ cup almond or olive oil (SPF 5)

¼ cup coconut oil (SPF 4-6)

¼ cup beeswax

2 tbsp shea butter (optional SPF 4-6)

10-20 drops raspberry seed (SPF 25-50) or carrot seed oil (SPF 35-40)

5 drops lemongrass oil (or any other essential oil you like for scent)

1-2 tbsp zinc oxide (non-absorbent, SPF 2-20)

Add the first four ingredients to a large mason jar with the lid on loosely. Place the jar in a pot of water over the stove. Heat until everything is melted. I stirred it once in a while. 

Once all ingredients are melted, take off of the stove and add the oils. 

Finally, add the zinc oxide. We used masks to avoid inhaling any of the fine powder. 

Shake until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. 

Pour into small mason jars. This sunscreen must be kept cool. Ours is staying in the cooler while we are camping. 

Other Tips

If you remove the zinc oxide, you have a lovely body cream!

If you want a less complicated sunscreen, add zinc oxide to your favourite cream.

Wear a hat!

Stay hydrated!

I was able to get the beeswax, oils, zinc oxide and shea butter from The Stratford Health Store.

Let me know if you try it. It is really simple!