Easy Homemade Sunscreen for Families Who Actually Go Outside
Last Updated on May 22, 2025 by Kiersten
This homemade sunscreen is safe, simple, and made with real ingredients. Water resistant, non-greasy, and tested during long, hot days outside.
We haven’t used commercial sunscreens in our house for about 2 years now. This homemade sunscreen is the one I’ve committed to and trust because it actually works.
It goes on smoothly, doesn’t leave a thick white film, and holds up well for normal daily use in the garden, by the pool, beach days, and outdoor play in the warmer months.
Our family’s homemade sunscreen is made with just a few basic ingredients:
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- Natural oils
- Beeswax to help it stay put on sweaty skin
We still use hats, shade, and common sense to help guard us from powerful summer rays, but this gives us extra protection without the chemicals and synthetics.
How to Make Homemade Sunscreen
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder (see note below)
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Take Care Not to Inhale the Zinc Oxide Powder
Zinc oxide is safe once it’s mixed into the sunscreen. While it’s still a loose powder, the particles are very fine and can become airborne during mixing. Breathing it in can irritate your lungs.
To stay safe, mix slowly and carefully. Don’t shake or pour the powder quickly and wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose, if needed.
Once it’s blended into the sunscreen, there’s no risk. This warning is just about the dry powder, not the finished product.
Instructions:
Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
Slowly stir in the zinc oxide powder carefully to avoid creating dust. If you are sensitive, consider wearing a mask or putting a towel over your nose and mouth during this step.
Add essential oils, if using.
Pour the homemade sunscreen into a jar or tin and leave it to set at room temperature.
How to Use:
Scoop out a small amount and rub it into exposed skin before sun exposure. Reapply every 1 to 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Since this is a physical barrier, not a chemical sunscreen, it starts working right away to reflect sunlight off of the skin.
A Few Notes:
- This is water resistant, not waterproof. You will need to reapply the homemade sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
- This is not lab tested or FDA approved but the estimated SPF is between 20 to 30, depending on the amount of zinc and how thickly it’s applied. (See graph below for percentages by weight.)
- Store out of direct sunlight and heat in a shaded area or a cooler.
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This information is intended for educational purposes only. The content created for www.naturalhomeapothecary.com has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider for personal healthcare decision-making guidance.
Easy Homemade Sunscreen
This homemade sunscreen is safe, simple, and made with real ingredients. Perfect for families who spend tons of time outdoors and want a natural alternative that actually works.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder (see note below)
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the zinc oxide powder carefully to avoid creating dust. (see note below for safety)
- Add essential oils if using.
- Pour the homemade sunscreen into a jar or tin and let it set at room temperature.
How To Use:
Scoop out a small amount and rub it into exposed skin before sun exposure. Reapply every 1 to 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Since this is a physical barrier, not a chemical sunscreen, it starts working right away to reflect sunlight off of the skin.
Notes
Zinc oxide is safe once it’s mixed into the sunscreen. While it’s still a loose powder, the particles are very fine and can become airborne during mixing. Breathing it in can irritate your lungs.
To stay safe, mix slowly and carefully. Don’t shake or pour the powder quickly and wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose, if needed.
Once it’s blended into the sunscreen, there’s no risk. This warning is just about the dry powder, not the finished product.
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