How to Make Sunscreen

Most commercial sunscreen products contain propyl compounds and other questionable chemicals that can pose a health risk. In addition many of the all-natural products can be expensive because of the addition of exotic tropical oils for their scent. Commercial products may also have been tested on animals. All that is really needed is cheap, safe protection from the sun's rays,

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Olive oil or some other natural oil
• Titanium dioxide or pure (USP Grade) zinc oxide
• Pure beeswax
• Spoon
• Sauce pan

Preparation

1. Heat 1 cup of oil on low heat setting of stove top.
2. Break, 1 ounce of beeswax, into pieces (so that it melts faster)and add to the heated oil.
3. Stir the beeswax into the hot oil until it is completely melted.
4. Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of USP grade zinc oxide powder, slowly into the oil and wax mixture and continue to stir.
5. When wax is completely melted and the oxide powder has been thoroughly blended, remove the mixture from heat and pour into a glass container that has a lid. A baby food jar works great!
6. Mixture must cool to room temperature before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Beeswax gives the final product a consistency like a skin cream and holds the oxide in suspension. The ratio of oil to wax may be varied.
• The oxides is what does the "work" of the sunscreen. Either zinc or titanium will work.
• Any natural oil, that is safe to eat (because it will be safe for your skin) will work in this recipe. For example, vitamin E oil is an option.
• Beeswax and the oxides can be found at natural food stores or online
• All utensils used for this purpose should never be used on food again.
• Zinc oxide can pose a health risk if the powder is inhaled. Wear a face mask until the zinc has been completely blended into the product.
• The oxide may settle while the product is cooling or when entering a hot environment. When you are applying it, the oxide is translucent. It may be necessary to stir the oxide up from the bottom, so that you get the full effect of the sunscreen. A good product will appear opaque.