How to Make an Organic Suntanning Lotion

The benefits of sunscreen are indisputable, but some people question the side effects of the long list of additives featured in popular brands. Making your own organic suntanning lotion allows you to enjoy the advantages of protection without worrying about the effect of chemicals you can't pronounce. Here are two recipes for homemade organic suntanning lotion.

Things You'll Need

• 3 tbsp. sesame oil
• 1 tbsp. each almond oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil
• 1 tbsp. shea butter
• 2 tbsp. cocoa butter
• 1 tsp. beeswax
• 1 tsp. soy lecithin liquid
• 2 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• 2 tbsp. rose or lavender water
• ½ tsp. Borax
• Carrot-seed oil or coconut oil for fragrance
• 1 tbsp. zinc oxide
• 1½ tsp. light sesame oil
• 1 tbsp. rose water

Instructions

Make Lotion A

1. Combine first four oils, butters and wax in a pot and melt over low heat. Gently stir in the soy and turn off the heat.

2. Heat the aloe and rose or lavender water in a separate pot and gradually add the Borax powder until it is completely dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat.

3. Place the aloe-water mixture (which should still be warm) in a bowl of ice and very quickly whisk in the warm oil mixture to form a smooth cream. Stir in a few drops of the carrot-seed and coconut oils for added fragrance.

4. Store cream in a clean, air-tight container. The ingredients are organic and perishable, so keep your sunscreen in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 weeks.

Make Lotion B

1. Combine the zinc and oil over low heat, stirring gently.

2. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the rose water.

3. Cool the mixture completely and store refrigerated in a clean, sealed bottle for up to 10 days.

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe produces a mixture that will leave a white residue on your skin, similar to "lifeguard nose."

• In addition to their hydrating properties, shea butter, avocado and sesame oil offer a small amount of SPF (sun protection factor). Their ability to block UVA and UVB rays, however, is limited so don't use this mixture as your only protection. Wear long clothing, stay in the shade or consider also using a commercial sun block that contains titanium dioxide.