Easy Natural Sunscreen Recipe

DIY Natural Sunscreen (Simple Recipe with My Personal Story)

Easy-to-make, skin-friendly sunscreen with customizable ingredients and a little heart behind why I made the switch.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m always looking for ways to live a little more naturally—especially when it comes to things we use on our skin.

But this one’s personal.

Years ago, I had an experience with skin cancer.

It came as a surprise, especially since I don’t spend a ton of time in the sun.

But it was a wake-up call.

I had surgery and thankfully caught it early, but ever since then I’ve been a lot more mindful about protecting my skin and making safer choices for my family too.

One of the things I started doing was exploring natural ways to care for my skin—especially in the summer.

That’s how I landed on making my own homemade sunscreen.

It’s simple, uses ingredients I can actually pronounce, and helps me feel good about what I’m putting on my skin.

Just a note: This recipe is for personal use and does not have a verified SPF. It is not a replacement for tested commercial sunscreen.

Natural Sunscreen Recipe

This makes about 7–8 ounces of a creamy, spreadable sunscreen.

Ingredients

• Coconut oil
• Carrier oil
• Beeswax
• Shea butter
• Non-nano zinc oxide
• Essential oils (I like carrot seed and add lavender together because carrot seed oil works great, but doesn’t smell amazing, so I also suggest adding in some lavender which does smell amazing!

How to Make Sunscreen

Step 1: In a heat-safe glass container, combine the coconut oil, shea butter, carrier oil, and beeswax.

Step 2: Slowly melt the mixture in a double boiler or using short microwave bursts, stirring in between.

Step 3: Once fully melted, carefully stir in the non-nano zinc oxide (a mask is a good idea while handling the powder).

Step 4: Add your essential oils, if using, and stir well.

Step 5: Pour the mixture into your container. As it cools, stir occasionally to help keep the zinc oxide evenly distributed.

Step 6: Let it fully set before using.

A Few Notes

• This is a natural, homemade option with ingredients that many people choose for skin protection—but since the SPF isn’t tested, I always use it mindfully.
• Essential oils are totally optional—just be sure to choose ones that are gentle on the skin.
• Always test on a small patch of skin first, especially for little ones or anyone with sensitive skin.

Since my skin cancer diagnosis, I’ve become a lot more intentional about the products I use. This recipe has become part of that journey for me, and I’m so glad to be able to share it with you.

If you’ve ever made your own skincare products—or if you’re trying this one for the first time—I’d love to hear how it goes for you! Let me know in the comments.

Expert Tips for Using Homemade Sunscreen

• Reapply often. Just like with any sunscreen, it’s important to reapply this homemade version regularly—especially after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Natural ingredients can wear off faster than commercial products.
• It’s not waterproof. This recipe is not naturally waterproof, so don’t rely on it for long periods in the water. If you want to boost its water resistance slightly, you can try adding a bit more beeswax and zinc oxide, which can help it stay on the skin a little longer.
• Test it on a small area first. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, especially to essential oils or certain carrier oils. Before applying all over, test a small dab on your arm and wait a few hours to check for any sensitivity.
• Apply generously. Natural sunscreens don’t always spread as thinly as store-bought ones, so it’s best to use a good amount to ensure full coverage—especially on commonly missed spots like ears, tops of feet, and the back of the neck.
• Stir before using. If your sunscreen has been sitting for a while, especially in warmer temperatures, you may notice some slight separation. Just give it a quick stir before applying to make sure the zinc oxide is evenly distributed.

How to Store Homemade Sunscreen

To keep your homemade sunscreen fresh and effective, it’s important to store it properly.

A cool, dry place is best. Because this recipe includes natural oils and beeswax, it can soften or melt in warm temperatures. If you live in a hot or humid climate—or plan to bring it outdoors—it’s a good idea to keep it somewhere temperature-stable.

The refrigerator is a great option! Not only does it help extend the shelf life, but it also gives the sunscreen a cool, refreshing feel when you apply it—especially nice on hot summer days!

Here are a few extra storage tips:

• Use an airtight container, like a glass jar with a lid or a BPA-free plastic tub.
• Avoid direct sunlight or storing it near heat sources (like in the car or next to a window).
• If it separates slightly over time, just give it a quick stir before using.

Properly stored, your homemade sunscreen should last several months—though as with any natural product, it’s best to use it within 3–6 months for the best quality.

More DIY Skincare Products

If you like this DIY recipe, you’ll love these ones too:

• Homemade Mud Mask Recipe – This is a simple recipe that you can use to purify your skin, leaving it radiant and healthy, without exposing yourself to unnecessary and toxic ingredients.
• DIY Cuticle Softener Cream Recipe – such a simple recipe using natural ingredients.
• The BEST Homemade Firming Eye Cream – These eye cream ingredients are known to help tighten the skin around the eyes and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
• Best Homemade Blemish Cream – This is a simple recipe that uses only the safest ingredients.
• Botanical Soap – Goat milk soap helps to remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and younger looking.

Please let me know if you have any other questions at all and I will do my best to answer them!

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.