Zinc oxide is a very effective sunscreen ingredient. It is naturally occurring and is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Making sunscreen is a fairly easy procedure. This recipe makes a very good base sunscreen, to which you can add touches of fragrance and coloring to create a sunscreen that is uniquely yours. With just a few ingredients, you can make sunscreen at home.
Step 1
Grate the beeswax in a bowl. Place the beeswax in the double boiler. Carefully melt the beeswax. Remove the wax from the heat, once completely melted.
Step 2
Combine the melted beeswax, olive oil and lecithin in a large bowl. Whisk these ingredients together.
Step 3
Add the water, aloe vera gel and any coloring or fragrance. Whisk these ingredients together. Adding these after the lecithin helps emulsify the mixture.
Step 4
Add the zinc oxide, borax and potassium sorbate. Mix thoroughly with a stick blender or kitchen mixer.
Step 5
Adjust the consistency of the sunscreen by adding more melted beeswax for a thicker product or more water to thin it out.
Step 6
Place the mixture in a clean container for storage.
Tips and Warnings
- It is not necessary to use micronized, ultrafine zinc oxide powders which are more expensive. Potassium sorbate helps to keep the sunscreen from spoiling and can be purchased at stores that sell home brewing and wine making supplies.
Things You'll Need
- Double boiler
- Large bowl
- Grater
- Whisk
- Kitchen mixer or stick blender
- 2 oz. water
- 1 oz. aloe vera gel
- 1.6 oz. olive oil
- 0.5 oz. beeswax
- 0.5 oz. zinc oxide
- 0.05 oz. borax
- 0.05 oz. potassium sorbate
- 0.06 oz. soy lecithin
- Container for sunscreen
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