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Friday, June 24, 2011

Herbal sunscreen - make-it-yourself recipe!

I've had quite a few requests for an all natural herbal sunscreen.  We've been experimenting with a recipe here, testing it out and tweaking it to use ingredients that are easily available.  I'm really happy with the results - a nice thick creamy spreadable sunscreen that absorbs well and doesn't feel sticky.  It has natural sunblock (sesame oil), soothes the skin (cocoa butter), has natural antiseptic qualities, smells lovely, and is easy to prepare.  We hope to have this available in our etsy shop at some point this summer, but for now here is our recipe so those of you who like to experiment with all things herbal can make it at home yourself!  Our recipe is based on one from an old issue of Mother Earth News magazine, modified it to suit our needs.  Here's the recipe:

Herbal Sunscreen - safe for kids (use externally only, and reapply every few hours)
70 grams organic sesame oil
45 grams organic cocoa butter
15 grams pure beeswax
110 grams (4 oz) strong green tea
2 Tbsp zinc oxide
1 tsp vitamin C powder (or other natural preservative)
10-20 drops pure lavender essential oil

1) Melt sesame oil, cocoa butter and beeswax in double boiler or in a small saucepan on the stove over low heat.
2) Remove and add green tea, zinc oxide, vitamin C powder and lavender oil.  Mix well with a stick blender until creamy.
3) Store in glass jars or other small containers with tight fitting lids (or reuse an old sunscreen tube).  Keep in cool location to keep in thick spreadable condition (or firm sunscreen back up if necessary by placing in the fridge for half an hour).


5 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 24, 2011

    If it's not too much trouble, do you have any recommendations about where to find zinc oxide? I'd love to give this a go, since I'm allergic to the standard stuff and don't want the chemicals anyway.

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  2. This looks great! Thank you so much. Where can I buy zinc oxide locally?

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  3. AnonymousJuly 22, 2011

    Hi,

    Another similar comment to add to the list: Where do you purchase your zinc oxide from? I have tried several pharmacies and health food stores but have had zero luck.

    Could you perhaps recommend a trustworthy mail order website? Is there a store in Toronto that might carry it? I have tried Herbies Herbs but they don't have it either.

    I hope you can let me know soon!!

    Thanks!!!

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  4. Zinc oxide can be purchased at most mail order companies that carry soap making supplies and bath & body care product making supplies.

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  5. I made your sunscreen yesterday and just love the feel and smell :)
    I was wondering what the estimated spf would be?
    Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete