Simple DIY Natural Sunscreen (With Optional Wildcrafted Boosts)

Simple DIY Natural Sunscreen (With Optional Wildcrafted Boosts)

Simple DIY Natural Sunscreen (With Optional Wildcrafted Boosts)

Want to avoid chemical sunscreens but don’t want a complicated project? These 3 easy recipes use pantry staples (plus one key sunscreen ingredient: non-nano zinc oxide).

And for those who love slow, plant-based skincare, we’ve included optional wildcrafted upgrades—because sometimes, the best protection comes from patient, earth-connected craft.

🌞 3 Simple Sunscreen Recipes

*(All recipes make ~4 oz, last 6 months, and should be reapplied every 1-2 hours.)*

1. Basic Lotion Sunscreen (SPF ~15-20)

Great for: Everyday use, sensitive skin
Ingredients:

  • ½ cup coconut oil (natural SPF 4-5)
  • ¼ cup beeswax (for water resistance)
  • 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide (must be non-nano!)
  • 1 tbsp shea butter (extra moisture)

Instructions:

  1. Melt coconut oil + beeswax + shea butter in a double boiler.
  2. Remove from heat, stir in zinc oxide (wear a mask—it’s dusty!).
  3. Pour into a jar. Done!

2. Lightweight Spray Sunscreen (SPF ~10-15)

Great for: Reapplication on-the-go
Ingredients:

  • ½ cup almond oil
  • ¼ cup witch hazel
  • 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
  • 1 tbsp beeswax (optional, for thickness)

Instructions:

  1. Warm almond oil + beeswax until melted.
  2. Whisk in zinc oxide, then mix with witch hazel.
  3. Pour into a spray bottle. Shake before use!

3. Extra-Water-Resistant Balm (SPF ~20-25)

Great for: Swimming, sweating
Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup beeswax
  • ¼ cup coconut oil
  • 3 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
  • 1 tbsp cocoa butter (helps it stick)

Instructions:

  1. Melt beeswax + coconut oil + cocoa butter.
  2. Stir in zinc oxide.
  3. Pour into a tin. Let harden.

🌿 Optional Wildcrafted Boosts

(For those who want to infuse their sunscreen with plant power!)

These take extra time (2-6 weeks), but add skin-healing benefits and a deeper connection to your land.

1. Solar-Infused Plantain Oil

Why? Soothes sun-stressed skin, reduces redness.
How:

  • Fill a jar with fresh plantain leaves (chopped).
  • Cover with olive oil, seal, and let sit in the sun 4 weeks.
  • Strain. Use in place of coconut oil in any recipe.

2. Comfrey & Calendula Healing Oil

Why? Repairs sun damage, prevents peeling.
How:

  • Mix dried comfrey root + calendula flowers in a jar.
  • Cover with sunflower oil, steep in a dark place 6 weeks.
  • Strain. Add 2 tbsp to your sunscreen.

3. Pine Needle Antioxidant Boost

Why? Pine’s antioxidants may help fight UV damage.
How:

  • Pack a jar with young pine needles (green, fragrant).
  • Cover with jojoba oil, infuse 3 weeks.
  • Strain. Adds a woodsy scent to balms!

💡 Why Go Wildcrafted?

  • Free medicine grows outside your door (plantain, pine, yarrow).
  • Solar infusion = stronger oil (sun extracts more nutrients).
  • Zero waste (no plastic, no synthetic preservatives).

Foraging Tip: Never take more than 10% of a plant patch.

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Homemade sunscreen isn’t lab-tested—use with caution!
  • Reapply often (especially after swimming/sweating).
  • Wear hats/long sleeves in intense sun.

Want More DIY Skincare? Try our [Easy Healing Salve Recipe] or [Forager’s First Aid Guide].

Disclaimer: These recipes are for educational purposes. Not Health Canada-approved. Always patch-test first!

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