Did you know you can make your own natural sunscreen at home with just a handful of clean ingredients? Whether you're trying to avoid chemical UV filters, cut costs, or just know exactly what's going on your family's skin, this DIY zinc oxide sunscreen recipe is a great place to start. And if you'd rather skip the DIY, we've rounded up our top non-toxic store-bought picks too.
Why Make Your Own Sunscreen?
Most conventional sunscreens contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate — ingredients linked to hormone disruption, skin absorption, and environmental damage. Making your own gives you complete control over what goes on your skin and your kids' skin.
The key active ingredient in any safe DIY sunscreen is non-nano zinc oxide — the same ingredient used in the best commercial mineral sunscreens. It physically blocks UVA and UVB rays without being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Want to know which store-bought ingredients to avoid? Check out our guide: 👉 10 Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products →
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients. All are available at health food stores or online:
- Non-nano zinc oxide powder (20–25% of total recipe for SPF 30–50) — wear a mask when handling the powder
- Shea butter — moisturizing base, natural SPF 4–6
- Coconut oil — natural SPF 4–6, skin-softening
- Beeswax or candelilla wax (vegan option) — helps with water resistance
- Jojoba oil or almond oil — lightweight carrier oil
- Vitamin E oil — antioxidant, extends shelf life
- Optional: non-nano titanium dioxide — reduces white cast
- Optional: lavender or chamomile essential oil — a few drops for scent (skip for babies)
DIY Natural Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Recipe
Makes approximately 4 oz | Estimated SPF: 30–40
Ingredients
- ¼ cup shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets (or candelilla wax)
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 3 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide powder
- 5–10 drops lavender essential oil (optional, omit for babies)
Instructions
- Melt the base: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax together. Stir until fully combined.
- Add oils: Remove from heat and stir in jojoba oil and vitamin E oil. Let cool for 5 minutes — you want it warm but not hot.
- Add zinc oxide: Put on a mask before handling zinc oxide powder. Slowly stir in the zinc oxide until fully incorporated with no clumps. Add essential oil if using.
- Pour and set: Pour into a clean glass jar or tin. Let cool completely at room temperature (1–2 hours) or speed it up in the fridge.
- Store: Keep in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.
What to Store It In
The right container makes all the difference for your DIY sunscreen. We recommend a 4 oz wide-mouth glass jar — glass won't react with zinc oxide, it's easy to scoop from, and it looks beautiful on your bathroom shelf or beach bag.
We love these Ball Wide Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars — 4 oz, Amazon's Choice, just $3.28 each in a 6-pack. Wide mouth makes filling and scooping easy, and the quilted glass looks gorgeous. Makes a great gift too — fill a jar and tie it with a ribbon!
→ Shop Ball 4 oz Glass Jars 6-Pack on Amazon →
⚠️ Important Notes
- Always wear a mask when handling zinc oxide powder — inhaling it is harmful
- DIY sunscreens are not tested or certified for SPF — the estimated SPF is based on zinc oxide concentration only
- Reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating
- Not recommended as the sole sun protection for babies under 6 months — use shade and clothing instead
- For reliable, tested SPF protection — especially for kids — consider a certified store-bought option below
Skip the DIY? Our Top Non-Toxic Store-Bought Picks
If you'd rather grab a tested, certified mineral sunscreen, here are our top picks from our 👉 Non-Toxic Outdoor Collection →. Every one uses non-nano zinc oxide and is free from oxybenzone, parabens, and synthetic fragrance.
1. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen — Best Overall
EWG verified, water resistant 80 minutes, and designed for serious outdoor activity. Our top pick for active families.
2. Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen — Best for Babies
One of the first sunscreens to pass the Whole Foods Premium Body Care Standard. 23.4% zinc oxide, reef friendly, hypoallergenic. Perfect for babies and toddlers.
→ Shop Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
3. Badger Kids Mineral Sunscreen Combo — Best for Kids
SPF 40 body cream + SPF 35 face stick in one set. 98% organic, non-nano zinc oxide, reef safe. The face stick is a game-changer for kids on the go.
→ Shop Badger Kids Sunscreen Combo
4. Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 — Best for the Whole Family
98% organic, reef safe, water resistant 80 minutes. The 2-pack value makes it easy to keep one in the beach bag and one at home.
→ Shop Badger Sport Sunscreen 2-Pack
5. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ — Best for Sensitive Skin
Dermatologist recommended, perfect for eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin. Smart bottle cap turns pink in UV light — a fun reminder for kids to apply.
→ Shop Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen
6. Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50 — Best Budget Baby Pick
Non-allergenic, tear-free, and formulated for baby skin. Free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance. A great everyday budget-friendly option.
→ Shop Babyganics Baby Sunscreen
DIY vs. Store-Bought: Which Is Right for You?
- DIY is great if you want full ingredient control, enjoy making your own products, and are using it for adults with normal skin
- Store-bought is better if you need a certified SPF rating, are applying to babies or young kids, or need reliable water resistance for swimming
- Best of both worlds: make your own for everyday use and keep a certified mineral sunscreen on hand for beach days and outdoor activities
More DIY Clean Living Recipes
Love making your own products? Check out our other DIY guides:
- 👉 How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorant →
- 👉 How to Make Your Own Natural Lip Balm →
- 👉 How to Make Your Own Natural Shampoo →
- 👉 The Safest Sunscreens for Kids & Families: Our Top Picks →
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