I started making this non-toxic sunscreen years ago when my kids were little. We practically lived outside every summer — at the pool, the beach, or out on the lake — and I didn’t want to keep slathering them with store-bought stuff full of mystery ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.

So I made my own. And let me tell you — it worked so well. Even on my redheaded kiddo (yes, that kind of fair skin). After hours in the sun and water, I’d reapply during lunch breaks just to be safe, but they were never even red. No burns, no breakouts, no drama. Just healthy skin and a happy mama.

If you’re looking for a simple, non-toxic sunscreen you can trust on your littles (or yourself), this is the recipe I’ve used and loved for years.

☀️ Let’s Be Real: The Sun Isn’t the Enemy

I’ve never believed the sun is something to fear. Our bodies need natural sunlight to produce vitamin D — it supports hormones, mood, immune health, and more.

What I do believe?
That it’s not the sun giving us problems… it’s the chemical-laced products people slather on before heading into it.

Toxic sunscreens, hormone disruptors, synthetic fragrance — all baking into the skin under high UV exposure? That’s the real danger. Tanning beds and extreme sun habits don’t help, but the sun itself isn’t the villain. We just need to be smart about it.

This recipe gives you a safer, non-toxic sunscreen option — one that protects your skin without putting your health at risk.

🧴 What’s in This DIY Sunscreen (and Why It Works)

Coconut Oil
Naturally moisturizing with a gentle SPF around 4–5. It helps create that smooth, spreadable texture and gives your skin a soft glow. Bonus: it smells like summer.

Almond Oil
Lightweight and packed with vitamin E, almond oil helps balance the richness of coconut oil while giving your skin an extra dose of hydration.

Shea Butter
This nourishing butter is rich in vitamins A and E, making it perfect for soothing and protecting sun-exposed skin. It also gives the sunscreen a creamy, buttery consistency.

Vitamin E Oil
A natural preservative and skin-loving antioxidant that helps extend the shelf life of your sunscreen while keeping your skin happy and healthy.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil or Carrot Seed Oil
Both of these plant oils are known for their naturally high SPF properties. They’re packed with antioxidants and can support skin recovery after sun exposure — choose whichever you prefer or have on hand!

Zinc Oxide
This is the key ingredient that gives your sunscreen its broad-spectrum sun protection. Be sure to use non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide — it sits on top of the skin to physically block UVA and UVB rays without absorbing into your bloodstream.

Beeswax
This adds thickness and helps make your sunscreen more water-resistant. Use less for a lotion-style sunscreen, or more for a thicker, stickier balm consistency. I usually use about 3 tablespoons for that just-right middle ground.

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📋 How to Make DIY Non-Toxic Sunscreen

This recipe comes together quickly with just a few basic tools. Once you make it, you’ll never look at store-bought sunscreen the same again. As always, you can click any item below to shop my favorite clean, non-toxic supplies. Affiliate links included — thank you for supporting Everyday Marla Kay!

You’ll Need:

• Double boiler (or heatproof bowl over pot)
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Non-toxic silicone squeeze bottles or tins (glass isn’t beach-bag friendly)
• Face mask (for zinc oxide safety — trust me, use it)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup almond oil
• 1–2 tablespoons shea butter
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 15–20 drops red raspberry seed oil or carrot seed oil
• 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
• 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup beeswax (for thickness)

Instructions:

1. Melt the oils and beeswax.
   In your double boiler, combine coconut oil, almond oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Stir gently until fully melted.
2. Remove from heat.
   Let it cool slightly, then stir in vitamin E and your raspberry or carrot seed oil.
3. Add the zinc oxide.
   Wearing your face mask, gently whisk in the zinc oxide until fully combined.
4. Pour into containers.
   While still liquid, pour into squeeze bottles or tins. Let cool before sealing.
5. Store and use.
   Keep in a cool spot. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.

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☀️ How Effective Is It?

While homemade sunscreens can’t be lab-certified, this formula is widely estimated to offer SPF 30–40, depending on zinc content and application thickness.

I’ve used this for years with my kids — including my super fair-skinned redhead — and never once dealt with sunburn. We always reapply after water play or every couple hours just to be safe.

🛒 What I Use to Make This Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Here are the exact ingredients and tools I keep on hand — all clean, non-toxic, and linked through my favorite shops:(Affiliate links below — thank you for supporting Everyday Marla Kay!)

• ✅ Non-nano Zinc Oxide Powder
  ✅ Organic Shea Butter
  ✅ Coconut Oil
  ✅ Almond Oil
  ✅ Vitamin E Oil
  ✅ Red Raspberry Seed Oil or Carrot Seed Oil
  ✅ Beeswax Pastilles
  

Whether you’re chasing toddlers at the splash pad, packing beach bags for teenagers, or just soaking up a little backyard sunshine — this sunscreen has you covered (literally). It’s simple, safe, and made with ingredients you can feel good about.

If you give it a try, let me know how it works for you! And don’t forget to pin or save this post so it’s easy to find when summer hits full swing.

Here’s to happy, healthy skin — without the toxins. ☀️💛

xo Marla Kay

Need more non-toxic summer ideas? Check out my Non-Toxic Summer Must-Haves post next!

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🌿 DIY Sunscreen FAQ

Can I make it without beeswax?
Yes! It’ll be more like a lotion and less water-resistant, but still totally usable.

Is it baby-safe?
Yes — I originally made this for my toddlers! Just patch test first on sensitive skin.

Will it leave a white cast?
Maybe — depending on how much zinc you use. Rub it in well, and start with a small amount. You can reduce the zinc a bit if needed, but remember that’s the part that protects you.

How long does it last?
About 6 months. Store it in a cool, dry place and remake if the texture or smell changes.

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