You can make a completely mineral-based sunscreen at home without chemical filters! This cream, made with non-nano zinc oxide, is safe for both babies and sensitive skin.
Why Mineral Sunscreen?
Chemical UV filters are absorbed by the skin and can cause irritation in some people. Mineral zinc oxide, on the other hand, stays on the skin's surface, reflects UV rays, and is much safer.
Ingredients Needed (for ~100g)
Oil Phase
- Non-Nano Zinc Oxide — 15% (alternative: Transparent Non-Nano ZnO 18–20%)
- CCT (for dispersion) — 10% (alternative: Jojoba Oil)
- Shea Butter — 8% (alternative: Mango Butter, Avocado Butter)
- Olivem 1000 — 5% (alternative: Cetearyl Alcohol 50:50)
- Sesame Oil — 5% (alternative: Rice Bran Oil, Avocado Oil)
- Vitamin E — 0.5%
Water Phase
- Distilled Water — 52%
- Provitamin B5 — 1%
- Glycerin — 2% (alternative: Pentylene Glycol)
Cool Down Phase
- Herbal Preservative — 1%
- Lavender Essential Oil — 0.5% (alternative: Blue Chamomile, Neroli)
Production Process
- Zinc oxide dispersion: Pre-mix zinc oxide with CCT, grind thoroughly with a spatula. This step is crucial — if clumps remain, the white cast will increase!
- Prepare the oil phase: Melt shea butter, Olivem 1000, and sesame oil at 70–75°C.
- Add the zinc dispersion to the oil phase, mix well.
- Prepare the water phase: Heat distilled water to 70–75°C, add glycerin.
- Emulsify: Slowly add the water phase to the oil phase, mix vigorously.
- Cool: Mix until cooled to 40°C.
- Cool down phase: Add Provitamin B5, preservative, and essential oil.
- pH control: pH should be between 6–7.
- Fill into an opaque tube or jar.
Duration: ~60 minutes
Shelf life: 6-8 months (with LEXGARD NATURAL)
18-24 months (with SHAROSENSE)
24-30 months (with MICROCARE DB)