Tinted Sunblock with Zinc Oxide
I need be real with you right now - I'm one of the biggest hypocrites going when it comes to sun-protection.I have done a lot more research on the topic of skin care and sun protection than the average person, and I know very well the damaging effect that the sun can have on my skin. But for some reason... I don't wear sunblock.There. I said it.Why? Because A., I won't wear the toxic stuff (a.k.a. chemical sunscreen), which has been linked to a crazy amount of health concerns, and B. the good stuff (a.k.a mineral sunscreen), if you're applying it properly, goes on chalky, which really puts a damper on my sexy beach vibes.Vanity - it's a powerful thing, I tell ya.And it's not even like I try and hide from the sun because I don't have sunblock on! I bask in it all friggin' day because it feels so good. Like a warm blanket. In the summer it's not uncommon for me to be mistaken for a person of Hispanic decent.But seriously, I need to start taking care of my skin or, as my mom often reminds me, my neck and face are going to start looking like an old leather purse.My children, however, they look like ghosts when we get to the beach. Just the other day when we were prepping for the beach, Scarlett was begging me, "please Mom no, don't put that on me, I don't want to look like a Zombie like Ruby!" But I put it on anyways. Because I love my little Zombies.There is a pretty simple solution to this problem, though: Tint the Sunblock!By adding a dash of cocoa powder, and a sprinkle of mica for some shimmer, you have yourself a pretty amazing SAFE sunblock that doesn't go on chalky. Plus it smells like chocolate!Before you embark on your DIY Sunblock journey and make this recipe, I strongly encourage you to read my first Sunblock blog post, Sunblock 101, where I dive deep into basically everything you need to know about Sunblock and what you need to know when making your own.Once you graduate from Sunblock 101, come back here and let's make some tinted sunblock!Sexy beach vibes - CHECK!
How to Make Tinted Sunblock with Zinc Oxide
What You'll Need
- Medium, glass bowl or measuring cup
- Large pan
- Kitchen scale (or convert grams to tablespoons)
- Container for storing
Ingredients
- 120g Shea Butter (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 60g Coconut Oil (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 60g Avocado Oil (approx. 1/2 cup) can substitute for Sweet Almond or Grapeseed
- 35g Beeswax (approx. 3 tbsp)
- 60g Zinc Oxide (approx. 1/4 cup)
- 10g-30g Cocoa Powder (approx. 1-3 tbsp), more or less depending on desired colour
- 2.5g-5g Bronze Mica (optional)
Method1. Melt coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a double boiler. To do this, I put the ingredients in a Pyrex measuring cup or glass bowl, and then put the jar in a simmering pan of water. Remove from heat as soon as they have melted.2. Stir in the avocado oil (or sweet almond or grapeseed oil). I use these oils because they don't have a strong scent.3. Wearing a mask, stir in the zinc oxide, cocoa powder and mica (if using). If the zinc looks clumpy, sift it first. Thoroughly incorporate the powder stirring every few minutes.4. Pour into a jar while it's still in its liquid state. Zinc is heavy and will have a tendency to sink to the bottom of the container, so stir it occasionally as it cools so that the zinc particles are dispersed evenly throughout the jar.5. Store in an airtight container in a cool place or the fridge. Use within 6 months.Notes
- The SPF levels are not exact, as I haven’t tested them in a lab.
- When applying mineral sunblock, ensure that it goes on slightly white, or in this case, brown. Avoid the temptation to completely rub it into your skin.
- Remember to re-apply after swimming!
- For babies and young children, the main form of UV protection should be to keep them covered up and in the shade.
Don't want to make it?
I love Beautycounter's Mineral Sunscreen Lotion! SHOP HERE.