Looking for a way to get thicker, longer-lasting sun protection on that area of the face that always seems to cop the most sun (hello, freckles!)? Well, look no further than this DIY natural Zinc Stick recipe!
Now, if you’re already using my DIY Natural Sunscreen Balm, I know I won’t need to convince you that it works. (Here comes my standard little spiel though: DO NOT use homemade sun protection recipes unless you are 100% comfortable with the idea. It is your choice and you’re responsible for your own sun safety. This might surprise you, but the best UV protection practice you can adopt is avoidance. Read more here.
It took me quite a few goes to get the consistency right for this recipe. I can confirm that it does set in a refillable twist/push style container (as pictured in the recipe image above). It can also be poured into a jar and applied with your fingers. It does ‘stick’ quite well, withstanding a fair bit of water/goggle abuse! I’d encourage it to be reapplied as it wears off though.
Colouring your zinc stick is also possible, but be warned that you won’t get the same vibrant colours that you see in commercial sticks. I’d be worried that using a huge amount of colouring would actually stain skin, so proceed with caution. The amounts I used to get the colours pictured below didn’t cause any staining but as you can see the outcome is a soft, pale tint (but hey, the longer you spend in the natural space, the more you appreciate subtle colours, subtle fragrance, subtle results, am I right?).
When working with zinc oxide, be sure to only purchase non-nano particles, and be careful not to inhale it. Just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it can be abused, and some ingredients require more care and caution than others.
As for the SPF of this stick – I couldn’t tell you exactly. There is, in fact, a very complex method used to test for SPF (and even that has SO many variables! Did you know it involves actual human guinea pigs??). My research would have this zinc sitting at an SPF of around 40.
I’m really excited by this recipe. Kids just look so cute wearing zinc! And, I’m happy to be putting natural stuff on their faces at their next swimming carnival!
Zinc Cream
Makes: 90 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 40 g shea butter
- 20 g carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
- 5 g beeswax
- 25 g zinc oxide (non-nano particles)
Method
1. Add shea butter, carrier oil and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted. (Double boiler method – place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method – heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add zinc oxide and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into a jar (with lid) or twist/push-up tubes.
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
Want To Colour Your Zinc?
To Use
Recipe Notes
This recipe has NOT been lab-tested. This means you need to be careful with your sun exposure and see how this cream works for you. I am happy to use it on myself and my family, but our skin types may vary to yours so be responsible when trialling this recipe.
Be careful using zinc oxide. I have long arms and hold my breath, but if you’re worried about inhaling it, wear a mask until it is mixed in and no longer loose and floating around.
3 Comments
This stuff is phenomenal, we use it when out on the boat for the day and we have not yet had it let us down, a favourite for sure!
Hello Krissy. I tried your ZINC CREAM recipe and its wonderfull. I wonder if it possible to copy the recipe to the DEODORANT pushing up stick, because I didnt find yet something that works well with the deodorant cantainers that i have. this is the first product that is pushed up and goes back well. so, if I add arrowroot to the same amount of your zinc cream, do you think it will work well as deodorant?
If you increase the beeswax (about double) in the deodorant recipe, you can use it in a stick tube.