While I love a good sunny day, I don’t love slathering on conventional sunscreens with ingredients I can’t even pronounce. So, I started making these DIY Zinc Sticks, and I’m kind of obsessed.

I also have a homemade tallow-based sunscreen recipe on the blog that’s rich, nourishing, and perfect for dry or sensitive skin. It’s another great alternative if you’re trying to avoid synthetic ingredients and keep things as natural as possible.

Zinc Sticks are easy to make, all-natural, and perfect to toss in your bag before heading out. They go on smooth, don’t leave your skin ghost-white and the ingredients are gentle and non-toxic.

This recipe makes about 4 sticks depending on your containers, and it’s great for daily use on the face, shoulders, or anywhere that needs a little extra sun protection.

DIY Zinc Sticks Recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup beeswax
1/2 cup shea butter
2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
25 drops essential oil (optional)
Empty stick containers or tubes

Instructions

1. Melt the base

In a heat-safe glass container, add your shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax. Slowly melt them using a double boiler (or in the microwave if you’re careful). Stir every 30 seconds to make sure everything melts evenly.

2. Cool it down a bit and Add Essential Oils

Once melted, let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes before adding your essential oils if you’re using any. This helps preserve their benefits and prevents them from evaporating. Just be sure not to use phototoxic oils.

Certain essential oils are phototoxic, meaning they can cause skin reactions when exposed to sunlight or UV light after application.

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3. Add the zinc

Next, carefully stir in your non-nano zinc oxide. Mix it very well! This is the ingredient that offers sun protection, so you want it evenly distributed.

4. Pour and stir

Pour the mixture into your containers. As it cools, give it a few gentle stirs to help prevent the zinc oxide from settling at the bottom.

Notes

Essential oils are optional. Just be sure not to use phototoxic ones.

Zinc Sticks

Print Recipe

These easy DIY zinc sticks are made with coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and non-nano zinc oxide for a natural option to help protect your skin. Great for on-the-go use and made with simple, non-toxic ingredients. This recipe makes around 4 sticks if using the same containers.

Ingredients

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup beeswax
1/2 cup shea butter
2 tbsp non nano zinc oxide
25 drops essential oil optional
Containers

Instructions

Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax into a heat safe glass container. Slowly melt it on a double broiler or in the microwave, stirring in between.
Once completely melted, allow to cool a few minutes before adding in your essential oils.
Then, mix in your non nano zinc oxide. Make sure to mix it thoroughly.
Pour into your container. As it cools down, continue to stir to help mix all your zinc oxide.

Notes

Essential oils are optional. Just be sure not to use phototoxic ones.

DIY Zinc Sticks for Summer

DIY Zinc Sticks Recipe:

Ingredients