How to Make Your Own Homemade Tallow Sunscreen

If you love natural skincare, making your own sunscreen is a game-changer! Many store-bought options contain questionable ingredients, but this homemade tallow sunscreen is simple, effective, and completely non-toxic. Plus, it’s packed with nourishing oils that love your skin while offering sun protection.

I’ve never been a big fan of sunscreens, not because I don’t want to protect my skin, but because I often don’t like the smell or consistency of them. They usually make me feel sticky and greasy. However, this homemade tallow sunscreen makes me feel great, and I’m honestly very proud and confident in the things I make.

I know some people might be a little skeptical and I get it, I was skeptical at first too. But honestly, it works really well! Plus, it feels so much better on my skin compared to those sticky, greasy sunscreens I used to buy. If you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients, I’d say give it a shot and see for yourself!

Why Tallow?

Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it an ultra-moisturizing base for sunscreen. It closely mimics our skin’s natural oils, helping it absorb beautifully without feeling greasy.

I also made a homemade whipped tallow sugar scrub in case you buy the tallow and are wondering what else you can make with it.

What kind of tallow is best?

Unscented Grass Fed Bulk Beef Tallow– Lady May on Etsy

I have never fallen in love with a tallow more than this one. I found her account on Etsy and told her this week that I’m truly in love with her products. This is the first tallow I’ve used that is soft, 100% odorless, and can be applied directly to my skin as a moisturizer, it feels amazing! I’ll forever be buying my tallow from her.

Ingredients:

I have a food scale at home that was very cheap and is very useful. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a glass measuring cup or follow the cup measurements instead.

• 1 oz beeswax (about 3 tablespoons) If you want it to be firmer, use 1/4 cup of beeswax.
• 2 oz virgin coconut oil (1/4 cup) If you can’t use coconut oil, you can try using Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil as an alternative.
• 2 oz tallow or tallow balm ( 1/4 cup)
• 3 oz olive oil (1/3 cup)
• 2 oz non-nano zinc oxide ( 1/4 cup)
• Glass jar or silicone containers

Instructions:

1. Melt and Mix

Place all the ingredients, except for the non-nano zinc oxide, into a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is fully melted and well combined.

If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make one by filling a saucepan about one-third to halfway with water and placing a heat-safe jar or bowl with the ingredients inside.

2. Add Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Since publishing this recipe, I’ve received several questions about the best time to add non-nano zinc oxide, and that’s a great question, so thank you! I’m updating this homemade tallow sunscreen recipe to clarify that the best time to add the zinc oxide is after you’ve melted and fully mixed the oils and fats (such as tallow, coconut oil, and beeswax).

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly but remain in a liquid state before stirring in the zinc oxide. This helps ensure even distribution without overheating the zinc, which could affect its properties

Use a whisk or an immersion blender to make sure the zinc oxide is fully incorporated and doesn’t settle at the bottom.

Sunscreen Effectiveness Test (For DIY Sunscreen)

• UV Light Test: Apply your homemade sunscreen to a piece of clear plastic or a UV-sensitive material. Use a UV flashlight or expose it to the sun. If the area covered with zinc oxide appears darker (blocking more light), it’s likely working.

3. Pour and Set

Transfer the mixture into your chosen storage container (a glass jar or tin works great). Let it solidify completely before using.

How to Use Homemade Tallow Sunscreen:

Scoop a small amount and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.

How to Adjust the Recipe for Homemade Tallow Sunscreen Stick

To make this recipe into a tallow stick instead of a jar version, you just need to adjust the proportions slightly. For a stick, you’ll want to use a push-up tube or any mold designed for solid balms. If you’re using a push-up tube, make sure it’s sturdy and can hold the melted ingredients without bending or breaking.

Here’s a simple guideline for adjusting the recipe based on texture:

1. For a firmer stick :
   • Increase beeswax: Add an extra ½ to 1 teaspoon of beeswax. This will help the balm harden more and make it easier to apply without being too greasy.
2. For a softer stick (more creamy):
   • Increase liquid oils: Add 1-2 teaspoons of your liquid oil blend (argan, jojoba, etc.) to soften the texture if it’s too hard or stiff.
   • Adding more coconut oil will make it creamier, while using less will make it stiffer.
   • More tallow will soften the stick, while less will make it firmer.

Just keep testing it as you go, especially if you’re using a new mold or tube! It’s a bit of trial and error, but these tweaks should help you achieve a smooth, usable consistency for a tallow stick.

Notes:

• Since this is a DIY product, its SPF is not lab-tested, so coverage may vary. This sunscreen has an estimated SPF of 20-25, thanks to the zinc oxide and nourishing oils. However, always do a patch test and reapply regularly.
• Store in a cool, dry place. It will soften in warm weather but remain effective.
• If you prefer a softer sunscreen, use a little less beeswax.

Tallow Sunscreen

Print Recipe

This DIY tallow sunscreen is a simple, nourishing way to protect your skin without harsh chemicals.

Servings 4 ounces

Ingredients

• 1 oz beeswax (about 3 tablespoons)
• 2 oz virgin coconut oil ( 1/4 cup)
• 2 oz tallow ( 1/4 cup)
• 3 oz olive oil ( 1/3 cup)
• 2 oz non-nano zinc oxide (about ¼ cup)

Instructions

• Place all the ingredients (except zinc oxide) into a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted and combined.
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly but remain in a liquid state before stirring in the zinc oxide. This helps ensure even distribution without overheating the zinc, which could affect its properties

  Use a whisk or an immersion blender to make sure the zinc oxide is fully incorporated and doesn’t settle at the bottom.
• Transfer the mixture into your chosen storage container (a glass jar or tin works great). Let it solidify completely before using.

Notes

• How to Use: Scoop a small amount and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
• This sunscreen has an estimated SPF of 20-30, thanks to the zinc oxide and nourishing oils. However, always do a patch test and reapply regularly.
• Store in a cool, dry place. It will soften in warm weather but remain effective.
• If you prefer a softer sunscreen, use a little less beeswax.

✨ If you have any questions about this recipe or need substitutions, feel free to ask in the comments! If you try this recipe and love it, leave a comment below and share how it worked for you, I’d love to hear about your experience. 💛

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