I’ve been looking for a good sunscreen spray for a long time. I’ve used Elta MD for years. It’s lightweight, works great, and I honestly still like it. But lately I’ve been wanting to try something a little more natural and homemade because sunscreen is expensive. Especially when you’re actually reapplying like you’re supposed to.
I know sometimes with natural homemade products, it’s easy to feel unsure if they’ll really do anything. But my tallow sunscreen recipe is still one of my most popular posts and everyone who tries it loves it, so I feel confident about this one too.
I was feeling kinda guilty for not posting this sooner. Things have been a little chaotic and I’ve been super busy, but here I am… finally sharing a new DIY.
Sunscreen Spray Recipe
Makes around 4 ounces
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
- 2 tbsp carrot seed oil
- 2 tbsp red raspberry seed oil
- 10 drops essential oil (optional I love lavender)
- 2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
- Spray bottle
Because this recipe includes aloe vera gel (a water-based ingredient), the shelf life is limited without a preservative. If you want to store it longer than a couple of weeks, especially if you won’t keep it in the fridge, you’ll need to add a broad-spectrum preservative like Leucidal SF Max, or Liquid Germall Plus. Just follow usage rates according to the manufacturer.
Also, since oil and water don’t naturally mix, you’ll need to shake the bottle really well before each use. If you want a more stable mixture, you can add an emulsifier like Polysorbate 80 to help keep everything blended longer. Just keep in mind this will change the feel of the sunscreen spray a bit.
Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Oils
In a bowl or measuring cup, combine the avocado oil, carrot seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil.
2. Add Essential Oils (Optional)
If you’re using essential oils, add them in now. Give it a quick stir to blend.
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3. Add the Zinc Oxide
Whisk in the non-nano zinc oxide until it’s fully mixed. It might look a little clumpy at first, just keep whisking.
When working with zinc oxide especially the powdered kind I like to wear a mask to avoid breathing it in. It’s super fine and gets everywhere, so just a little FYI.
This homemade sunscreen spray likely offers around SPF 15–20 thanks to the non-nano zinc oxide, which is the main protective ingredient. Red raspberry seed oil and carrot seed oil offer some added sun protection, but since this is a homemade recipe, there’s no way to measure exact SPF without lab testing.
4. Blend in the Aloe Vera Gel
Pour in the aloe vera gel and mix again. It might not be perfectly smooth, but small clumps are fine.
5. Transfer to Your Spray Bottle
Carefully pour the mixture into your spray bottle. Shake it really well before each use to make sure everything blends up nicely.
I recommend storing this sunscreen spray in the fridge, especially since it contains aloe vera. It feels extra refreshing when cold, and it helps extend the shelf life too!
Notes
- Essential oils are optional. Avoid using essential oils if you plan to use this on kids.
- If you want it to last longer, consider adding a preservative.
- You can use infused oils too! I used lavender-infused avocado oil for this one.
- Fractionated coconut oil works as well.
Sunscreen Spray
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup pure aloe vera gel
- 2 tbsp carrot seed oil
- 2 tbsp red raspberry seed oil
- 10 drops essential oil optional
- 2 tbsp non-nano zinc oxide
- Spray bottle
Instructions
- Add the avocado oil, carrot seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil all together.
- If you are using essential oils, add that in and stir to combine.
- Next, add in the non-nano zinc oxide and whisk until all combined.
- Finally, add in the aloe vera gel. Mix until it is all small clumps.
- Add to your spray bottle and shake until it is fully mixed in.
Notes
- Essential oils are optional! Lavender is great.
- If you want to preserve it longer, add a preservative.
- You can also use an infused oil. I used lavender infused avocado oil.
- Fractionated coconut oil also works in replace of avocado oil.
