Certain plants have amazing sun protection properties like shea butter has an SPF of around 7, coconut oil’s SPF is around 4, and red raspberry seed oil has an SPF ranging between 28 and 50. This recipe combines these amazing sun-blocking botanicals with zinc, a mineral that physically blocks the sun by scattering UVA and UVB radiation, to create nourishing and effective natural sun protection. The butter-like consistency of this recipe adds to its effectiveness by creating natural sweat and water resistance, and the peppermint helps keep you cool.
YIELDS: 4 two-ounce tubes
Recipe:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
- 1/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup red raspberry seed oil
- 20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 vitamin E capsules
- 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder
What you will need: double boiler, measuring cups, rubber spatula, push-up tubes for 8-ounce recipe (four 2-ounce tubes)
1. To Make: Start the double boiler on medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Place the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in the top of the double boiler and cover. Simmer until melted, stirring occasionally. To preserve the beneficial botanicals, do not overheat. Remove from heat, take the top pan off the double boiler, and let cool 5–10 minutes. Add the raspberry seed oil and essential oil. Pierce the vitamin E capsules and squeeze the liquid out into the bottle, discarding the gel caps. Add the zinc, being mindful not to breathe the powder. Carefully stir in the zinc powder, blending to a uniform mixture.
2. This last stage is a delicate balance of temperature. You don’t want to pour it so hot that the zinc settles to the bottom of your tubes, but you need it to be warm enough to pour. Let cool until it just barely begins to thicken, another 5 minutes or so. Stir again to evenly disperse the zinc and pour into your tubes, scraping any of the hardened cooled mixture off the sides and back into the melted oils.
If the mixture hardens too much before you can pour it, gently melt it again in the double boiler. Pour into the lotion tubes and let stand undisturbed for 4 hours or overnight.
3. To Store: Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Use up within a year.
4. To Use: Apply to skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming and exercise.
You can make this recipe into lotion bars instead of the push-up tubes. Follow the directions given. Pour the melted butter into an ice cube tray, silicone mold, or a loaf pan lined with wax paper. Let stand at least 4 hours before moving. You can store the lotion bars in metal tins, wrapped in foil, or in a glass jar.
