Why You Can’t Count on DIY Sunscreens
With the rising concerns over sunscreen ingredients and the popularity of internet do-it-yourself instructions, people are exploring making their own DIY or homemade sunscreens. Safe and effective sunscreens are, however, actually very difficult to make.
Hey Badger, are you just trying to get us to buy your sunscreens?
The goal of this blog is not to sell you on Badger sunscreen. We love DIY, and encourage you to go ahead and make any of our other products at home. But, sunscreens are different. As over-the-counter drugs regulated by the FDA, sunscreens require rigorous manufacturing procedures and testing to ensure that they are safe and effective. When you make your own homemade sunscreen, you are playing a game of chance with possible repercussions of skin damage and skin cancer.
So, why can’t I just make a cream or lotion and add zinc oxide powder?
You can, and it may help to prevent sunburn, but it’s very difficult to do right and you will have no idea how much protection your product would offer. If done improperly the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles may clump up, or settle to the bottom of your homemade sunscreen, then you would be getting limited or no protection from the sun. Furthermore, if not properly preserved, your DIY sunscreen can easily grow bacteria and mold, which you may not see and don’t want on your skin.
What about using just natural oils as a sunscreen?
You may have read internet articles on how plant oils such as coconut oil, carrot seed oil, raspberry seed oil, and others can be used as sunscreens. Some of these articles are just misinterpretations of scientific publications. However, some natural oils, such as coconut oil, may actually offer some level of sunburn protection. This may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties, not from any actual blocking of UV rays, and the effectiveness will vary widely depending on whose oil you use. No natural oils offer the full broad spectrum SPF 15-30 protection that you should be using. These oils may be great for moisturizing your skin or for other purposes, but they should not be used in place of sunscreen.
Why are sunscreens, especially natural ones, so expensive anyway?
Three reasons: expensive ingredients, expensive processing, and expensive testing. Organic plant oils, organic beeswax and recycled mineral powders cost far more than the chemicals that make up conventional sunscreens. In order to mix these ingredients together into a stable and smooth consistency, it takes time and special mixers. Additionally, all sunscreens undergo rigorous independent testing to ensure that they have adequate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) and stable formulations guaranteed to last for 2-3 years. Water resistance and broad spectrum protection testing are also required if such claims are made. Optional additional testing that Badger submits our sunscreens to include biodegradability, non-comedogenic, non-nanoparticle, hypoallergenic and more.
If you are interested in making your own homemade sunscreens in order to avoid controversial ingredients, the good news is there are several brands that are already doing this for you. By law, they all pass all the same safety and efficacy testing as chemical sunscreens. A good place to start your research is with the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide.
What you are paying for when you buy sunscreen is the guarantee that it will safely and effectively protect you and your family. Of course the best protection from the sun is common sense. Avoid the sun during peak hours, and always wear a hat and cover up your skin.
Here are a couple reputable links for further reading on the topic:
Mayo Clinic’s article on why coconut oil is not an effective sunscreen
The President of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Warns Against Dangers of Homemade Sunscreen
Check out Badger's Mineral Sunscreens.
What do you think about homemade sunscreen? Voice your opinion in the comments below!