For years I have been preaching the benefits of safe sun exposure. Your keywords are safe here! And while it has many benefits, sometimes I just break out my homemade sunscreen. Many of you have been asking for a lip sunscreen with SPF, so I finally got to work in the kitchen and came up with one.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Lip Sunscreen (And Why You Should)
I usually don’t like sunscreen for a variety of reasons. You need the sun to make the vitamin D hormone, have a strong immune system, regulate your hormones, and much more. Even something as seemingly simple as sunglasses can block light receptors in the eyes, interfering with signal transmission.
Most of the time, after my body has had enough sunlight for a day, it will seek shade or cover. I think the science is clear about the benefits of the sun, but it’s also clear that sunburn is harmful! However, if you live in a very sunny climate and do a lot of outdoor activities, such as boating or surfing, sunscreen may be helpful.
My homemade sunscreen recipe is a fan favorite, and many of you have asked if you can use it on your lips as well. Strictly speaking, yes. However, it can leave a white cast, be difficult to apply, and taste a bit funky. Even if you don’t eat it (even though the ingredients are clean), a small amount of lip balm still remains in your mouth. But we all probably knew that one kid in elementary school who loved eating chapstick…
Mineral lip balm containing UV protection ingredients
Many store-bought brands use a ton of synthetic ingredients that I don’t want to put in my mouth (or my kids’ mouths). I think it’s really good because the specific UV blocking ingredients penetrate the skin smoothly and are absorbed quickly. However, sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are also toxic to marine life and coral reefs, which are essential to life on Earth. Not to mention what they do to us once absorbed.
Instead, this lip sunscreen uses non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide. It forms a skin barrier, sits on top of the skin/lips and reflects UV rays. One of the safest sunscreens. In fact, it’s one of only two that the FDA considers safe and effective for sunscreen. I don’t always agree with the FDA, but I agree on this issue. Zinc oxide is 20%, which equates to approximately 10 SPF when all ingredients are added together. SPF 10 may not sound like much, but it blocks about 90% of UV rays.
I also added red raspberry seed oil. It has some SPF and is full of antioxidants that protect your lips from sun damage. You can also find this ingredient in my homemade sunscreen recipe. Shea butter is smooth and creamy, nourishes your lips and helps keep your lip balm firm. Beeswax provides a protective layer over the lips.
Lastly, avocado oil provides the bulk of your lip balm and supports collagen to prevent weakened skin cells. Avocado oil also helps soothe inflammation, regenerate skin cells, and protect the skin barrier. It is also rich in carotenoids, which provide UV protection.
Tinted sunscreen lip balm
My original sunscreen recipe was white because of the zinc oxide. Some people don’t mind having white spots on their lips, but there is an easy fix. Iron oxide and/or mica can be added to give some color. Mica reflects light, giving it a slight sparkle.
Iron oxide is the same pigment found in nature that gives it a rich, burgundy red color. Oxides that naturally come directly from the soil also contain lead and other heavy metal contaminants. Things I don’t want in my lip balm! This is why iron oxide can now be made identical to its natural counterpart in the laboratory.
If you don’t have iron oxide, rose kaolin clay also provides similar benefits.
DIY Natural Lip Sunscreen
This soft and creamy lip sunscreen helps protect your lips from UV damage.
produce: 1.7 oz.
Add beeswax, shea butter, and avocado oil to the top of a double boiler or glass bowl. Stir occasionally until dissolved.
Remove from heat and add raspberry seed oil and essential oils.
Whisk in the zinc oxide, iron oxide and mica powder.
Turn off the heat and let it cool, stirring occasionally. It needs to be mixed constantly because the powder will try to settle to the bottom.
Once the lip sunscreen has almost cooled but is soft enough to pour, pour the mixture into the container.
Iron oxide adds a pink color and mica adds a bit of sparkle. You can use both, or both, but they will be white with no iron oxide at all.
Important Note on Phototoxic Essential Oils
Certain essential oils may increase your risk of sunburn and skin damage. Needless to say, you should not use it in lip balm! Phototoxic essential oils include bergamot, lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Learn more about this topic here.
More UV protection
Here are some DIY sunscreen recipes and information about the pros and cons of sunscreen.
What is your approach to sun exposure? Let us know by leaving a comment!
