My Best Handmade Natural SPF 24 Balm

We have been told that we can’t make sunscreen at home. Well, probably no  the conventional ones but the natural ones in small batches yes.

After few months of practicing different formulas, here it is one that I am very satisfied with. I achieved a really nice texture considering medium input of Zinc Oxide which is a bit of pain to work with . However if you follow carefully my method you won’t have a problem. Timing and temperature is crucial. Ingredients are easy to find if you have any problem or doubt ask me in the comments at the end of this blogpost.

Please note that this SPF have been formulated based on my knowledge of cosmetic science and experience in formulating of more than 10 years . The product has not been tested in any way except on myself and my family. I currently live in my hometown Malaga , South of Spain and I am a beach lover. I know how to have a good, healthy relationship with the sun. This balm has protected me well when I don’t have a shade.  This is a DIY beginner level product , please pay attention to the method and application below.

Please I kindly ask you to take full responsibility when using this product . Do some test first and take it from there.

NATURAL FORMULA SPF 24 BALM 

Phase A

23% shea butter

20% IPM ( Isopropyl Myristate) This a nice , light , ester oil . Can be replaced by Fractionated Coconut oil or Jojoba oil

15% Beeswax

16% Sesame oil (raw , not toasted)

11% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut oil

Phase B

15% non- nano Zinc Oxide ( essential )

This is the quantity of Zinc Oxide to get SPF 24 if you would like higher SPF you need to increase this percentage and recalculate the whole formula accordingly. Ask me in the comments

I didn’t add Tocopherol as the actual content of prone to oxidation plant oil is very low. 0.1% Tocopherol is optional

METHOD

1. Make sure all your tools and kitchen counter are sanitized . Clean and dry
2. Weight all the ingredients in phase A and put them in a waterproof beaker/jug in bain-marie method .
3. Do not stir. Wait until the phase is completely melted. Then stir and take it out of the heat
4. Add phase B into melted phase A . Stir vigorously and steady for a couple of minutes. Rest a couple of minutes. Stir again and again
5. As the mixture cools down , it will thicken

IMPORTANT NOTE : It is CRUCIAL for the product performance that the Zinc Oxide powder does not sink in the bottom of the product.Hard to tell as the mixture will look completely white therefore stirring all the time until the mixtures cools down is essential . This way the Zinc Oxide will be suspended homogeneously all over the product as much as possible.

If the Zinc Oxide is not dispersed and suspended homogeneously you will end with uneven zinc oxide quantities in the product resulting in uneffective sun protection on your skin . It will cause “patchy” protection. You don’t want that. Do you?

HOW TO APPLY

1. For example if you apply this balm on your face , some parts of the face will be protected and some others won’t .
2. Start using this product on your body and test different part of the body to see how it works for you.
3. Apply a thick layer to make sure the physical barrier protection is created
4. DO NOT USE the balm on babies and children until you are confident yourself with your product you made .
5. The product application will leave a white sheer on your skin.

FORMULA VARIATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Intermediate level

1. If you don’t like white sheer you should play with some cocoa powder (yes chocolate!) But make it without cocoa powder first and then play with the chocolate part. Ask me any questions below and will guide you through a reformulation with chocolate.
2. You can find Zinc Oxide already dispersed in Coco-Caprylate ,much easier to work with and to add to formulas.
3. You can use super antioxidants plant oils and extracts that will enhance the sun protection and nurturing performance of the product Making your suncare and skincare product as well. All round product
4. You can use many oil soluble active ingredients for higher performance
5. You can add titanium dioxide as a complementary sun filter

Learn how to formulate skincare like a pro

For me it works perfect. I don’t care about the white sheer

Hope you have fun making your first natural sunscreen . Next one will be my beautiful “spf 20 oleo gel for the face ” with the super hero ingredient: Astaxanthin! 

Enjoy ! and let me know in the comments how are you getting on. Excited to read your comments

Cheers,

La Mayca x

Mayca Fernandez@WapoBeauty  www.wapo.ie has created these skincare recipes, formulas and information based on knowledge , training and experience . They are given in good faith and WapoBeauty is not taking responsibility in mistakes, faults or damages result from making these products.  These skincare recipes are for personal use ONLY. Please do not share or distribute for commercial purposes. If you are receiving these recipes from someone else that is not Wapobeauty please contact me waponaturalbeautyatgmail.com or adminatmaycaft.com © Copyright 2025 – WapoBeauty