Sun protection oil recipe (below)
I made this on the go few weeks ago ,one unexpected sunny day in Dublin when we decided to go to St.Anne’s park for a picnic. I love this park and so my family. So I put together, yes I formulated something quick on the go that could protect me from the sun without using SPF creams, in my opinion full of unnecessary and dangerous ingredients based on my current knowledge of cosmetics technology . I thought in an oil-based product which is quick to make and to avoid preservatives and other synthetics .
So what oils would I use in this formula? What these oils need to contain in order to protect my skin from the sun the most efficient way? Basically what properties I am looking for in an oil to create a good performance sun protection product ?
I need oils rich in polyphenols to reduce inflammation, good humectant to keep the moist in the skin, linoleic acid that helps to reduce TWL (transepidermal water loss), phytosterols , carotenoids (beta-carotene the pigment that protect the skin from free radicals), high in vitamin E , great antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical and UVB damaged skin. There are many to choose from but these are the most popular ones.
Let’s start:
Olive oil – Extra virgin of course !! – not only my first choice as a native Spanish but it contains a natural chemical compound called “squalene” which has good anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action hence good after sun exposure.
Sesame oil– First oil in many sun protection products ingredients label.
Rice bran oil– contains Ferulic acid that helps sun damaged skin.
Wheatgerm oil– super high levels in Vitamin E
Carrot oil – high in carotenoids- very popular in sun products in Spain, and NO, don’t worry it is not going to make your skin orange 🙂 I did a LIVE class on how to make Organic Carrot oil from scratch on my
Instagram See the REEL on the grid and watch the class
Rosehip oil – the love of my life – always Organic please! Irish Camelina oil can be a good replacement as it is quite similar to Rosehip oil in chemical structure and less expensive .
Sea buckthorn oil is a MUST ingredient in any sun product, and its rich orange color is beautiful.
All berries oil ; blueberry seed oil, cranberry , raspberry have a great reputation of being high sun protection oils. Just have in mind that they feel a bid draggy on the skin so they need to be combined with other oils with greater spreadability
All the high GLA oils like borage seed oil and evening primrose. The essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) in vegetable oils shows an strong anti-inflammatory benefit for the skin.
Coconut oil– Great oil for the sun of course, but a bit light for moisturizing . Definitely a good hair oil too ! I am not very fond of coconut oil on a leave-on product as it is comedogenic , therefore I would avoid on the face but as this sun product is going to be used for only sun exposure and then will be thoroughly rinsed , I gave it a chance but not on its own.
Tamanu oil
EXTRAORDINARY oil to repair skin tissue, scars, I put in my product , by the way it gives a nice subtle liquorice smell to the product.
— extracted from the nuts of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree — is a prized natural oil known for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-regenerating properties. It’s especially beloved in natural and holistic skincare for its ability to support troubled or damaged skin.
At the moment of making this oil on the go, I realized -believe it or not- with all the amount of oils that I normally have, Murphy’s law, I didn’t have the main ones : Rosehip oil, Sea buckthorn and Rice Bran I used them in my super antioxidant face serum. I had to improvise , part of a cosmetic formulator life: replacing ingredients and reformulating.
45% Raw organic coconut oil (solid)
10% Blueberry seed oil
10% Tamanu oil
14.5% Sesame oil
0.5 % tocopherol
(Please write in the comment box below if you need to ask any questions about the recipe or you can not find the ingredients I will send you a international supplier list )
All ingredients melted in bain marie just for few minutes as coconut oil has a low melting point. Stir it up and store in a dark bottle and label. Expiry date? the earliest date of all the oils you are using. If you replace any ingredient, or reduce or increase the amounts , make sure the formula need to total up 100 % ALWAYS. If you are making 100 g batch just change the % per g . Forget about using tablespoons, cups, etc…this is not accurate and you will end up with an unbalanced and unstable product.
Talking about smell, I did not include essential oils or fragrances when making products for the summer.
My personal feedback
I applied this oil on my face, and body. I am 49 y/o with very sensitive fair skin but used to sun exposure in Spain, my 10 y/o daughter and my husband used it as well. We were on the sun for 2 hours in the afternoon (Irish sun 18 C degrees) , neither of us got burnt. Now please note this product did not pass a laboratory test . However it worked! Enough test for me
I am just sharing my experience with you and you can try yourself if you wish but you must be responsible of your sun exposure.
Tip
If you are going to make your own carrot oil you can infuse it in Olive oil , sesame oil or both so you get the benefits from the carrots and olive oil .
Don’t forget to apply PLENTY of Organic aloe vera gel on your skin and hair before and after sun exposure. A must have skincare product all year around.
La Mayca x
Certificate in Advanced Cosmetic Science
Learn to formulate skincare like a pro
Mayca Fernandez@WapoBeauty www.wapo.ie has created these skincare recipes, formula 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 © Copyright 2025– WapoBeauty
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