Make a homemade sun protection balm with nourishing oils and herbs. Zinc-free, skin-friendly, and easy to apply all summer long.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to conventional sunscreen, this homemade sun protection balm is a great option. You can make a sun protection balm using natural ingredients like nourishing oils, herbs, and grass-fed tallow. If you know me, you know how much I love tallow skin care because it’s nourishing and safe for sensitive skin.
We’ve used this recipe for the past few summers and loved how well it worked for our family!
Pin it for later
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure here.
Why I stopped using zinc in sun care
For years, I used zinc-based sunscreen. But the more I learned, the more I started to question it. Studies have shown that even non-nano zinc can be absorbed into the skin and stored in body tissues long-term (source). That’s something I’m not fully comfortable with anymore, especially for daily use.
Instead, I’ve been making this homemade sun protection cream using natural oils and herbs. The oils I’ve chosen each have specific SPF properties to them.
How to make homemade herbal sun protection balm
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 tbsp red raspberry seed oil
- 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 4 tbsp grass-fed beef tallow
- 2 tbsp dried chickweed
- 2 tbsp dried comfrey leaf
- 2 tbsp dried calendula flowers
Instructions:
1. Use a small double boiler or place a heat-safe glass jar inside a saucepan with water. Add the grass-fed tallow and coconut oil to the jar. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the oils are fully melted.
2. Measure out the olive oil, avocado oil, and red raspberry seed oil and add them to the melted coconut oil and tallow.
3. In a clean glass mason jar (pint or quart size), add chickweed, comfrey leaf, and calendula flowers.
4. Carefully pour the warm oil mixture over the herbs in the jar. Swirl gently to coat all the herbs, starting the infusion process.
5. Infuse the oil. Place the jar in a pot with a towel at the bottom and fill it with a few inches of water, or enough to come up the side of the jar at the same level as the herbs and oils. Heat on very low for 12 to 24 hours.
6. Once infused, strain the oil through a metal strainer lined with cheese cloth. Discard or compost the herbs.
7. Pour the finished oil into small glass jars or tins. Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate it to firm up faster.
How to use this homemade sun protection balm
Apply a small amount to any exposed skin about 10 to 15 minutes before going outside. Rub it in gently to create a light layer on the skin. We like to use it on faces, arms, shoulders, legs, or wherever we need a bit of extra protection. If you’re outside for a while, reapply every 2 to 3 hours, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming.
Can I use this instead of regular sunscreen?
It’s not a one-to-one replacement for commercial sunscreen, it’s a nourishing, zinc-free alternative. It works well for our family when we combine it with other sun-smart habits, like gradually building up a tan, wearing hats and clothing and going into the shade when our skin has had enough, and avoiding peak sun hours.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
That’s okay! This recipe is very flexible. If you don’t have every oil on hand, you can use more of what you do have, like all olive oil, or a mix of olive and avocado. If you’re out of tallow, you can use extra coconut oil as a substitute.
How long does it last, and how do I store it?
This balm has a shelf life of about 6 to 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. You can keep it in a small glass jar or a metal tin, whichever is easiest for everyday use.
Tips for making this sun protection balm:
- If you don’t want to use tallow, you can substitute it with more coconut oil.
- Use soft coconut oil if you don’t want to melt it.
- You can also infuse the herbs in a crockpot. Put a towel and some water in your crockpot, set it to low, and let the jar sit in there for 12 to 24 hours.
- Don’t stress about being exact with herbs. A little more or less won’t hurt.
- If you’re short on time, skip the herb infusion. The oil blend still works great on its own if you’re in a pinch.
More DIY skincare recipes to try
Homemade Makeup Remover with Coconut Oil and Tallow
How to Make Magnesium Deodorant
Have you ever tried making a homemade sun protection balm?
Does your family use zinc sunscreen, or are you exploring more natural options? Do you try to get regular sun exposure without burning? I’d love to hear what’s working for you. Leave me a comment below and share your thoughts, questions, or experience with natural sun care.
Join our traditional wisdom community, and grab a free DIY Organic Personal Care Recipes eBook when you subscribe!
Shop this post
Organic extra virgin olive oil
Want to shop for organic handmade skincare products?
Check out the Bumblebee Apothecary Shop here.
Want to grab some labels for your other DIY skincare products?
I’ve done all the hard work for you with this set of 30 printable skincare product labels. All the recipes are included on the back labels, too! Get your set of printable skincare product labels here.
Follow along with Bumblebee Apothecary
Thanks for stopping by! Be well! 🐝
If you make this recipe and love it, please give it 5 stars! Also, tag me on Instagram @bumblebeeapothecary
Herbal Sun Protection Balm with Tallow
Make a homemade sun protection balm with nourishing oils and herbs. Zinc-free, skin-friendly, and easy to apply all summer long.
Materials
- 4 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 tbsp red raspberry seed oil
- 2 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 4 tbsp grass-fed beef tallow
- 2 tbsp dried chickweed
- 2 tbsp dried comfrey leaf
- 2 tbsp dried calendula flowers
Tools
- Double boiler setup
- Glass pitcher or mason jar
- Metal strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Glass jars or tins
Instructions
- Use a small double boiler or place a heat-safe glass jar inside a saucepan with water. Add the grass-fed tallow and coconut oil to the jar. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the oils are fully melted.
- Measure out the olive oil, avocado oil, and red raspberry seed oil and add them to the melted coconut oil and tallow.
- In a clean glass mason jar (pint or quart size), add chickweed, comfrey leaf, and calendula flowers.
- Carefully pour the warm oil mixture over the herbs in the jar. Swirl gently to coat all the herbs, starting the infusion process.
- Infuse the oil. Place the jar in a pot with a towel at the bottom and fill it with a few inches of water, or enough to come up the side of the jar at the same level as the herbs and oils. Heat on very low for 12 to 24 hours.
- Once infused, strain the oil through a metal strainer lined with cheese cloth. Discard or compost the herbs.
- Pour the finished oil into small glass jars or tins. Let it cool at room temperature or refrigerate it to firm up faster.
Notes
If you don't have tallow, substitute more coconut oil.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
