Zinc oxide can be more noticeable for those with darker skin tones, but it depends on the person. This sunscreen likely doesn’t have a lot of SPF protection and you’ll have to experiment to see what works best for your needs. If you’re looking for some skin protection and still want to tan, then you may want to try this tanning oil recipe. https://wellnessmama.com/beauty/sandalwood-tanning-oil/

Glad to hear!

Pharmaceutical grade products are held to a higher standard and must meet certain guidelines for safety and purity. As long as it’s non-nano and uncoated zinc oxide though it should work.

The SPF question is addressed in the article text.

You could try replacing the coconut oil with 3 TBSP of a liquid carrier oil and 1 TBSP beeswax.

Depending on what oil you use, it can have a yellow-ish cast. I used olive oil (100% Italian EVOO) and it has a really dark green color- therefore, my sunscreen has a yellow color to it. And also, beeswax has a yellow color as well! Just a thought 🙂

Thanks, Jamie! Came out perfect!

Cocoa butter is harder than shea butter so you’d end up with a firmer sunscreen. You could try reducing the beeswax a little to make up for it.

Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts in the heat (like when taken to the beach) using only coconut oil as the oil would create a sunscreen that doesn’t hold up well to moderate temperature changes. If you stir the sunscreen as it cools this works well to keep the zinc oxide mixed in.

The ingredients are generally considered safe during pregnancy, except for the essential oils. It depends on which ones are used, what trimester someone is in, and the amount used. To be on the safe side they can be omitted during pregnancy. You can always consult your midwife if you have any concerns or questions about the ingredients.

The recipe for mixing zinc with lotion is at the end of the article.

No, aloe vera gel is water soluble and this is an oil based product.

Beeswax has a melting point of about 147 degrees F so simply using hot water from the sink won’t wash it off. You can heat the jar and then use a paper towel to get the excess wax and oils off before using hot, soapy water to remove the rest of the oil and wax residue. This recipe does provide a protective layer on the skin, but it will wash off and eventually need reapplied.

It’s hard to say why it turned bright yellow, but it would probably be best to make a new batch since the sunscreen should be white.

You could try it but I’m not sure how it would work or how much sun protection it would offer. There’s a link to zinc oxide powder you can purchase online in the recipe.