Sun Protection Lotion Stick

 Certain plants have amazing sun protection properties: shea butter has

an SPF of around 7, coconut oil’s SPF is around 4, and red raspberry

seed oil has an SPF ranging between 28 and 50. This recipe combines

these amazing sun-blocking botanicals with zinc, a mineral that physically

blocks the sun by scattering UVA and UVB radiation, to create nourishing

and effective natural sun protection. The butter-like consistency of this

recipe adds to its effectiveness by creating natural sweat and water

resistance, and the peppermint helps keep you cool. Enjoy!

YIELDS: 4 two-ounce tubes

2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles

⁄ cup shea butter

⁄ cup coconut oil (virgin or unscented or green tea–infused

⁄ cup red raspberry seed oil

20 drops peppermint essential oil

4 vitamin E capsules

2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder

What you will need: double boiler, measuring cups, rubber spatula,

push-up tubes for 8-ounce recipe (four 2-ounce tubes)

1. To Make: Start the double boiler on medium heat. Once it reaches a boil,

reduce heat to simmer. Place the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in

the top of the double boiler and cover. Simmer until melted, stirring

occasionally. To preserve the beneficial botanicals, do not overheat.

Remove from heat, take the top pan off the double boiler, and let cool 5–10

minutes. Add the raspberry seed oil and essential oil. Pierce the vitamin E

capsules and squeeze the liquid out into the bottle, discarding the gel caps.

Add the zinc, being mindful not to breathe the powder. Carefully stir in the

zinc powder, blending to a uniform mixture.

2. This last stage is a delicate balance of temperature. You don’t want to pour

it so hot that the zinc settles to the bottom of your tubes, but you need it to

be warm enough to pour. Let cool until it just barely begins to thicken,

another 5 minutes or so. Stir again to evenly disperse the zinc and pour into

your tubes, scraping any of the hardened cooled mixture off the sides and

back into the melted oils. If the mixture hardens too much before you can

pour it, gently melt it again in the double boiler. Pour into the lotion tubes

and let stand undisturbed for 4 hours or overnight.

3. To Store: Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Use up within a

year.

4. To Use: Apply to skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply

after swimming and exercise.

SKINCARE SECRETS

You can make this recipe into lotion bars instead of the push-up

tubes. Follow the directions given. Pour the melted butter into an ice

cube tray, silicone mold, or a loaf pan lined with wax paper. Let stand

at least 4 hours before moving. You can store the lotion bars in metal

tins, wrapped in foil, or in a glass jar.