Can I create my own sunscreen using natural plant oils?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Creating your own sunscreen using natural plant oils is not effective because most provide an SPF of less than 8 and are insufficient for UV protection on their own. Additionally, formulating sunscreen requires specific ingredients and methods that are difficult to replicate at home, and some plant oils may cause skin irritation in certain individuals.

    In short, not really. When tested for protection against UVB radiation only, many plant oils provide an SPF of <8.[1] These oils can be incorporated into commercial sunscreen products to help the overall SPF rating, but on their own they are insufficient for UV protection. Be aware that some of these plant oils can be potentially allergenic and may cause skin irritation (such as dermatitis) in some individuals.[2][3] Sunscreens are formulated using specific ingredients in specific amounts in addition to employing manufacturing methods to help ensure that these UV-protective ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sunscreen. This process is very difficult to replicate at home.

    Sun protection factor (SPF) values of plant oils

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    Adapted from Kaur and Saraf. Pharmacognosy Res. 2010.[1]

    Can I create my own sunscreen using natural plant oils? - Examine