I'm in love with this natural sunscreen. I've tried it out under makeup and on top of makeup - there is no greasy feeling, no whitecast, and it absorbs quickly! A little goes a long way. And because of the formulation of this recipe, it is safe for all ages including babies (find out why below).
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Why make my own? Many commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals (benzene, oxybenzone, octocrylene, benzophenone) that can cause prenatal harm, disruptions to the endocrine system such as hormone disruption, as well as contain actual carcinogens. By making my own, I can avoid these toxic chemicals/harmful ingredients, and carefully curate an ingredient list that promotes the well-being of skin while simultaneously protecting it from harmful sun exposure.
Recent reports link certain sunscreens to cancer-causing chemicals --> The CDC, WHO, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all recognize Benzene and Benzophenone as known carcinogens, and these are included in many commercial sunscreens. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-sunscreen-safe....
What provides the SPF? While organic coconut oil and Organic Olive oil are believed to have a natural SPF of 4 and Tallow a natural SPF of 5, the star ingredient is non nano zinc oxide. Zinc Oxide is a water-resistant mineral sunscreen agent (safer than chemical sunscreens) that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with a SPF of 30. Non nano Zinc Oxide has particles too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream, making it very safe. It has been found to be the most effective mineral sunscreen agent. Carrot Seed Oil and Raspberry Seed Oil both have SPFs of 30-50 as well.
Should I use a higher SPF? More and more studies prove it's not how much SPF you have on, it's how frequently you apply that provides the most protection against harmful sun exposure. According to research performed by the FDA, there was no evidence showing that a higher SPF would be beneficial to consumers. In fact, as demonstrated in the study cited above, research has found the SPF to be an inaccurate measure of the effectiveness of a sunscreen. The biggest problem with sunscreens marketed with spf ratings above 50 are that it gives consumers a false sense of security in the effectiveness of the product. For more information on SPF check out this article." https://www.ewg.org/sun.../report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/
Who is safe to use it? Because I carefully curate ingredient lists with known benefits for the skin without adding unnecessary and harmful chemicals, this is safe for all ages, including infants, as well as lactating or pregnant women.
Why add tallow? Tallow provides the necessary vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals (zinc, iron, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper) needed to promote skin restructure and repair and thus helps prevent and protect against sun damage.
Why add Coconut oil and Olive oil? While both are believed to have a natural SPF of 4-5, they add so many benefits from antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help rejuvenate the skin and protect it from damage at a cellular level.
Why add Beeswax? It helps make this spf lotion waterproof, as well as provide a protective barrier on the skin.
How do I use it? Apply to skin areas that are expected to be in exposure to the sun for large periods of time and reapply every 2 hours.
[As always, practice caution in avoiding ingredients you may be allergic or have a skin sensitivity to. Always patch-test a small amount of product on your arm before applying it to the face. Avoid contact with the eyes. These products are for external use only. No Wholesome Skincare product takes the place of medical advice and is not used to treat or cure any disease. Wholesome Skincare products are not evaluated or tested by the FDA.]
TALLOW SUNNY DAY
INGREDIENTS: Organic Olive Oil, Grass-fed Tallow, Organic Coconut Oil, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Yellow Beeswax, Organic Carrot Seed Oil, Organic Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Vitamin E Oil, Raw Honey