Influencer's DIY Sunscreen Recipe Goes Viral, 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Make Sunscreen At Home

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Nara Smith, a model and influencer known for her DIY creations, has stirred up controversy with her latest concoction: homemade sunscreen.
The viral TikTok video, which has garnered over 16 million views, shows Smith and her husband Lucky Blue Smith making their own sunscreen using coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and zinc oxide powder. While some viewers were intrigued by the idea, experts have warned against trying this at home.

Dr. Maris Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Glamour that DIY sunscreen should be avoided because there's no way to know how effective the formulation is or how much protection it will provide. She added that it may give users a false sense of security and leave them susceptible to sunburn or potential irritation.

Image credit- TikTok/naraazizasmith

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, another NYC dermatologist, told Yahoo News that homemade sunscreens are generally not effective due to the lack of rigorous testing that over-the-counter sunscreens undergo.

Sunscreen efficacy is determined by its formulation and denoted by a verified sun protection factor (SPF) rating, such as SPF 30 or SPF 50. Homemade sunscreens lack this testing and regulation, making it impossible to ensure consistent and adequate protection. Furthermore, some ingredients used in the Smiths' recipe may have the opposite effects. Dr. Mina Amin, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, told Yahoo that coconut oil and jojoba oil can draw in the sun and lead to burns.

Here are 5 reasons why you must refrain from making homemade sunscreen, check out what experts recommend instead.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Make Homemade Sunscreen

Summers are here and therefore, the importance of sunscreen becomes more apparent. Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays is crucial to preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards DIY beauty products, including homemade sunscreens. While the idea of creating a natural, chemical-free sunscreen at home may seem appealing, it is fraught with risks and potential dangers. Let us know about five compelling reasons why you should avoid making homemade sunscreen and opt for professionally formulated products instead.

Dangers Of DIY Sunscreen

The allure of homemade beauty products lies in the promise of using natural, often organic ingredients that are free from synthetic chemicals and additives. This trend has led many to believe that homemade versions of essential skincare products like sunscreen can be just as effective as store-bought versions. However, when it comes to sunscreen, this belief is not only misguided but potentially hazardous.

Sunscreen is a critical component in the fight against skin cancer and premature aging. Its primary function is to protect the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Commercial sunscreens are meticulously tested and regulated to ensure they provide adequate protection. Homemade sunscreens, on the other hand, lack this rigorous testing and can leave your skin vulnerable to damage. Let us know the reasons why making your own sunscreen at home is not advisable and why commercial products are a safer choice.

1. Inadequate UV Protection

One of the most significant risks associated with homemade sunscreen is its inability to provide adequate UV protection. Sunscreen efficacy is measured by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Formulating a product that delivers a specific SPF requires precise measurements and extensive testing, which is beyond the capabilities of a home kitchen.
Homemade sunscreens often rely on natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils, which do not offer reliable UV protection. While some natural ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are used in commercial sunscreens for their UV-blocking properties, achieving the correct concentration and ensuring even distribution on the skin is challenging without professional equipment and expertise.

2. Lack Of Stability And Consistency

Commercial sunscreens undergo rigorous stability testing to ensure they remain effective over time and under various conditions. This testing ensures that the active ingredients in the sunscreen do not degrade or become less effective when exposed to heat, light, or moisture. Homemade sunscreens do not undergo such testing, leading to concerns about their stability and consistency.

Without proper formulation and testing, homemade sunscreens can separate, degrade, or lose their potency. This inconsistency can result in uneven application and unpredictable levels of protection, leaving your skin exposed to harmful UV rays. In contrast, professionally formulated sunscreens are designed to maintain their efficacy throughout their shelf life, providing reliable protection with every use.

3. Potential For Skin Irritation And Allergies

Many homemade sunscreen recipes include natural ingredients that, while generally safe for most people, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Essential oils, for example, are a common ingredient in DIY sunscreens but can be potent allergens. The concentration of these oils can vary significantly in homemade formulations, increasing the risk of skin reactions.

Commercial sunscreens are dermatologically tested to ensure they are safe for a wide range of skin types and are free from common allergens. They are formulated to be non-comedogenic (meaning they won't clog pores) and hypoallergenic. By using homemade sunscreen, you risk exposing your skin to untested combinations of ingredients that could cause irritation or exacerbate existing skin conditions.

4. Inaccurate SPF Labeling

One of the critical aspects of sunscreen efficacy is its SPF rating, which indicates how well it protects the skin from UVB rays. Achieving an accurate SPF rating requires extensive testing under controlled conditions. Homemade sunscreens cannot be tested in the same way, leading to potentially misleading SPF claims.

Without accurate labeling, you have no way of knowing the level of protection your homemade sunscreen provides. This false sense of security can lead to increased sun exposure and a higher risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Professional sunscreens, on the other hand, undergo strict testing to verify their SPF claims, ensuring that you receive the level of protection indicated on the label.

5. Regulatory And Safety Concerns

Sunscreens are classified as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and are subject to stringent regulations and testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. These regulations cover everything from the concentration of active ingredients to the product's stability and labeling.

Homemade sunscreens do not adhere to these regulations, meaning there is no oversight to ensure their safety or effectiveness. This lack of regulation increases the risk of using a product that does not provide adequate protection or that may even harm your skin. By choosing a commercially produced sunscreen, you can be confident that the product has met all regulatory requirements and has been proven to be safe and effective.

What Experts Recommend

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adarsh Vija Mudgil advised against using homemade sunscreen and instead recommended purchasing a reputable sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 containing mineral ingredients like titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. He emphasized that there are numerous options available on the market.

Research shows that exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage the skin and potentially result in skin cancer. So, doctors recommend using commercial sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection.