DIY Tallow Sunscreen Recipe: Natural Sun Protection
In today's world, finding a natural and effective sunscreen can be challenging. Many commercial sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin and harm the environment. Enter tallow-based sunscreen — a natural, nourishing alternative that offers sun protection without the synthetic additives. This DIY tallow-based sunscreen recipe combines the moisturizing properties of tallow with the sun-blocking power of zinc oxide to give you a safe and effective sun care solution.
Pro-Mom Tip!
With 2 little boys, it’s hard to keep track of who needs more sunscreen, and when. That’s why I LOVE these NATPAT Sunny Patch UV Detection Stickers that take all of the guesswork out of when to re-apply sunscreen!
Why Choose Tallow-Based Sunscreen?
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s explore why tallow is a fantastic base for sunscreen.
- Deep Moisturization: Tallow is rich in fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturize and nourish the skin.
- Skin Compatibility: The composition of tallow is similar to the lipids found in human skin, making it highly compatible and easily absorbed.
- Natural and Non-Toxic: Tallow is a natural ingredient free from synthetic chemicals, making it gentle on the skin and safe for the environment.
- Zinc Oxide for Sun Protection: This mineral provides broad-spectrum UV protection without the harmful effects of chemical sunscreens.
DIY Tallow-Based Sunscreen Recipe
DIY Recipe
Tallow-Based Sunscreen — approx. SPF 30
Ingredients
- 2 oz grass-fed beef tallow
- 2 oz coconut oil
- 2 oz shea butter
- 1 oz beeswax (local/organic if possible)
- 3 oz liquid oil (carrot seed, raspberry leaf + jojoba)
- 2.5 oz non-nano zinc oxide
- 20 drops essential oil (avoid citrus)
Instructions
- 1 Melt tallow, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- 2 Let cool slightly, then carefully stir in zinc oxide powder. Wear a mask — don’t inhale it.
- 3 Cool a bit more, then stir in your essential oils.
- 4 Pour into a clean airtight container and let solidify at room temperature.
How to use: Apply generously before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Store in a cool, dark place.
The Even Easier Shortcut: Use FATCO Body Butta as Your Base
Want to skip the double boiler? Use our Baby Butta or Body Butta directly as your sunscreen base. Melt it down in a glass container, stir in the zinc oxide, and let it re-solidify. Done.
Zinc oxide ratios for common jar sizes:
- 2 oz jar — 0.5 oz zinc oxide
- 4 oz jar — 1 oz zinc oxide
- 8 oz jar — 2 oz zinc oxide
At this 20% concentration, the estimated SPF is approximately 30. Treat this as an estimate — DIY sunscreens aren’t lab-tested, so reapply frequently.
Give it a try this summer and let us know how it goes in the comments. Happy DIYing!
Your skin is your largest organ. Treat it well.
FATCO Body Butta is the perfect DIY sunscreen base — or a nourishing standalone moisturizer.
Made with grass-fed beef tallow, Body Butta deeply moisturizes and supports the skin barrier. Mix in zinc oxide for DIY sun protection, or use it on its own for everyday skin nourishment. Simple ingredients. Real results.
Got Questions?
Tallow Sunscreen FAQ
Q Is DIY tallow sunscreen actually safe to use?
DIY tallow sunscreen can be safe when made correctly, but there are important caveats. The key variable is zinc oxide concentration and particle size. Non-nano zinc oxide at 15–25% concentration provides legitimate broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without the skin penetration concerns of nano zinc. However, DIY sunscreens aren’t lab-tested, so SPF claims are estimates. For everyday outdoor activity, a properly made tallow-zinc oxide blend is a reasonable natural option. For prolonged sun exposure or children, use a certified SPF-rated product.
Q What SPF does tallow sunscreen provide?
Tallow itself provides minimal natural SPF (estimated 2–4). The SPF in a DIY tallow sunscreen comes almost entirely from the zinc oxide you add. At 20% non-nano zinc oxide, the estimated SPF is approximately 25–30. Carrot seed oil is sometimes claimed to have high SPF, but research doesn’t support SPF above 1–2 for that ingredient. The most reliable approach: zinc oxide as your primary active, tallow as your base, and reapply every 2 hours.
Q Can I use tallow body butter as sunscreen without zinc oxide?
Not effectively. While grass-fed tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins that support skin health and may reduce some oxidative stress from UV exposure, it doesn’t block UV rays in any meaningful way on its own. For actual sun protection, you need zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The good news: adding zinc oxide to FATCO’s Body Butta is simple — melt, mix, re-solidify — and you’ll have a natural, nourishing sunscreen with real broad-spectrum protection.
