The Harmful Facts About Your Sunscreen
Let’s get this straight, as vegans we’ve already mastered the art of reading tiny labels on the back of hummus tubs. But lately, the Caavakushi team has been squinting at their sunscreen bottles and feeling a little… well, betrayed. It’s not just about avoiding the beeswax or the hidden animal testing (which is already a nightmare). It’s the fact that we’re trying to protect our skin while potentially harming the very planet we’re trying to save! So why not use a vegan homemade sunscreen instead?
We recently noticed some pretty alarming data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). In their 2024 analysis, they found that roughly 75% of non-mineral sunscreens contain ingredients that are either potentially harmful to humans or the environment (EWG Sunscreen Guide). If you’re a reef-loving, ocean-swimming vegan, we know that statistic probably feels like a punch in the gut.
The “Why” Behind the DIY
The Caavakushi team thinks it’s fascinating that so many of us are turning to vegan homemade sunscreen recipes. Why? Because we want transparency. We’ve found that commercial vegan sunscreens can still contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, chemicals that have been linked to coral bleaching and endocrine disruption. When we make it ourselves, we know exactly what’s going on our bodies.
However, we have to be your “grounded” vegan friends here for a second. There is actually a lot of misinformation circulating online about “natural” oils. Some blogs claim raspberry seed oil is an SPF 50. The Caavakushi team did the math, and research published in the Journal of Lifestyle Medicine suggests that while plant oils have some UV-absorbing properties, they usually only offer an SPF of about 1 to 4. But not really going to cut it when you’re trekking through the sun-drenched streets of Ibiza!
The Caavakushi Team’s “Safe-ish” Homemade Sunscreen Recipe Base
We feel that if you’re going to DIY, you have to do it with science in mind. The only way to get real protection in a homemade sunscreen recipe is by using non-nano Zinc Oxide. This is a mineral that sits on top of the skin and bounces the sun away like a shield.
Here is the base blend the Caavakushi team experimented with:
– Shea Butter: (Great for moisture and a natural, albeit tiny, SPF of around 6).
– Coconut Oil: (The vegan staple! It helps the mixture glide).
– Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Powder: (This is the heavy lifter. You want this to be about 20% of your total weight for decent protection).
– Candelilla Wax: (This makes it waterproof and keeps it vegan—no beeswax here!).
The “Funny” Reality Of DIY Sunblock
We have to laugh, because the first time the Caavakushi team tried a homemade sunscreen recipe, we ended up looking like Victorian ghosts. Because mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the skin, they leave a white cast. We think of it as a “vegan badge of honor.” If you don’t look like you’ve been lightly dusted with flour, are you even doing it right?
In all seriousness, we seen how that many people forget the most important part: Reapplication. Even the best DIY balm needs to be reapplied every two hours. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, consistent use of SPF 15 or higher can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% (Skin Cancer Facts & Stats).
Final Thoughts From The Caavakushi Team
We think that making your own sunblock is an empowering way to stay zero waste and cruelty-free. However, the Caavakushi team feels it is vital to remember that DIY batches aren’t lab-tested for a specific SPF rating. We suggest using your homemade batches for “low stakes” sun exposure—like a quick walk to your fave vegan friendly bakery and reaching for a certified reef-safe, vegan mineral brand for those long beach days.
Stay protected, stay ethical, and for the love of all things green, don’t forget the back of your ears!
Disclaimer: The Caavakushi team provides this information for educational purposes. Homemade sunscreen is not a substitute for FDA-approved sun protection in high-intensity UV environments. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist.
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