Did you know your favorite natural oils already protect your skin?

When we think of sunscreen, images of bottled lotions and sprays often come to mind, with scientific-sounding ingredients and promises of broad-spectrum protection. However, when I went down the "Sunscreen Rabbit Hole" about 7 years ago, I realized and learned that these ingredients were all carcinogens that were disastrous to our health. Did you know there was no such thing as skin cancer before sunscreen was introduced, that the reason and cause of skin cancer (many cancers, for that matter) are largely a result of mainstream sunscreen? Indeed. This in and of itself warrants at least a few future blogs. For now, I'd like to share how we developed Sun Milk™ and how I learned for the first time that many natural oils already have inherent SPFs.

As we embarked on the journey of creating our all-natural sunscreen, I discovered something fascinating—many natural oils that we use daily already have sun-protective properties. My wife, who is the creator/developer of Sun Milk, already knew this but not in great detail and thus had never thought to translate that into her own sunscreen. Until I told her about the rabbit hole I'd gone down and learned what I learned: you could never put regular sunscreen anywhere near my body again. This revelation changed her perspective and thus inspired her to create a product that taps into nature's hidden SPF powers.

Natural Oils and Their Sun-Blocking Superpowers

Many people are unaware that common natural oils come with their own SPF (Sun Protection Factor), albeit mild, capable of providing a layer of protection against harmful UV rays. These oils are not just nourishing for your skin—they're also natural shields. Here are a few highlights: 

Coconut Oil: This versatile oil, a favorite for moisturizing and hair care, surprisingly offers an SPF of 2-8. While this number might seem low, it still provides some defense against UVB rays.

Carrot Seed Oil: Perhaps one of the most impressive natural oils, it boasts an SPF of around 35-40, making it a powerhouse ingredient for sun protection.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil has an SPF of approximately 28-50, depending on its purity and formulation.

Sweet Almond Oil: Known to heal minor burns and boost collagen production. High in Vitamin E, providing over 200% of the daily recommendation. Natural SPF of 5.

Understanding these naturally occurring SPF values was a game-changer for me. It showed me that nature has already equipped us with tools to protect our skin, and all we need to do is harness them in the right way.

Why All-Natural Sunscreen is the Future

Conventional sunscreens, though superficially effective, often come with a list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce and sometimes harmful to both humans and the environment. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, commonly found in traditional sunscreens, have been linked to coral bleaching and other ecological harm. On the other hand, natural oils nourish the skin and biodegrade harmlessly, making them a sustainable alternative.

Our all-natural sunscreen leverages the SPF properties of these oils to create a product that's safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. By blending oils like carrot seed, coconut, red raspberry seed and sweet almond oil (all organic and all cold pressed), it provides broad-spectrum protection while keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

The Benefits of Our All-Natural Sunscreen

Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Made entirely of natural ingredients, Sun Milk is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, making it perfect for all skin types—especially sensitive skin.

Eco-Friendly: Every ingredient is biodegradable and safe for marine life so that you can enjoy your beach days guilt-free.

Multi-Functional: In addition to sun protection, the oils used in Sun Milk offer deep hydration, anti-aging benefits, and even anti-inflammatory properties.

Transparency: Unlike conventional SPF products, which often hide behind chemical jargon, Sun Milk has a clear list of natural ingredients you can trust.

How to Use Natural Oils for Sun Protection

While natural oils with SPF can provide some protection, it's important to note that they work best as part of a broader sun-care routine. For everyday, low-sun exposure activities, oils like coconut or olive can be a light protective layer. However, combining these oils in a balanced formulation for extended periods in the sun—which is why it took the better part of 2 years to find the perfect ratio—ensures more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. This is also why Sun Milk uses "SPF'ish" (ex: 15'ish and 30'ish), as these oils often have a range, not just a stagnant SPF rating.

Pro Tips for Sun Protection

Shake well before every application. Natural oils tend to separate quickly, and keeping with a 100% clean and healthy product, Sun Milk does not have emulsifiers.

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply sunscreen every one to two hours for optimal protection.

Reapply after swimming and sweating. It is oil based so you will get a sense when it is no longer on your skin, but keeping to these rules helps ensure proper protection.

The Final Word

The journey to creating our all-natural sunscreen taught us that nature has always had our back. The discovery of SPF in oils like coconut, carrot seed, red raspberry, and sweet almond was a revelation, strengthening our resolve to create a product that respects both your skin and the planet. By choosing an all-natural sunscreen, you're not just protecting yourself from harmful UV rays but also making a conscious decision to support sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

So, the next time you reach for sunscreen, remember the hidden SPF powers of natural oils and consider the benefits of switching to an all-natural alternative like Sun Milk. Your skin—and the planet—will thank you.