If you’re done with chemical sunscreen but not sure what to use instead, this DIY natural sunscreen recipe is your answer. A simple tallow and zinc oxide sunblock that works as a nourishing lotion and sun protection in one — no synthetic fragrances, no chemical filters, and totally safe for kids. Just clean, ancestral ingredients that your skin will actually love.

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This is the sunscreen for people that don’t wear sunscreen, like me.

For as long as I can remember, every time I’d get into the sun with friends, I’d be the only one not applying sunscreen. I wasn’t comfortable slathering chemical-laden drugstore sunscreen on myself and now as a new mama, definitely not on my boy.

Then I started digging into tallow skincare — and it turns out, our ancestors weren’t just using tallow for cooking and moisturizing. They were using animal fats as a base for all kinds of skin protection. Once I learned how compatible tallow is with human skin, and how well it pairs with mineral zinc oxide for real sun protection, I had to try it.

I’ve been using this DIY tallow sunscreen now and I’m not going back. It’s simple, it’s clean, and it actually works.

The Problem With Conventional Sunscreen

We’ve been told for decades to slather on sunscreen before stepping outside. And yet, skin cancer rates have continued to climb right through and after the widespread adoption of sunscreen in the 1970s and 80s. Clearly, it isn’t the whole answer.

The chemicals absorb into your body. Most conventional sunscreens contain chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate — and they don’t just sit on your skin. Studies have found these chemicals in the bloodstream, urine, and even breast milk after a single application. Oxybenzone in particular has been flagged as a hormone disruptor. That’s a hard pass for me, especially on my kids.
They often only block one type of ray. Many sunscreens primarily protect against UVB rays — the ones that cause burning — while UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and are linked to cellular damage, still get through. You’re not getting the full protection you think you are.
They shut down vitamin D production. Sun exposure is one of the main ways our bodies make vitamin D — essential for immune health, bone strength, mood regulation, and so much more. Applying sunscreen every time you go outside basically switches that process off, and most of us are already deficient.
Rates kept rising anyway. Melanoma incidence more than doubled between 1973 and 1998, right alongside the rise of sunscreen culture. We’re using more of it than ever, and the rates are still going up.
The sun isn’t the enemy. Peak hours — roughly 10am to 2pm — with no shade is really the only time sunscreen makes sense. Outside of that, gentle sun exposure is genuinely good for you. Our ancestors lived in the sun. The goal isn’t to block it entirely. The goal is just not to burn.

chart displaying the use of sunscreen and the rise of skin cancer

Why Tallow Sunscreen?

tallow is rendered beef fat which makes it naturally occurring
the fatty acid profile of tallow is similar to that of human skin
made without hormone disrupting chemicals & safe for sensitive skin
when paired with non-nano zinc oxide, it nourishes & protects the skin

Why Non-Nano Zinc Oxide?

Not all zinc oxide is equal. You want non-nano zinc oxide, which means the particles are large enough that they sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it. This is the safest form for topical use and it’s what gives your sunscreen that physical, mineral barrier against UVA and UVB rays.

It does leave a slight white tint — I’ll be upfront about that. But for a homemade, non-toxic sunscreen? I’ll take a little white face any day.

Important note: This recipe is not tested or certified to an official SPF rating. The zinc oxide percentage used here is consistent with what commercial SPF 30 products use, but I can’t make an official claim. Use your own judgement, reapply often, and still keep the little ones in the shade or with hats and sun shirts on during peak hours.

Recipe Tips

tallow: Use the highest quality tallow you have — ideally from grass-fed beef, rendered yourself. Learn how to make it here. The purer the tallow, the better it will behave in this recipe.

zinc oxide: Always use non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide meant for cosmetic use. Wear a mask when measuring it — you don’t want to inhale the powder. I get mine here.

beeswax: This gives the sunscreen a little staying power and water resistance. Pastilles melt faster and are easier to work with than a block but I use a block and it’s fine.

essential oils (optional): A few drops of lavender or carrot seed oil can be added at the end for a lovely scent and added skin benefits. Carrot seed oil is popular in natural sunscreen recipes for its antioxidant properties — though it does not replace the zinc oxide as UV protection.

whip it: I like to whip tallow balms, it makes them smoother, lighter, and easier to apply. If you want to skip this step you can, simply pour the mixture into your jar and use as a balm.

makes for a great summer gift: Add to a nice jar with a bow and gift it for a unique summer birthday gift idea.

Ingredients

tallow (solid)
beeswax
coconut oil
non-nano zinc oxide powder
vitamin E oil
essential oil (optional — lavender, carrot seed, or frankincense)

Materials

double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan — for gentle melting
kitchen scale — recommended for accuracy
silicone spatula — easy cleanup
mask — to wear when handling zinc oxide powder
small tins or glass jars — for storage
hand mixer – for whipping the sunscreen balm

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the beeswax, tallow and coconut oil. Stir gently until everything is fully melted and combined.

STEP 2: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it starts to thicken slightly but is still liquid. You don’t want it too hot when you add the zinc oxide.

STEP 3: Put your mask on. Slowly add the zinc oxide powder to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. This step takes a little patience — take your time and stir well.

STEP 4: Stir in vitamin E oil and any essential oils you’re using.

adding non-nano zinc oxide to tallow and other fats

STEP 5: Let it sit at room temperature until cooled down, semi-firm texture. Whip with your hand mixer until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

STEP 6: Scoop into your storage tins or jars.

DIY Tallow Sunscreen FAQ

You could… but it wouldn’t have that sun-protection feature.

Amazon has nearly everything. Some things might be more expensive on Amazon like tallow. It is cheaper to render your own.

It contains beeswax which is moisture-wicking but it may need to be re-applied in you’re doing lots of swimming and patting yourself dry.

Yes, a little. Non-nano zinc oxide always does. You can reduce it by applying thin layers and rubbing it in well, but some white tint is normal and expected with any mineral sunscreen.

Zinc oxide is considered one of the gentlest sun protection options and is widely used in baby products. That said, always do a patch test first and use your own judgement. For babies under 6 months, I’d always recommend consulting your health care provider first.

You can, but the texture will be softer and it won’t have as much staying power. If you skip it, keep the sunscreen in the fridge and expect a creamier, lotion-like consistency.

How To Use

Scoop a small amount and warm it between your fingers before applying to skin. It will spread more easily once it hits body temperature. Apply generously and reapply every 1.5–2 hours, especially after water exposure.

A little goes a long way — this is a rich, nourishing formula.

tallow sunscreen rubbed in to show white cast

How To Store

Store in a tin or glass jar in a cool, dark spot. In summer, I keep mine in the fridge — it firms up nicely and feels extra refreshing on hot days. Shelf life is approximately 3–6 months.