Ask the Expert: Is Homemade Sunscreen Safe?

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD: Homemade sunscreen is not safe. When it comes to DIY sunscreens, you don’t know what you’re getting.

Homemade formulations that are being shared on social media have no science behind them, and can be dangerous to use. Many ingredients commonly used in homemade sunscreen recipes (like vegetable and fruit oils) do not offer effective sun protection and should not replace sunscreen. Applying oil to your skin instead of sunscreen is very harmful. Depending on the main ingredient, oils provide either zero protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or very low protection – tanning oils typically have an SPF 8. Even if you do include effective UV filters like zinc oxide, it’s impossible to create a product with the level of precision required to guarantee effective, long-lasting protection.

Sunscreens sold in the U.S. are regulated as drugs by the FDA, and must undergo rigorous testing. If you buy a sunscreen at the store, you can be confident it will provide the SPF level stated on the label. The sunscreen ingredients currently FDA-approved have been used in the U.S. for many years, and there is no evidence that these ingredients are harmful to humans. That said, if there are any ingredients you prefer to avoid, you can certainly choose a product without them. Those with sensitive skin, for example, may want to choose a sunscreen with only inorganic UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. There are so many sunscreens on the market today—the most important thing is choosing a product you’re comfortable using daily and that is labled broad spectrum with an SPF of at least 30.

ABOUT THE EXPERT:  

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and the Hamptons. Dr. Rose has been published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology.