A simple, natural way to protect your skin without the chemicals.

If you’re looking for a cleaner alternative to store-bought sunscreens, this DIY sunscreen spray is a great place to start. It combines antioxidant-rich oils that are high in SPFs, skin-soothing aloe, and non-nano zinc oxide to provide gentle sun protection using ingredients you can trust.

This spray goes on light, rubs in easily, and nourishes your skin while offering a natural layer of protection. I especially love using a calendula-infused oil for extra calm and care during sun-filled days.

Last year I made a sunscreen cream that works really well, but I hated trying to rub it on each of my kids. It was very thick.

So I went to formulating a homemade sunscreen spray and tested a few different recipes. This recipe works SO well!

We were out in the afternoon hot sun for a few hours and no one got burnt! It’s my new favorite recipe, so I had to share it with you!

Why Choose Natural Sunscreen?

Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate that are not only harsh on the skin, but also harmful to coral reefs and aquatic life.

This homemade option avoids all of that, using only plant-based oils and non-nano zinc oxide—a mineral that sits on the surface of the skin to block UVA and UVB rays.

And it is a DIY coral reef safe sunscreen too!

DIY sunscreen spray laying on the counter with a towel and flowers

Benefits of the Ingredients

Here are the ingredients, along with each of their benefits:

Calendula-Infused Avocado Oil – Soothes and nourishes the skin, rich in fatty acids and vitamin E

Carrot Seed Oil – Contains natural SPF properties and supports skin regeneration

Red Raspberry Seed Oil – Offers broad-spectrum UV protection and is rich in antioxidants

Aloe Vera Gel – Cools, hydrates, and soothes sun-exposed skin

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – A natural mineral sunscreen that provides physical sun protection without being absorbed into the skin

Lavender Essential Oil – Optional, but adds a calming scent and additional skin support

Pin This Post For Later:

Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

DIY Sunscreen Spray Recipe

Here is my simple DIY sunscreen spray recipe! This will make enough for a 4 ounce spray bottle.

Ingredients

⅓ cup calendula-infused oil
¼ cup pure aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons carrot seed oil
2 tablespoons red raspberry seed oil
10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
4 oz spray bottle

Instructions

Add the infused oil, carrot seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil to a bowl and stir to combine.

Add lavender essential oil if using and mix well.

adding in the essential oil to sunscreen spray

Whisk in the zinc oxide powder carefully, making sure not to inhale the powder. Stir until fully incorporated.

Add the aloe vera gel and continue mixing until smooth and well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a clean spray bottle. Shake before each use to ensure even distribution.

long view of sunscreen spray in a clear bottle

Notes + Tips

Essential oils are optional—lavender is a great choice for calming the skin, but always avoid phototoxic oils like citrus.
Always shake before use to redistribute the zinc oxide.
This recipe should last a few months. If you’d like to extend shelf life, consider adding a natural preservative.
You can swap the avocado oil for fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil of your choice.
Be mindful that this is a homemade sunscreen and has not been lab-tested for SPF. Reapply often and wear additional sun protection when needed.

A Quick Note on Safety

While the ingredients in this sunscreen spray—like red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, and non-nano zinc oxide—are often highlighted for their sun-protective qualities, this DIY sunscreen spray has not been lab-tested for SPF. That means I can’t guarantee a specific level of sun protection.

It’s best used for short periods of everyday sun exposure—like gardening, running errands, or light outdoor play.

If you’re going to be in direct sun for extended periods or swimming, you’ll want to pair this with other forms of protection: hats, shade, protective clothing, or a tested mineral sunscreen.

As always, listen to your skin. Reapply often and avoid peak sun hours when possible. Natural sun care works best when it’s part of a thoughtful, balanced approach.

DIY Sunscreen Spray

Materials

⅓ cup calendula-infused oil
¼ cup pure aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons carrot seed oil
2 tablespoons red raspberry seed oil
10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
2 tablespoons non-nano zinc oxide
4 oz spray bottle

Instructions

Add the infused oil, carrot seed oil, and red raspberry seed oil to a bowl and stir to combine.
Add lavender essential oil if using and mix well.
Whisk in the zinc oxide powder carefully, making sure not to inhale the powder. Stir until fully incorporated.
Add the aloe vera gel and continue mixing until smooth and well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a clean spray bottle. Shake before each use to ensure even distribution.

Notes

Essential oils are optional—lavender is a great choice for calming the skin, but always avoid phototoxic oils like citrus.
Always shake before use to redistribute the zinc oxide.
This recipe should last a few months. If you'd like to extend shelf life, consider adding a natural preservative.
You can swap the avocado oil for fractionated coconut oil or another carrier oil of your choice.
Be mindful that this is a homemade sunscreen and has not been lab-tested for SPF. Reapply often and wear additional sun protection when needed.

Final Thoughts

This DIY sunscreen spray is a gentle, nourishing way to support your skin during sunny days. While it’s not a substitute for lab-tested sunscreen, it’s a great option for everyday outdoor use, especially when paired with hats, shade, and mindful sun exposure.

And like most homemade products—it feels really good to know exactly what’s in it.

Let me know if you try to make it, I’d love to see your review! Be sure to check out my herbal summer first aid kit.

More Recipes For Summertime

Bath

Lotions

Beauty

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

Natural DIY Sunscreen Spray That Actually Works

Why Choose Natural Sunscreen?

Benefits of the Ingredients

Pin This Post For Later: