If you’ve been looking for a simple, more natural alternative to store-bought tinted sunscreen, this DIY tinted sunscreen stick recipe is one of those recipes that you will love for the summertime!

It gives you light coverage, skin nourishment, and sun protection in one easy-to-use stick. I especially like it for my darker kids, so the white tint is not strong on them from our homemade tallow sunscreen we make.

This is the kind of product I keep on hand all summer long. It’s quick to apply, doesn’t feel heavy, and the ingredients are ones I actually feel good about using on my skin!

*I want to make sure you understand that I don’t test my homemade sunscreens, so there are no SPF claims. Do your own research and decide for yourself if it is right for you and your family.*

Why Make Your Own Tinted Sunscreen Stick?

Most conventional tinted sunscreens come with long ingredient lists, synthetic fragrances, and fillers that don’t always align with a more natural lifestyle.

This version keeps things simple!

You’re working with:

Tallow for deep skin nourishment
Carrier oils to balance and soften and give natural sun protection
Beeswax to create that smooth, solid stick texture
Non-nano zinc oxide for a physical barrier on the skin
Natural clays and oxides for a soft, buildable tint

It’s a practical option if you want something minimal, effective, and multipurpose!

What This Stick Is For

A lightweight tinted sunscreen stick designed to:

Provide a physical barrier against the sun
Even out skin tone with a natural tint
Add a bit of coverage without feeling like makeup (I personally LOVE using this as my foundation most days!)
Keep skin moisturized while you’re outside, my skin feels so soft after using it!

It works especially well for everyday use, quick reapplication, or tossing in your bag for on-the-go!

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 Tinted Sunscreen Stick Recipe

This makes about 3 one-ounce tubes.

Ingredients

77.5 g grass-fed tallow
6.5 g carrot seed oil
6 g red raspberry seed oil
6.5 g beeswax
1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
⅛–¼ tablespoon kaolin clay
1/32 teaspoon red oxide
3/32 teaspoon yellow oxide

Instructions

Add the tallow, carrot seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, and beeswax to a heat-safe container.
Gently melt using a double boiler until fully liquid.
Once it is melted, add in the zinc oxide and mix until fully combined.
Then, start with the yellow oxide, and mix until it is combined. Then add in the red oxide.
Mix thoroughly until everything is fully combined and evenly tinted.
Pour into tubes while still liquid.
Let sit undisturbed for a few hours until fully set before capping.

Notes

Stir continuously as you pour to keep the zinc evenly distributed.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling zinc oxide powder, use a mask!
The tint is buildable, so you can adjust the oxides slightly to match your skin tone. If you start with red, it will create a more pink tint.
You can add essential oils if you want too!
I wanted to note that my pictures show the bottom of my sunscreen stick a bit weird. I first made it a bit too light, so re-melted and tried again!
This stick typically lasts 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.

A Quick Note on Sun Protection

This recipe uses non-nano zinc oxide, which sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. It also uses carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil for further sun protecting benefits.

Because this is a homemade product, the exact SPF isn’t tested. Think of it as supportive daily sun protection rather than a guaranteed SPF rating.

Reapply often, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors!

Tinted Sunscreen Stick

No Ratings

Materials

77.5 g grass-fed tallow
6.5 g carrot seed oil
6 g red raspberry seed oil
6.5 g beeswax
1 tablespoon non-nano zinc oxide
⅛–¼ tablespoon kaolin clay
1/32 teaspoon red oxide
3/32 teaspoon yellow oxide

Instructions

Add the tallow, carrot seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, and beeswax to a heat-safe container.
Gently melt using a double boiler until fully liquid.
Once it is melted, add in the zinc oxide and mix until fully combined.
Then, start with the yellow oxide, and mix until it is combined. Then add in the red oxide.
Mix thoroughly until everything is fully combined and evenly tinted.
Pour into tubes while still liquid.
Let sit undisturbed for a few hours until fully set before capping.

Notes

Stir continuously as you pour to keep the zinc evenly distributed.
Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling zinc oxide powder, use a mask!
The tint is buildable, so you can adjust the oxides slightly to match your skin tone. If you start with red, it will create a more pink tint.
You can add essential oils if you want too!
I wanted to note that my pictures show the bottom of my sunscreen stick a bit weird. I first made it a bit too light, so re-melted and tried again!
This stick typically lasts 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.