Herbal Sunscreen

June 5, 2025 - By Kristine

Last Updated on June 30, 2026

Summer is a wonderful time to be outdoors, enjoying warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine. And while sunlight is certainly beneficial in moderation, too much UV exposure can be detrimental to skin health and may lead to painful burns.

Herbal sunscreen helps protect skin from sun damage without any of the toxic chemicals found in conventional alternatives. It is gentle enough to be used on children and those who have sensitive skin.

The Benefits of Herbal Sunscreen

Zinc oxide creates a protective layer that helps to reflect harmful UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. This sunscreen is formulated to contain 25% of this sun blocking ingredient, a concentration that is said to provide optimal protection.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich green tea is a beneficial botanical addition. It encourages the healing of skin cells and can help prevent sun damage, premature aging, and wrinkles.

A blend of nourishing oils and butters moisturizes and rejuvenates skin. Cacao butter and sunflower oil hydrate and nourish. Rosehip seed oil can help to lessen the damaging effects of UV.

How to Make Green Tea Infused Oil

To make herbal sunscreen, you will first need to make a green tea infused oil.

You will need:

Dried green tea leaves
Sunflower oil

Note: Be sure to use the leaf of the plant Camellia sinensis, not a green tea blend, which can contain many other ingredients.

There are several different methods for making an infused oil. Here are three different options:

The Folk Method

This traditional method requires minimal effort. Simply let herbs infuse in oil over time. It does take a bit of patience, though, as the process usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

How to Make an Herb Infused Oil Using the Folk Method

Fill a clean, dry jar half full with dried herb and then pour carrier oil over it (i.e. olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, etc.), making sure to cover the plant matter with the oil by at least an inch or so. Put the lid on the jar and shake the jar to ensure the oil has fully incorporated with the plant matter.

Stash the jar in a warm, dark spot for 4-6 weeks, shaking it every few days or so. When the oil has infused, strain the plant matter out using a fine cheesecloth. Re-jar your infused oil and be sure to label it.

Quick Method

Great when you’re short on time, this method uses gentle heat to speed up the infusion process. While it’s faster and still effective, the resulting oil may be slightly less potent than oils made using the Folk Method or the Alcohol Intermediary Method.

How to Make an Herb Infused Oil Using the Quick Method

Fill a dry, heat proof jar or heat-proof glass measuring cup about half full with herb of choice. Pour in the carrier oil (i.e. olive or sunflower oil), making sure the leaves are fully submerged and covered with at least an inch or so of oil.

Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (ideally 100–140° F) for 1 to 5 hours in a double boiler or crockpot.The oil has finished infusing when the color and smell of the herb has been imparted. At this point, turn off the heat and let the oil cool.

Strain the oil through a cheesecloth and it’s ready to use! Pour any excess infused oil into a glass jar and be sure to label it including the date the oil was made, type of herb used, and type of carrier oil used. For best shelf life, store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Alcohol Intermediary Method

This method uses high-proof alcohol to jumpstart extraction before the herbs are combined with oil. It takes a little more hands-on effort but yields a potent, shelf-stable infused oil in just over a day.

How to Make an Herb Infused Oil Using the Alcohol Intermediary Method

Grind about 1 oz dried herb into a coarse powder (more surface area makes a stronger infusion). Moisten the powder with just enough 190-proof alcohol (like Everclear) to make it damp and crumbly. Start with a ½ oz and add more if needed.

Place parchment paper under the lid of a jar and cap tightly. Let the herb and alcohol mixture sit in the sealed jar for 24 hours. Then blend the herb/alcohol mix with your carrier oil (start with 6-8 oz and add more if needed to get a blendable texture).

Warm the mixture gently in a double boiler for a few hours to reduce alcohol content and boost extraction.

Strain thoroughly through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Bottle in an amber jar, label, and store out of direct light.

Tip: Regardless of which oil infusion method you choose, always use dried or wilted herbs to reduce moisture, which causes oils to go rancid.

How to Make Herbal Sunscreen

Once you have made the green tea infused oil, you can proceed with making the herbal sunscreen.

To make it you will need:

Sunflower oil infused with green tea leaves
Cacao butter
Beeswax pastilles
Zinc oxide powder, non-nano
Rosehip seed oil
Double boiler
Small containers or lotion tubes

Directions:

Combine the infused oil, cacao butter, and beeswax in a double boiler. Heat gently until completely melted, stirring every so often.

Remove the mixture from heat and add the rosehip seed oil.

Whisk in the zinc oxide a little bit at a time until it is completely incorporated. Take care not to inhale any of the powder.

Let the sunscreen cool for a few minutes, then pour into small containers or lotion tubes.

How to Use Herbal Sunscreen

To use, apply liberally to skin prior to sun exposure. Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if sweating heavily or swimming.

Remember that applying sunscreen is only one part of protecting your skin if you’re spending many hours in the sun, especially in the middle of the day. Sitting in the shade or wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing are other ways you can avoid skin damage from sun exposure.

Whether you’re hiking, hanging out at the beach or pool, gardening, biking, or playing outside, this herbal sunscreen can help protect your skin during all of your summer adventures.

For more information about caring for your skin in the summer months, check out these posts: