Why Dermatologists Say Skip DIY Sunscreen: The SPF 1-6 Problem
The viral 'natural homemade sunscreen' trend collapses under testing—most recipes land between SPF 1.5 and SPF 6, and some have no UV protection at all.
In a 2020 study of homemade sunscreen recipes, three contained no UV filters at all and the rest ranged from only SPF 1.5 to SPF 6; coconut oil, a common DIY ingredient, tests at about SPF 1.
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that homemade sunscreens are not proven effective and may leave users vulnerable to skin cancer, while The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that without standardized testing and regulated UV filters, DIY recipes can't reliably deliver—or verify—the protection commercial products provide.
Questions we get a lot
How much SPF does homemade sunscreen actually provide?
The Skin Cancer Foundation cites a 2020 study in which homemade sunscreen recipes ranged from only SPF 1.5 to SPF 6, and three contained no UV filters at all. That is far below the SPF 30 minimum dermatologists recommend. The variability also means you can't know what protection, if any, you're getting.
Does coconut oil work as sunscreen?
No. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that coconut oil, a popular DIY ingredient, tests at only about SPF 1—essentially no meaningful protection. Using it in place of sunscreen would leave skin almost fully exposed to UV. It's a clear example of why DIY recipes fall short.
Why do dermatologists warn against DIY sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that homemade sunscreens are not proven effective and may leave users vulnerable to skin cancer. Commercial sunscreens undergo standardized testing and use regulated UV filters, while kitchen recipes do neither. That lack of verification is the core problem.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'A TikTok recipe says I can make sunscreen with coconut oil and zinc at home—is that actually safe?'