Adding Sunscreen to Lip Balm: Natural/Mineral UV Filters

Question

I would like to know which ingredients can be added to lip balm to provide sun protection. I prefer natural ingredients, but other options are also acceptable. Thank you in advance.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Natural Sunscreen Ingredients for Lip Balm

For making lip balm with sun protection properties, focusing on natural ingredients, the popular and safe mineral UV filters are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These are physical or mineral sunscreens that work by reflecting and scattering UV radiation.

For use in lip balm, it's recommended to choose types that are in a Dispersion form or designed to disperse well in oil or silicone bases. This makes them easy to incorporate into the lip balm formula and helps reduce the white cast on the lips.

Recommended options include:

Zinc Oxide Group:
- Zinc Oxide Transparent Dispersion (C12-15 alkyl benzoate Base): This is a nano-sized zinc oxide dispersed in a C12-15 alkyl benzoate oil base. It provides both UVA/UVB protection, is easy to mix into the oil phase, and does not cause a white cast.
- Zinc Oxide Transparent Dispersion (Isopropyl Palmitate Base): Similar to the above, but dispersed in an Isopropyl Palmitate base. It provides UVA/UVB protection, is easy to mix into the oil/silicone phase, and does not cause a white cast.
Titanium Dioxide Group:
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (10nm, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Base): This is a very small (nano) titanium dioxide dispersed in a C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate oil base. It helps protect against UV and does not cause a white cast.
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Cyclopentasiloxane Base): This is a small (nano) titanium dioxide dispersed in a Cyclopentasiloxane base. It helps protect against UV and does not cause a white cast.
- Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Base): This is a small (nano) titanium dioxide dispersed in a C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate oil base. It helps protect against UV and does not cause a white cast.