Handcrafted Sun Defense Serum SPF 30

Made as a sunscreen serum, this handcrafted formula combines about 18% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide with aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E.

Zinc oxide is usually used to provide broad-spectrum UV defense. Vitamin E is commonly used to protect lipid-rich skin and seal in hydration. Aloe vera is in many instances used to support hydration. Glycerin is also commonly used to support hydration. White willow bark extract and rosemary also act to clarify blemish-prone skin and pores. Carrot seed oil also helps support mature skin. Xanthan gum and cetearyl alcohol are also commonly used to control thickness and stabilize the formula. DMAE, a synthetic compound, is commonly used for a temporary skin-firming and lifting effect.

Skin care engages touch at each step of a routine, and the step depends on the product. Cleansing products lift surface oils, debris, and bacteria from the skin (Aiello & Larson, 2002). Moisturizing products such as creams, lotions, and balms add emollients that soften the skin surface and help hold in hydration. Serums, masks, and treatments are applied to specific areas of the face, and the pressure of application adds to the sensation. Applying any of these products activates C‑tactile afferents, the nerve fibers that process pleasant touch (Löken et al., 2009; McGlone et al., 2014). Slow, massage‑like pressure is associated with reduced stress and relaxation (Field, 2010; Field, 2015), and warmth and absorption add to the sensation as the product meets the skin.

Anyone with a skin condition, allergies, or sensitivities should consult a physician or dermatologist before use.

Details

• Best used for sun protection on exposed skin. Reapply as directed. Suited to those who tolerate tree nut oils and butters and essential oils.
• Use: Apply liberally to all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and rub in. Reapply after 60 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and every 2 hours.
• Responses vary from person to person.
• Scent: essential oils
• Size: 1 fl oz (30 mL)
• Caution: Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Use sun protective measures, including limiting sun exposure between 10am and 2pm and wearing long clothing, hats, and sunglasses. For children under 6 months, ask a doctor. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or using cholinergic or anticholinergic therapy should consult a physician before use.
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny certified)
• Sold as a single bottle

Ingredients

Active ingredient: non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, about 18%

Inactive ingredients: organic aloe vera leaf juice, organic vegetable glycerin, DMAE bitartrate, organic meadowfoam seed oil, organic sweet almond oil, cetearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, MSM, organic carrot seed oil, organic essential oil blend, rose ether, vitamin E, organic blue green algae extract, organic white willow bark extract, organic neem seed oil, organic rosemary leaf extract, organic grape alcohol, xanthan gum, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate

Want to learn more about these ingredients? Explore these helpful indexes:

For essential oils, use this link.

For ingredients, use this link.

Pairing Note

Aroma: Topical interaction paired with aroma becomes aromatic‑surface experience. Cultures combine botanicals with oils, creams, and hair treatments because aroma carries symbolic meaning, lineage, and spatial identity (Classen, Howes & Synnott, 1994). These practices persist because aromatic pairing strengthens emotional recall (Herz, 2016) and supports cultural continuity (Assmann, 2011).