Sunscreen

Some plants have skin protective qualities against the sun’s UV rays.  Typical store bought sunscreens contain harsh chemicals: look for safer ingredients like zinc oxide.  Avoid tanning, and wear clothing to cover the skin.   Carrier oils such as coconut oil, sesame oil, carrot seed oil, and jojoba oil may offer varying degrees of protection.

Sunscreen Recipes

3 Orange Herbs to Help Your Skin Glow!

Explaining the Ingredients: Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion or Oil Recipe

Blog Articles

3 Orange Herbs to Help Your Skin Glow!

Benefits of Using Carrier Oils with Essential Oils

Explaining the Ingredients: Skin Moisturizing Herbal Lotion or Oil Recipe

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

• Combining antioxidants and UV-filters in sunscreens could be advantageous. From: Freitas, J. V., Praca, F. S. G., Bentley, M. V. L. B., & Gaspar, L. R. (2015). Trans-resveratrol and beta-carotene from sunscreens penetrate viable skin layers and reduce cutaneous penetration of UV-filters. International journal of pharmaceutics, 484(1-2), 131-137.

ALMOND

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

ALOE

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

BETA CAROTENE

• A supplement of beta carotene was protective against UV skin damage in humans.  From:  Heinrich, U., Gärtner, C., Wiebusch, M., Eichler, O., Sies, H., Tronnier, H., & Stahl, W. (2003). Supplementation with β-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. The Journal of nutrition, 133(1), 98-101.

CAJUPUT

• Cajuput in a recipe showed good absorption and high potential to be used as sunscreen.  From:  Sainorudin, M. H., Rozaini, M. Z. H., Hamzah, H., Saupi, A. A. M., Norazemi, N. F., Ismail, Z., … & Zain, M. H. (2015). Preliminary Study of Sunscreen and Anti-Tyrosinase Effect on Microemulsion Extract from Melaleuca Cajuputi Essential Oil using Nonionic Surfactant. GSTF Journal of Chemical Sciences (JChem), 2(1).

CALENDULA

• The author(s) conducted a study demonstrating the potential for C. officinalis against skin UV irradiation induced oxidative stress. From: Fonseca, Y. M., Catini, C. D., Vicentini, F. T., Nomizo, A., Gerlach, R. F., & Fonseca, M. J. V. (2010). Protective effect of Calendula officinalis extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress in skin: Evaluation of reduced glutathione levels and matrix metalloproteinase secretion. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 127(3), 596-601.

CARROT SEED OIL / CARROT

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.
• A supplement of beta carotene was protective against UV skin damage in humans.  From:  Heinrich, U., Gärtner, C., Wiebusch, M., Eichler, O., Sies, H., Tronnier, H., & Stahl, W. (2003). Supplementation with β-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. The Journal of nutrition, 133(1), 98-101.

CHAMOMILE

• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

CLOVER, RED

• The isoflavone: equol, from red clover showed potential as a sunscreen ingredient as tested on hairless rodents.  From:  Widyarini, S., Spinks, N., Husband, A. J., & Reeve, V. E. (2001). Isoflavonoid Compounds from Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Protect from Inflammation and Immune Suppression Induced by UV Radiation¶. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 74(3), 465-470.

COCONUT OIL

• A review of herbs that can be used as sunblock is provided.  Included are:  Sesame oil which blocks 25 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed oils which block about 2o percent.  From:  Korać, R. R., & Khambholja, K. M. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 164.

CORIANDER

• In 40 volunteers, a placebo controlled study showed that induced skin redness and inflammation was reduced greater with a lotion containing 0.5% or 1.0% coriander seed oil over the hydrocortisone placebo. From: Reuter, J., Huyke, C., Casetti, F., Theek, C., Frank, U., Augustin, M., & Schempp, C. (2008). Anti‐inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 6(10), 847-851.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

COTTONSEED OIL

• A review of herbs that can be used as sunblock is provided.  Included are:  Sesame oil which blocks 25 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed oils which block about 2o percent.  From:  Korać, R. R., & Khambholja, K. M. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 164.

GREEN TEA

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

HELICHRYSUM

• Flavonoids were active components, reducing UVB induced erythema.  The authors suggested H. italicum may be useful in formulation of burn treatment, radioprotection, and sunscreen products.  From:  Facino, R. M., Carini, M., Mariani, M., & Cipriani, C. (1988). Anti-erythematous and photoprotective activities in guinea pigs and man of topically applied flavonoids from Helichrysum italicum G. Don. Acta Therapeutica, 14(4), 323-345.

INDIAN BEACH TREE

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

JAPANESE RED MAPLE

• Vitexin from Acer palmatum showed to be a potential preventative of UV-induced adverse skin reactions and damage caused by free radical production. From: Kim, J. H., Lee, B. C., Kim, J. H., Sim, G. S., Lee, D. H., Lee, K. E., … & Pyo, H. B. (2005). The isolation and antioxidative effects of vitexin from Acer palmatum. Archives of pharmacal research, 28(2), 195-202.

JOJOBA OIL

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

MANUKA

• Topical application of manuka oil on mice was anti-photoaging, showing anti-inflammatory activity and suppressing the UV-B-induced increase in skin thickness and wrinkle grading. From: Kwon, O. S., Jung, S. H., & Yang, B. S. (2013). Topical administration of manuka oil prevents UV-B irradiation-induced cutaneous photoaging in mice. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.

MELISSA

• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

MYRRH

• A natural sunscreen blend containing myrrh was effective in vitro. From: Chakravarty, N., Kellogg, C., Alvarez, J., Equils, O., & Morgan, M. (2018). UV Protection by Natural Products: C. myrrha Oil Versus Sunscreen. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 17(8), 905-907.

OLIVE OIL

• A review of herbs that can be used as sunblock is provided.  Included are:  Sesame oil which blocks 25 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed oils which block about 2o percent.  From:  Korać, R. R., & Khambholja, K. M. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 164.

PATCHOULI

• Patchouli alcohol found in the plant’s essential oil improved skin healing caused by sun exposure in mice. From: Feng, X. X., Yu, X. T., Li, W. J., Kong, S. Z., Liu, Y. H., Zhang, X., … & Lin, Z. X. (2014). Effects of topical application of patchouli alcohol on the UV-induced skin photoaging in mice. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 63, 113-123.

PEANUT OIL

• A review of herbs that can be used as sunblock is provided.  Included are:  Sesame oil which blocks 25 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed oils which block about 2o percent.  From:  Korać, R. R., & Khambholja, K. M. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 164.

PINE

• A Pinus species extract showed antiphotoaging activity in vitro. From: Jung, H. Y., Shin, J. C., Park, S. M., Kim, N. R., Kwak, W., & Choi, B. H. (2014). Pinus densiflora extract protects human skin fibroblasts against UVB-induced photoaging by inhibiting the expression of MMPs and increasing type I procollagen expression. Toxicology reports, 1, 658-666.

PUMPKIN

• A supplement of beta carotene was protective against UV skin damage in humans.  From:  Heinrich, U., Gärtner, C., Wiebusch, M., Eichler, O., Sies, H., Tronnier, H., & Stahl, W. (2003). Supplementation with β-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. The Journal of nutrition, 133(1), 98-101.

ROSE

• Natural flowers with certain ethanol characteristics (including rose, peony, lily, sweet osmanthus and Oroxyleum indicum) may offer natural sunscreen protection that is less toxic.  From:  Hong-shuang, L. I. (2009). Study on the Extraction of Sunscreen Ingredients from Natural Flowers and Their Application [J]. Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences, 8, 016.

SAFFRON 

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

SEA BUCKTHORN

• A supplement of beta carotene was protective against UV skin damage in humans.  From:  Heinrich, U., Gärtner, C., Wiebusch, M., Eichler, O., Sies, H., Tronnier, H., & Stahl, W. (2003). Supplementation with β-carotene or a similar amount of mixed carotenoids protects humans from UV-induced erythema. The Journal of nutrition, 133(1), 98-101.

SESAME OIL

• A review of herbs that can be used as sunblock is provided.  Included are:  Sesame oil which blocks 25 percent of UV rays, and coconut, peanut, olive, and cottonseed oils which block about 2o percent.  From:  Korać, R. R., & Khambholja, K. M. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy reviews, 5(10), 164.

SHEA BUTTER

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

SOYBEAN OIL

• Aloe, green tea, Indian beach tree, almond, shea butter, saffron, jojoba oil, carrot seed oil, and soybean oil were some of the plants listed as potential herbs to include in natural sunscreen products as well as products for sun damage. From:  Goswami, Priyanka Kantivan, Mayuri Samant, and Rashmi Srivastava. “Natural sunscreen agents: A review.” SAJP 2 (2013): 458-463.

TEA TREE

• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

ROSEAMARY

• Rosemary water-soluble extract inhibited UV cutaneous photodamage. From: Martin, R., Pierrard, C., Lejeune, F., Hilaire, P., Breton, L., & Bernerd, F. (2008). Photoprotective effect of a water-soluble extract of Rosmarinus officinalis L. against UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human dermal fibroblasts and reconstructed skin. European Journal of Dermatology, 18(2), 128-135.
• Vitamin C, vitamin E, and carnosic acid showed photoprotective human skin potential.  From: Offord, E. A., Gautier, J. C., Avanti, O., Scaletta, C., Runge, F., Krämer, K., & Applegate, L. A. (2002). Photoprotective potential of lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and carnosic acid in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 32(12), 1293-1303.

VITAMIN C

• Vitamin C, vitamin E, and carnosic acid showed photoprotective human skin potential.  From: Offord, E. A., Gautier, J. C., Avanti, O., Scaletta, C., Runge, F., Krämer, K., & Applegate, L. A. (2002). Photoprotective potential of lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and carnosic acid in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 32(12), 1293-1303.

VITAMIN E

• Vitamin C, vitamin E, and carnosic acid showed photoprotective human skin potential.  From: Offord, E. A., Gautier, J. C., Avanti, O., Scaletta, C., Runge, F., Krämer, K., & Applegate, L. A. (2002). Photoprotective potential of lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and carnosic acid in UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblasts. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 32(12), 1293-1303.

WITCH HAZEL

• Witch hazel applied topically to the skin after sun exposure was anti-inflammatory. From: Hughes-Formella, B. J., Filbry, A., Gassmueller, J., & Rippke, F. (2002). Anti-inflammatory efficacy of topical preparations with 10% hamamelis distillate in a UV erythema test. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 15(2), 125-132.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 11/11/19