Carrier Oils For UV Protection

Carrier Oils For Sun Protection

There’s no denying that sun exposure is vitally important for our health. This is a subject covered in the article Why Do We Need Sunlight?, which lists all of the vitally important reasons why sun exposure is so necessary for the proper function of our bodies.

However, there are also potential hazards attached to sun bathing, and summer outdoor activities, several of which we are often unaware of. The article Natural Ways Of Avoiding Sunburn reveals some of the lesser known reasons why sun exposure can be dangerous. These include, the consumption of Linoleic Acid, the omega-6 fat that is so prevalent in our Western diet, and the use of commercial sunscreens, many of which can cause skin cancer.

Please read Healthy Fats & Oils to discover more about the dangers of eating omega-6 fats, and discover the healthy alternatives.

Natural Carrier Oils For Ultraviolet Protection

This article, on carrier oils for sun protection, has been written in an effort to provide safe alternatives to carcinogenic commercial sun creams. Thankfully, there are a good number of carrier oils which provide UV, (ultraviolet), protection / sun protection, with no negative side effects.

The best carrier oils for sun protection are listed below.

Conventional Sunscreens Are Harmful

There is now a huge body of scientific research indicating that all conventional sunscreens present health risks. So much so, that even mainstream online portals are warning of the issue.

While chemicals can protect us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, research strongly suggests that at certain exposure levels, some of the chemicals in some sunscreen products may cause cancer in people.

Breastcancer.org

And sadly, there’s cancer concerns relating to Zinc Oxide, which is broadly used in ‘greener’ alternatives, and sun blocks:

Cell toxicity studies by Dr. Yinfa Ma, Curators’ Teaching Professor of chemistry at Missouri S&T, and his graduate student Qingbo Yang, suggest that when exposed to sunlight, zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sunscreens, undergoes a chemical reaction that may release unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals seek to bond with other molecules, but in the process, they can damage cells or the DNA contained within those cells. This in turn could increase the risk of skin cancer.

Missouri University

Another study, published on the Science Direct website, illustrates how zinc oxide and titanium dioxide produce free radicals when exposed to heat. The levels of oxidative stress were deemed cytotoxic [toxic to cells] and/or genotoxic [can bind to and are toxic to DNA, causing DNA damage].

Minerals such as titanium dioxide, TiO2, and zinc oxide, ZnO, are well known active semiconductor photocatalysts used extensively in heterogeneous photocatalysis to destroy environmental pollutants that are organic in nature. They are also extensively used in sunscreen lotions as active broadband sunscreens that screen both UVB (290–320 nm) and UVA (320–400 nm) sunlight radiation and as high SPF makers. When so photoactivated by UV light, however, these two particular metal oxides are known to generate highly oxidizing radicals… and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 and singlet oxygen, 1O2, which are known to be cytotoxic and/or genotoxic.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020169306000259

Understanding Oils For Sun Protection

The sun cream market is a very profitable one. And, it’s certainly a sector that the cosmetic industry does not want to see disrupted. Carrier oils and essential oils, which possess an SPF value, present a considerable threat to this highly profitable niche.

And, because it isn’t possible to patent an unmodified natural product, there is no exclusive advantage to be gained from knowing more about these safe alternatives to the existing toxic conventional products.

Consequently, there is no commercial impetus to clinically test carrier oils for their SPF values. And, this means there’s a paucity of scientific evidence to support any SPF claims.

Nevertheless, where available, references to clinical literature are provided within the individual carrier oil profiles, listed below.

Best Oil For Sun Protection

Thankfully, there are significant levels of anecdotal evidence to support the efficacy of the sun protective benefits of the carrier oils listed in this article.

Feedback suggests that there’s no best oil for sun protection in all cases. Differing sun protective oils have particular strengths, making certain sun protective oils best for specific applications and inferior for others.

For example, a small number of sun protective oils are best for facial application, whilst others are preferable for bodily application. A few oils for sun protection are good for both, but may not be the best sun protective oil for face and body, when compared to other oils.

Plus, we are all individuals, so there is no universally advantageous SPF oil that will be the best oil for sun protection for everyone. It pays to experiment with these things!

Provide Feedback For Your Best Oil For Sun Protection

It is very much hoped that you will share your own personal experience of these carrier oils for sun protection. You can leave feedback in the comments section, below, or you can add a review to the individual product pages.

Thankfully, some of the sun protective carrier oils listed have already received very supportive feedback. This is especially true of Organic Raspberry Seed Oil and the Ethically Sourced Raspberry Seed Oil, both of which are available from Wild As The Wind.

Nevertheless, increased amounts of feedback for all of the sun protective carrier oils mentioned below, would be deeply advantageous for all.

Carrier Oils For UV Protection

There are several carrier oils for UV protection that can be used on their own, to good effect. One of the most versatile sun protective carrier oils, Raspberry Seed Oil, is not only suitable for facial and bodily application, but also ticks many other boxes. It is:

• Affordable
• Ultra-absorbent
• Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
• No discernable aroma, although the Wild As The Wind Organic Raspberry Seed Oil does smell like fresh Raspberries.
• Blends well with other carrier oils and essential oils
• Minimal risk of allergic reaction, unlike nut oils

But there are other UV protective carrier oils which are also important, and may be preferable for a number of different applications.

Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil is a lot more viscous than most oils, making it a great choice for blending with Raspberry Seed Oil, and others, to extend the time each application of sun protective oil will last.

And, some sun protective carrier oils offer reasonably unique benefits…

Organic Marula Oil is one such oil, with an antioxidant profile that far exceeds many other oils, making it excellent for facial application. Organic Broccoli Seed Oil is another, as it acts as a natural silicone and contains sulforaphane, which protects against UV light and environmental damage. Organic Buriti Oil has been shown to enhance tanning whilst also providing sun protection.

Organic Tamanu Oil is another viscous oil, with many protective properties. It is one of the best oils for improving scarring and other skin damage. It comes with a scientifically verified SPF value.

These oils, and Organic Rosehip Seed Oil for after sun regeneration, are covered in more detail below.

Natural Sun Protection

Using carrier oils for natural sun protection has many benefits, especially when using them in combination with the essential oils.

As commercial creams present so many risks, the decision to use a natural sun protection alternative, is an easy one to make.

But, the ancillary benefits of using carrier oils and essential oils for your natural sun protection, are also incredibly compelling.

You are advised to read the individual product profile pages of the oils you are interested in to determine the many additional benefits of the oils. But, here’s a few of the key additional benefits you can expect:

• Improved emotional health
• Reduction in travel sickness
• Scar and wound healing
• Improved skin condition
• General health improvements

Essential Oils For Sun Protection

A good number of essential oils have beed clinically shown to possess a natural SPF. This is mainly due the the antioxidant benefits of these essential oils.

There is a Wild As The Wind Sun Tanning Essential Oil Blend containing four of these deeply antioxidant essential oils. This can be added to any of the UV protective carrier oils listed below, to enhance their efficacy.

Please visit the Sun Tanning Essential Oil Blend product page for more information, and to purchase this antioxidant essential oil blend.

To learn why and how essential oils provide additional sun protection to carrier oils, please visit the Essential Oils For Sun Protection article.

You will also learn which essential oils are not safe to be used in the sun.

And, of course, the following sun protective carrier oils can be used to dilute antioxidant sun protective essential oils.

There are a good number of sun protective carrier oils that are suitable for facial application, in their undiluted form.

Sadly, as there is no commercial impetus to clinically test carrier oils for their SPF values, there is a paucity of scientific evidence to support any SPF claims. Nevertheless, where available, references to clinical literature are provided within the individual carrier oil profiles, listed below.

There is, however, significant levels of anecdotal evidence to support the efficacy of the sun protective benefits of the carrier oils listed in this article.

*It is very much hoped that you will share your own poersonal experience of these carrier oils for sun protectiuon. You can leave feedback in the comments section, below, or you can add a review to the individual product pages.

Thankfully, some of the carrier oils listed have already received very supportive feedback. This is especially true of Organic Raspberry Seed Oil and the Ethically Sourced Raspberry Seed Oil.

Nevertheless, increased amounts of feedback for all of the carrier oils mentioned below, would be deeply advantageous for all.

Best Oil For Sun Protection For Face

The following list outlines which naturally sun protective oils are best for facial application.

In most cases, it is best to use a different sun protective oil for the face to the one you use for your body.

Organic Marula Oil is a popular choice for a sun protective oil for the face, as is Organic Buriti Oil. However, Organic Tamanu Oil has been scientifically shown to have uniquely specfic benefits for facial application, and is likely to be considered, by some, to be the best oil for sun protection for the face.

Sun Protective Carrier Oils

The following list of sun protective carrier oils is not exhaustive. It is, however, populated by some of the best UV protective carrier oils available.

Some oils are also conspicous by their absence. Most notably, Wheatgerm Oil does not feature within this list. Wild As The Wind has accrued sufficient anecdotal evidence to suggest that this oil is insufficiently effective as a sun protective oil.

Organic Marula Oil

Organic Marula Oil is perhaps the best oil to add to facial oils for added sun protection. It can also be used undiluted.

According to WebMD, Organic Marula Oil prevents damage from sun and environment:

The sun’s ultraviolet rays along with high amounts of pollution in the environment cause skin damage, according to dermatologist Hadley King, MD. By using an oil such as marula oil, you can better combat these elements.¹

Organic Broccoli Seed Oil

Organic Broccoli Seed Oil can be used for face and body, and is best diluted with other oils. This is due to the fact that it is quite an pungent oil.

It is particularly advised for use in combination with Organic Sun Tanning Essential Oil Blend.

The following research paper supports the use of Organic Broccoli Seed Oil for sun protection.

Sulforaphane mobilizes cellular defenses that protect skin against damage by UV radiation¹

As Organic Broccoli Seed Oil is variously antioxidant, anti-ageing, antifungal, sun-protective, anti-allergic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory, the addition of this oil to your sun protection oil blend is a very good idea.

Use up to 30% Organic Broccoli Seed Oil in your sun protection oil blend.

Organic Buriti Oil

Organic Buriti Oil is thought to enhance tanning and prevent sun-related damage.

According to Pubmed:

The oil extracted from the buriti pulp is utilized by the cosmetics industry for products such as sun creams and creams for treating burns and preventing early skin aging due to its cicatrizing and antiaging action, which is attributed to the antioxidants (carotenoids and tocopherols) that act by eliminating free radicals.²

Reputed to have the highest beta-carotene content of all carrier oils, Organic Buriti Oil is excellent for reversing the signs of ageing and helping to reverse inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.

Organic Buriti Oil is highly antioxidant and photoprotective. It can be used for face and body in its undiluted form. Nevertheless, diluting this potent oil with other sun protective carrier oils is recommended, especially for facial application.

Organic Buriti Oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, which is one of the reasons it benefits from being diluted with less comedogenic oils, for facial application.

The comedogenic rating of a carrier oil relates to its absorbancy.

The comedogenic rating scale ranges from 0 to 5, with zero representing optimal absorbancy. Carrier oils with a comedogenic rating of two and above are more likely to clog pores. Correspondingly, the higher up the scale an oil is placed, the more likely it is to clog pores.

When diluted with other photoprotective oils, like Organic Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Buriti Oil can provide a natural alternative to conventional suncreams, suitable for facial and bodily use.

Organic Buriti Oil also makes a good companion oil to Organic Rosehip Oil for after sun purposes.

Wild As The Wind also carries an Etically Sourced Buriti Oil.

Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil

Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil is reputed to possess an unofficial SPF of 8.

catechin and ellagic acid from pomegranate seed oil show to inhibit markers for UVB-induced skin damage³

Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil is known to stimulate keratinocytes, which are the cells found in the outer layer of the skin. This has a really positive effect on reviving damaged skin, helping to restore health and reverse the appearance of dermal damage.

Because it is rich in vitamin C, Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil it is deeply antioxidant. This means that it helps to neutralise free radicals and increase nutrient absorption. This, in turn, helps to accelerate dermal cellular regeneration, giving it a more youthful appearance.

Pomegranate Seed Oil is ideal for all skin types, and is suitable for facial application when diluted with other carrier oils.

Use up to 30% Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil in your sun protection oil blend.

Recently, pomegranate (Punica granatum) extracts have gained significant attention because of their beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activity. In addition, in vitro studies on cell cultures of normal human epidermal keratinocytes highlighted the protective effects of pomegranate fruit extract against UV-A and UV-B radiation.⁸

Organic Tamanu Oil

Organic Tamanu Oil is one of the few oils to be verified as sun protective, with a specific SPF value, in clinical scientific literature. A study, pulished in Pubmed attributes an SPF value of 11.2 to Tamanu Oil.⁵

According to Pubmed, the sun protective benefits of Organic Tamanu Oil are likely due to the high proportion of calophyllolides found in this oil.

Another clinical study corroborates this finding, but states the the SPF value for Tamanu Oil is between 18 – 22. It also states that Tamanu Oil, even at low concentrations, is very sun protective for our eyes, and that the older we get, the more important it is to protect our eyes from sun damage.

The botanical name for Tamanu Oil is Calophyllum inophyllum oil. It is also known as Nyamplung oil.

The majority of chemical solar filters are cytotoxic, particularly on sensitive ocular cells (corneal and conjunctival cells). Consequently, a non-cytotoxic UV filter would be interesting in dermatology, but more especially in ophthalmology. In fact, light damage to the eye can be avoided thanks to a very efficient ocular antioxidant system; indeed, the chromophores absorb light and dissipate its energy. After middle age, a decrease in the production of antioxidants and antioxidative enzymes appears with accumulation of endogenous molecules that are phototoxic. UV radiations can induce reactive oxygen species formation, leading to various ocular diseases. Because most UV filters are cytotoxic for the eye, we investigated the anti-UV properties of Calophyllum inophyllum oil [Tamanu Oil] in order to propose it as a potential vehicle, free of toxicity, with a natural UV filter action in ophthalmic formulation. Calophyllum inophyllum oil, even at low concentration (1/10,000, v/v), exhibited significant UV absorption properties (maximum at 300nm) and was associated with an important sun protection factor (18-22). Oil concentrations up to 1% were not cytotoxic on human conjunctival epithelial cells, and Calophyllum inophyllum oil appeared to act as a cytoprotective agent against oxidative stress and DNA damage (85% of the DNA damage induced by UV radiations were inhibited with 1% Calophyllum oil) and did not induce in vivo ocular irritation (Draize test on New Zealand rabbits). Calophyllum inophyllum oil thus exhibited antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, and therefore might serve, for the first time, as a natural UV filter in ophthalmic preparations.⁹

Organic Tamanu Oil, like Organic Pomegranate Oil, is a viscous oil, which may make it longer-lasting. It is known to be hydrophobic, which means it repels water.

It is also exceptionally beneficial in other ways. It is considered one of the best carrier oils for remediating scarring, and for delivering anti-ageing and anti-acne benefits.

Use up to 20% Organic Tamanu Oil in your sun protection oil blend.

Allergy Advice: this is a nut oil

Raspberry Seed Oil

Cold Pressed Raspberry Seed Oil is one of the best carrier oils to use for sun protection. This is partly due to the reasons listed above, but also because many believe it offers the highest level of protection against the damaging effects of the sun.

The fairer your skin, the more Raspberry Seed Oil you’ll want in your mix. However, adding a certain amount of Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil is always advisable.

For those who wish to have a fantastic sheen from their sun protection oil, then adding a little Organic Broccoli Seed Oil would be ideal.

Wild As The Wind also stock a fantastic Organic Raspberry Seed Oil.

After Sun Oils

There are several nutrient rich oils that are beneficial to overly exposed skin. OIls that are rich in antioxidants as well as containing a good range of vitamins, make for ideal ingredients in after sun oils.

Oils like Organic Tamanu Oil and Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil are perfect examples.

However, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil can be used undiluted, and the uniqueness of Organic Jojoba Oil, means that, on balance, these two oils deserve further exploration here.

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil

Organic Rosehip Seed Oil is considered the best after sun oil available. It is incredibly nutrient dense, and deeply anti-ageing. Organic Rosehip Seed Oil helps to replace the moisture lost during sun exposure.

Adding essential oils known to be good for healing burns, like Organic Lavender Essential Oil and Organic German Chamomile Essential Oil, will super-charge the after sun effects of Organic Rosehip Seed Oil.

Organic Jojoba Oil

Organic Jojoba Oil is best used in conjunction with Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, rather than on its own. Use up to 50% Organic Jojoba Oil mixed with Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, but experiment with the best levels for your skin, by increasing the concentration of Organic Jojoba Oil over time.

According to WebMD:

Jojoba oil may help reduce swelling and pain from sun damage. Vitamin E, other antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory parts of the oil soothe the symptoms of a burn and may promote healing.⁶

Scientific Sources:

1. National Library of Medicine: In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123
2. Pubmed: Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9229003/
3. Science Direct: Use of various vegetable oils in designing photoprotective nanostructured formulations for UV protection and antioxidant activity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669014008140
4. Oohman et al (2000): Characteristics of Raspberry Seed Oil. Food Chemistry: 69 & 187 – 193: http://mail.lotioncrafter.com/reference/oomah.pdf
5. Pubmed: The real UVB photoprotective efficacy of vegetable oils: in vitro and in vivo studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33721242/
6. WebMD: Health Benefits of Jojoba Oil: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-jojoba-oil
7. Photoprotective nanoemulsions containing microbial carotenoids and buriti oil: Efficacy and safety study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878535220302343
8. Use of Vegetable Oils to Improve the Sun Protection Factor of Sunscreen Formulations: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332280336_Use_of_Vegetable_Oils_to_Improve_the_Sun_Protection_Factor_of_Sunscreen_Formulations
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17188472/
10. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/

Other Resources:

http://ircset.org/anand/2017papers/IRC-SET_2017_paper_S3-3.pdf

Many herbal oils have been reported to show significant SPF values. Using an in vitro method, Kaur and Saraf revealed that the SPF value for both olive oil and coconut oil was around 8, while that of castor oil and almond oil was around 6 and 5, respectively, thus highlighting the usefulness of these oils as UV-filters.⁸

https://farmaquimicasur.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ACEITES-PROTECTORES-SOLARES-INGL%C3%89S-.pdf