06/01/2021
THIS! Also, lab testing for sunscreens is rigorous and expensive. Commissioning a lab to make sunscreen and obtain a DIN/NPN costs thousands of dollars. You literally *can't* make sunscreen at home because science and Canadian health regulations.
βοΈ Itttttttβs that time of year when I remind you to DO NOT BUY HANDMADE sunscreens and bug repellents.
But, shouldnβt we be supporting our local makers? Well, yes, normally, and we totes appreciate when you do youπ₯°. But you should know that HANDMADE SUNSCREENS AND BUG REPELLENTS ARE NOT ONLY POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, THEY ARE ACTUALLY ILLEGAL TO SELL WITHOUT THE PROPER PROFESSIONAL LAB TESTING SET OUT BY HEALTH CANADA. Yes, I just screamed that...because it is important.
Both products are out of the scope of soap and cosmetics and require different licensing and extreme amounts of testing. Testing which cannot be done in a home kitchen. Sunscreen is listed as a drug and bug sprays are under the category of Insecticides. BOTH legally need to meet the criteria set out by Health Canada and have P*P (pest control) or NHP/DIN numbers assigned and on the label.
βBut I tested my handmade sunscreen on myself and my two friends and it works, so Iβm goodβ NOPE. Handmade sunscreens might work sometimes. Sometimes they might not. Do you really want to take that chance?? Zinc Oxide, the ingredient most used as the βsunblockβ in a handmade sunscreen is just that, a sun block but it would have to be applied in a super thick layer, perfectly even, for it to MAYBE work. There is really no way to know for sure without testing.
So PLEASE, support your local makers by buying their body butters, soaps, deodorants, and skincare products. DO NOT BUY HANDMADE SUNSCREENS AND BUG REPELLENTS.
TL;DR If you see a local Maker advertising or selling handmade sunscreen or insect repellant without the proper assigned NIH/DIN (drug identification number) or P*P numbers, they are more than likely unlicensed, untested and, more importantly, MAY BE UNSAFE. Please donβt take chances with your health; there are plenty of TESTED products made with natural and organic ingredients.