Essential Oils as Sunscreen? My PSA for the day

I spent a little time this past weekend popping into some of my favorite groups and noticed a theme: multiple people were asking what essential oils could be used as sunscreen and how to apply them.

I was pretty shocked at some of the answers I was seeing. Some people were suggesting oils to use, and others were saying that you could apply the essential oils to your pulse point and they would protect you from the sun.

STOP!

This kind of misinformation makes my aromatherapist brain want to explode.

Let’s start off by saying, essential oils DO NOT act as sunscreen. Ever. Period. The end. Unless you want to look like this girl:

Now, let’s go a step further and say that some essential oils can actually cause your skin to severely burn if you put them on your skin and then spend time in the sun.

These oils include:

Angelica Root

Cold pressed Bergamot

Cold Pressed Lemon

Cold Pressed Lime

Cold Pressed Bitter Orange

Mandarin Leaf

Opopanax

Rue

Tagetes

Cold Pressed Grapefruit

Oils that are POTENTIALLY phototoxic include:

Cold Pressed Clementine

Celery Leaf

Cumin Seed

Parsnip

Listen, folks, it’s important that we use a real, good sunscreen when we’re going to be spending time outdoors. Not only does it protect us from the soreness of sunburn, but it also helps keep our skin from drying prematurely or, heaven forbid, developing skin cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, you want a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and you want to apply it generously at least every 2 hours.

PLEASE don’t use essential oils and think you’re protected from the sun because you aren’t!

I also want to share a quick and easy sun soothing spray that is super refreshing and great to use on hot days or when you’ve spent time out in the sun.

Skin Refresher Spray

Ingredients:

4 ounces Peppermint Hydrosol

4 ounces Lavender Hydrosol

8-ounce spray bottle

Directions:

Add all ingredients to the spray bottle and shake well to combine. To use: spray on the skin after being out in the heat or sun, or just anytime your skin needs a little pick me up. For best results, store the spray bottle in your fridge.

Happy Crafting!

If your idea of Halloween fun includes a little bubbling, fizzing magic—without the sugar crash—these DIY Halloween Bath Bombs are your new favorite trick and treat. Think spooky swirls, candy-free gifts, and a little self-care potion-making, all rolled into one bewitching bath-time delight.

These are perfect for mums who’d rather stir up a bath bomb cauldron than bake another round of cupcakes for the class party. They also make fang-tastic gifts for teens, neighbours, or anyone who needs a little seasonal sparkle in their soak.

Why You’ll Love These Spooky Bath Bombs

Kid-safe ingredients – No creepy chemicals here
Great for gifting – Pop into mini cauldrons, treat bags, or mason jars
Smells like fall – Think pumpkin spice, candy corn, or sweet orange
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable citric acid
Easy to customize – Add spiders, glitter, glow-in-the-dark mica, or even a surprise toy

Ingredients

1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup Epsom salt or fine sea salt
2 tsp sweet almond oil (or coconut oil)
1 tsp water or witch hazel in a spray bottle
10–15 drops essential oil (sweet orange, lavender, cinnamon, or candy-like blends)
Natural colorants or skin-safe mica powder (orange, purple, black, green)
Optional: eco glitter, mini plastic spiders or Halloween charms
Silicone molds or mini plastic cauldrons

How to Make Halloween Bath Bombs

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and Epsom salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and uniform—like a dusty spellbook.

2. Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix your carrier oil and essential oils. Add your chosen colorant and glitter here too. If using black, go light—it can stain tubs if overdone.

3. Combine with Care

Slowly drizzle the wet mixture into the dry mix, whisking continuously. It should feel like damp sand. If it clumps when squeezed, you’re ready. Mist lightly with water or witch hazel if too dry.

4. Add Hidden Surprises

Press a small plastic spider, glow cube, or toy into the center for a trick-or-treat effect!

5. Mold It Up

Spoon the mixture into your molds, pressing firmly. Let them dry at least 24 hours before popping out.

Spooky Variations to Try

Spider Surprise

Hide a plastic spider inside and use black mica for a creepy crawl effect.

Pumpkin Spice Delight

Add a dash of cinnamon and orange essential oil with orange coloring.

Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Bombs

Use glow mica and store under light for a fun bathroom glow!

Boo Bombs for Kids

Make ghost-shaped fizzies using a silicone mold and sweet vanilla oil.

Packaging Ideas for Gifting

Wrap in cellophane with twine and a tag: “Drop in warm water and summon a spooky soak!”
Nestle in mini cauldrons from the dollar store
Use kraft boxes lined with Halloween tissue paper for classy spooky gifting
Add a punny printable tag like “You’re the bomb!” or “Witch, please!”

Tips & Tricks

Don’t over-wet your mixture—it can fizz prematurely.
Use gloves to avoid stained fingers.
Let kids help with colors and pressing (just maybe keep the glitter far away unless it’s a full moon).

Why These Are Better Than Candy

Let’s be honest—October sugar overload is real. These bath bombs are a charming alternative that still feel like a treat. Plus, they turn your bathroom into a spa and a mad scientist lab.

Whether you’re making them for your kids’ school party, teen Halloween sleepovers, or your own pumpkin-scented peace and quiet after bedtime chaos, these DIY bath bombs are a crafty way to keep Halloween fun—and fizzy.

Have you read?