Why I Won’t Be Formulating a Roodt Sunscreen!
Why I Won’t Be Formulating a Roodt Sunscreen
By Amanda Roodt | ROODT Made by Nature | 06 December 2020 Edited 2025
I’m a firm believer in all-natural. It’s at the core of everything I do at ROODT Made by Nature. Since 2017, I’ve been crafting honest, simple, and natural products — rooted in tradition, always mindful of safety.
Over the years, I’ve received countless requests to create a natural sunscreen balm or lotion under the Roodt brand. I’ve given it serious thought — and deep research. The result? I’ve chosen not to venture down that road.
This article explains why. It’s a longer read, but an important one if you care about your skin, your safety, and the science behind sun protection.
How Do Sunscreens Actually Work?
Sunscreens protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation — the most preventable cause of skin cancer. There are two main types of UV filters:
Inorganic (Physical) Filters
- Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
- Act as a shield, reflecting and scattering UV rays
- Require a smooth, even application to work effectively
Organic (Chemical) Filters
- Absorb UV rays and convert them into heat
- Require careful formulation and must be photostable
- More likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions
A good sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA (aging and DNA damage) and UVB (burns and mutations).
Challenge 1: SPF Requires Laboratory Testing
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) isn’t guesswork — it’s a scientifically tested measurement. To ensure a sunscreen is effective:
- The SPF must be calculated using specific UV blockers.
- The product must undergo repeated lab testing.
- Human trials must confirm protection time.
- Stability testing must confirm the formula holds up over time and sun exposure.
There’s no way to verify the SPF of a homemade product without access to these rigorous tests. Eyeballing it based on how your skin feels? That’s not just inaccurate — it’s dangerous.
Challenge 2: Damage Isn’t Always Immediate
Sunburn (erythema) can take 6 to 24 hours to appear.
So your skin may look fine… until it’s not.
SPF tells you how long you can be in the sun safely. Without a tested SPF, there’s no baseline. And by the time the damage becomes visible, it’s often too late.
Challenge 3: It’s Not Just Mixing Ingredients
Even experienced formulators struggle with sunscreen. That’s because:
- SPF depends on uniform dispersion — which requires high-shear lab equipment.
- Interactions between ingredients (even emulsifiers or preservatives) can reduce effectiveness.
- Zinc and Titanium Dioxide clump easily, creating patchy protection — dangerously high in some areas, weak in others.
In short: sunscreen formulation is a science, not a Saturday project.
Challenge 4: Stability Is Crucial
UV exposure speeds up chemical reactions. This means sunscreen ingredients must remain stable both:
- In the jar, over months of use
- On your skin, under sunlight
Zinc Oxide, for instance, is a charged particle that can form invisible clumps. These compromise protection and can’t be seen with the naked eye. Without stability testing, there’s no way to guarantee safety.
Challenge 5: Safety Above All Else
If a sunscreen isn’t precisely and evenly formulated, it won’t offer even protection. That’s a serious health risk — especially when people trust the product during extended sun exposure.
Some facts worth reflecting on:
- UV radiation is a proven carcinogen.
- Just five sunburns can double your risk of melanoma.
- 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are sun-related.
- 90% of visible skin aging is due to sun exposure.
And here’s the kicker: when people wear sunscreen, they tend to stay in the sun longer. That false sense of security can become even more dangerous if the product doesn’t deliver.
The Verdict: No DIY Sunscreens. Not From Me.
Sunscreen is vital — but only when it’s lab tested, proven, and stable.
And the technical, chemical, and ethical responsibility of producing sunscreen is not one I take lightly.
For now, I’ll stick to what I do best: honest, natural skincare, rooted in safety and tradition.
If you’re looking for a trusted natural sunscreen, I recommend:
Sun protection isn’t optional. But neither is safety.
Thank you for trusting me — and thank you for reading.
Amanda Roodt
Founder, Roodt Made by Nature
#roodtmadebynature
Footnote:This decision is based on my own personal preference. ROODT Made by Nature respects all creators who choose to formulate natural sunscreens — this is simply the path I’ve chosen. I made up my mind on this matter in 2020, and five years later, my position remains the same.
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