Sun lovers are being warned to avoid home-made sunscreen recipes being shared on social media as experts say they do not offer enough protection.
Researchers found 68 per cent of the recipes shared on just one social media platform would not be sufficient to protect people against sunburn, skin damage and the increased cancer risk.
People looking for natural and organic alternatives to sunscreen are turning to social media and relying on recipes using coconut oil, shea butter and oils from lavender and rapsberry.
Some recipes have been shared more than 21,000 times on Pinterest.
But Researchers at the Centre for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Brooks College of Health at University of North Florida say 68 per cent of these homemade sunscreen recipes would result in insufficient protection.
A third of the posts found in the research said the home-made alternatives could offer SPF protection - sometimes claiming up to Factor 50.
Five of the best sun creams
Don't get caught out when the sun comes out and ensure you have adequate protection for all the family.The advice is to ensure you use products with a high SPF (30 as standard) as well as a high UVA protection. Here are our pick of the best creams and where to buy them
Garnier Ambre Solaire, 200ml
SPF 50, 3* UVA
Asda Protect baby, 50ml
SPF50, 5* UVA
Banana Boat kids ultra mist tear free spray, 220ml
SPF50, 4* UVA
Piz Buin in sun moisturising ultra light sun spray, 200ml
SPF30, 4* UVA
Nivea Sun Protect and Refresh, 200ml
SPF50, 3* UVA
Prices correct at time of publishing
The study, in the journal Health Communication, found that just three posts: “highlighted concerns about skin cancer as a result of sunburn and cautioned against relying exclusively on homemade sunscreens”.
Lara McKenzie, PhD, co-author and principal investigator in the Centre for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's, said: “The internet is a great place for families to go to for recipe inspiration and arts and crafts projects, but not necessarily for making their own safety-related things.
“Homemade sunscreen products are risky because they are not regulated or tested for efficacy like commercial sunscreens. When you make it yourself, you don't know if it's safe or effective.”