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Thanks for the great suggestions! I put some Wintergreen Essential Oil in petroleum jelly since I had it on-hand and it seems to help. Love the Papain idea, going to buy some now. 

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Ah, thank you Mark! 

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Yes, I would be using a regular Zinc Oxide powder, probably the one from KOBO Products (ZNO-C). The idea among these people is that physical sunscreens (non-nano) are “safer” and “more natural” than chemical blockers.

Keeping it dispersed is key - how does one accomplish such a thing?

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I am an ex-software engineer based in San Francisco. I’ve worked for several successful startup companies, and a few big names too along the way. Started really getting into cosmetic chemistry in December of 2009 but I am completely self-taught. I read a lot - I’m currently working my way through Perry’s book, Beginning Cosmetic Chemistry. Another fun book I really like is Scientific Soapmaking, although I lean more toward lotions than anything else. I am on a quest to formulate the perfect facial moisturizier for my very sensitive skin. Would love to some day sell products but right now I am comfortable just doing R&D wherever my interest takes me. I LOVE this forum!

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Perry - good question! I think I notice the effect at 1%, and probably would at less than that. I feel like it softens the skin after a few minutes - similar to the effect from adding AHAs.

Thanks everyone for the information. I will try keeping it below 50C and .5% or less.

Duncan, it does feel like small shards of glass. Not quite as sharp, but similar.

Thank you!