We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Skincare Products The 14 Best After-Sun Lotions, Creams, and Gels of 2024 Keep your skin looking and feeling it’s best–even after a burn By Jack Byram Jack Byram Jack Byram is a freelance writer who has written numerous articles over the last five years about all things self improvement. He has interviewed medical doctors, chiropractors and other experts to guide his research into recommending the best products. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 27, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Health.com. He is a seasoned journalist and editor with over two decades of experience, he has held several leadership roles at major publications. health's fact checking process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Before Shopping for After-Sun Lotions and Sunburn Treatments Our Review Process Our Experts Ingredients to Look for in a After-Sun Lotion for Sunburn, and What to Avoid Who We Are Health While we may be eager to get out and soak up some rays, it’s also important to be mindful of what the sun can do to your skin. Applying sunscreen liberally before you go outside is always wise, but what should you use if your sunscreen fails to prevent a sunburn? According to board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, after-sun products can soothe your skin and decrease inflammation caused by sunburn. They often include additional ingredients to offer a cooling feeling as well. If your sunburn doesn’t improve with the help of over-the-counter products, at home remedies, or you experience other symptoms like headaches or fever, Dr. Garshick recommends seeking medical help. To help you in your quest for the perfect sunburn relief products for your particular skin, we asked dermatologists for their recommendations. We focused on ingredients, types, and price to narrow down our final list. A board-certified dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article's content about sunburn treatments and how to find sunburn relief. The Editor’s Take I’m an Editor at Health, and I've interviewed countless dermatologists over the years. They often recommend one of my favorite brands: CeraVe. Their products are a must-have when it comes to soothing my sensitive skin. I rely on their Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream for bug bites and now for sunburns, too. Finding a lotion that works for sensitive skin and provides relief after sun exposure can be tricky. It’s reassuring that the same product I’ve relied on for other skin issues helps after too much sun exposure, too. -Lauren Paige Richeson, Editor What to Know Before Shopping for After-Sun Lotions and Sunburn Treatments Not all after-sun lotions are created equal, and it’s important to consider a few factors when picking the right one for you. Type of Treatments: Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells us that many over-the-counter treatments contain hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and oats. Additionally, moisturizers are important for treating sun damage because they promote the healing process while repairing the skin’s natural barrier. Severity of your sunburn: Dr. Garshick says that the more severe your burn is, the more gentle you should be with it. She recommends avoiding anything that is overly thick since this will trap the heat. Instead, seek out lightweight formulations that soothe the skin. Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, says people with sensitive skin should avoid products that contain fragrance. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Budget: Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best For Face: Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best For Lips: Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm at Dermstore $68 Jump to Review Best Cooling: SALE Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion at Amazon $14 $11 Jump to Review Best Moisturizer: Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm at Amazon $150 Jump to Review Best Body Wash: Wear SPF After Sun Cleanser at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best Spray: Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Spray at Amazon $8 Jump to Review Best Aloe Gel: SALE Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel at Amazon $25 $20 Jump to Review Best For Peeling: SALE Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi Correcting Cream at Amazon $27 $14 Jump to Review Best Overall Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion PHOTO: Coola $32 at Amazon $32 at Ulta $39 at Nordstrom Why We Like It Recommended by both Dr. Geria and Dr. Garshick, Coola’s Radical Recovery Eco-Cert Organic After-Sun Lotion is a vegan, cruelty-free, paraben and sulfate free option. Dr. Garshick says the combination of organic agave, aloe vera, and added antioxidants results in a refreshing product that doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. The antioxidants and vitamin boosters come courtesy of rosemary extract, as well as lavender, sunflower, sweet orange, and mandarin peel oils. As the name implies, it is Ecocert Cosmos Organic Certified, which is a rigorous international certification for natural and organic products. 70% of the ingredients in this product are certified organic, while 99% of the ingredients are from natural origins, and it’s suited toward sensitive skin for a sunburned face. It’s Worth Noting This pick is definitely a bit pricier than other options on our list, so it may not be ideal for everyone, but if you can afford it, it’s an excellent option. Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Agave, aloe vera, rosemary extract, lavender, sunflower, sweet orange oil Best Budget Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon $8 at Target $15 $7 at Walmart Why We Like It Banana Boat’s Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion proves that keeping your skin healthy after being in the sun shouldn’t break the bank. Dr. Geria recommends it because it contains aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin to soothe and moisturize sun-damaged skin. Glycerin can also help to keep your skin healthy by promoting elasticity, increasing hydration, and repairing the epidermal layer. Additionally, Dr. Geria likes the non-greasy, lightweight formula of this pick. It’s Worth Noting While this pick does have a pleasant odor, if you don’t enjoy scented products, this won’t be ideal for you. Product Details: Type: LotionKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin Best For Face Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream PHOTO: Amazon $14 $13 at Amazon $18 at Target $20 at Dermstore Why We Like It Weleda’s Skin Food is an excellent moisturizing cream. Although it’s available in a lighter formula, the original ultra-rich cream is a great option to fully saturate and hydrate your face. It features calendula, which has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as chamomile, which calms the skin. What makes this cream stand out from other moisturizers is that it features a base of oils and beeswax, resulting in a product that goes on thicker and leaves you with a glow without feeling overly heavy. It’s Worth Noting Since the cream is thick, it will leave some residue behind. If you prefer a cream with no trace, this won’t be ideal for you. Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Calendula, chamomile, beeswax Best For Lips Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm PHOTO: Amazon $68 at Dermstore View on Doctorrogers.com Why We Like It When it comes to helping damaged lips, Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm is a great option. Dr. Marcus recommends this product and says it can help with a wide range of skin irritations, including sunburn. She appreciates its clean formulation that features glycerin, which she recognizes for its excellent hydrating capabilities. This balm has an incredibly simple ingredient list. In addition to the glycerin, it uses castor oil to lower inflammation and hydrate skin, as well as hydrogenated castor oil, a wax that hydrates and protects the skin while also increasing the balm’s stability. All these ingredients are hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. It’s Worth Noting This pick is thicker than others on our list and will leave behind a slightly greasy finish as a result. Product Details: Type: BalmKey Ingredients: Glycerin, castor seed oil, hydrogenated castor oil Best Cooling Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion PHOTO: Target $14 $11 at Amazon $12 at Target View on CVS Why We Like It For an after-sun product that is cool to the skin, Dr. Garshick recommends Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion. It uses aloe lotion to calm and soothe the skin, as well as vitamin E, which aids in fighting the effects of aging through the elimination of free radicals. The combination of ingredients provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. While it also includes aloe vera, the lotion doesn’t leave a greasy residue and absorbs well. And like other options on our list, this cool-down lotion is gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free. It’s Worth Noting Potential buyers should be aware that this pick does have a smell of cocoa butter, which is pleasing to some but won’t necessarily be for everyone. Product Details: Type: LotionKey Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe lotion, cocoa butter Best Moisturizer Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm PHOTO: Amazon $150 at Amazon View on Tammyfender.com View on The Detox Market Why We Like It Dr. Garshick recommends Tammy Fender’s Intensive Repair Balm, which does an excellent job of not only hydrating, but also repairing damaged skin. It’s particularly enticing as it is free from parabens and sulfates, relying on natural ingredients like helichrysum, white lily, and lotus to naturally promote skin repair while also moisturizing your skin. Although it’s slightly thicker in texture, this pick doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind. Additionally, because its natural ingredients aren’t harsh, this option is recommended for use in the morning and evening, although you can also use it as frequently as needed. It’s Worth Noting This balm is pricier than many other options on our list, but the quality ingredient list, cruelty-free recipe, and overall effectiveness earn that higher price point. Product Details: Type: BalmKey Ingredients: Helichrysum, white lily, lotus Best Body Wash Wear SPF After Sun Cleanser PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon View on Wearspf.com View on Swimoutlet.com Why We Like It Wear SPF’s After Sun Cleanser helps you to handle what comes after a day in the sun. This affordable product washes away SPF once you don’t need it anymore, along with other summer related byproducts like sweat, oil, and dirt. Relying on ingredients like glycerin, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil and ceramides, this wash leaves your skin feeling hydrated after a day in the sun so you can get back out there feeling ready to handle it all over again. It’s Worth Noting If you prefer the feel of a lathering body wash, this one may not be ideal for you. Product Details: Type: Body washKey Ingredients: Glycerin, Grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, ceramides Best Spray Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Spray PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon $18 $12 at Walmart $18 $12 at Walmart Why We Like It After a long day in the sun, a nice mist can feel great on your skin. Banana Boat’s Aloe After Sun Spray takes the ingredients of other after-sun products and puts them into an easy-to-apply spray. It features aloe, cucumber extract, and vitamin E to help rejuvenate and hydrate skin that has been in the sun all day, while offering a pleasing citrus scent. Overall, it’s one of the more affordable options on our list, and it provides an amazing cooling sensation for instant relief. It’s Worth Noting Keep in mind the spray is somewhat oily and can leave a bit of a residue on your skin. Product Details: Type: SprayKey Ingredients: Aloe, cucumber oil, glycerin, vitamin E Best Aloe Gel Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel PHOTO: Amazon $25 $20 at Amazon View on Sevenminerals.com Why We Like It While there’s no shortage of brands selling aloe vera products, Dr. Geria recommends seeking out one that is free from alcohol and fragrances. We like Seven Minerals for this reason, but it also separates itself in a handful of other ways. For starters, it is NSF Organic and IASC Certified. Additionally, unlike other aloes on the market, this one is actually derived from the plant and not a powder. And, it uses agar as a thickener to prevent any residual stickiness. It’s Worth Noting If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to be aware that this product is much more potent than other aloes on the market. As a result, the brand recommends that you try it on less sensitive areas of your skin before using it everywhere to ensure that there are no adverse reactions. Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extract Best For Peeling Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi Correcting Cream PHOTO: Amazon $27 $14 at Amazon $14 at Target $30 at Ulta Why We Like It Peeling from sunburn is the result of the sloughing of skin cells due to sun damage. The best way to handle peeling from sunburn is to gently exfoliate the dead skin, then use a moisturizer to repair the damaged skin. For this, we recommend Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi Correcting Cream. Dr. Garshick suggests this cream for its excellent hydration and ability to protect your skin from additional damage. This cream features vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, and fruit stem cells, which are all geared toward repairing elasticity in the skin while also promoting hydration. Additionally, we like it because it features ectoin, which is a natural compound that has the ability to protect against damage from UV light and heat. This is crucial for ensuring that your already peeling skin isn’t further damaged if you plan to spend more time in the sun. It’s Worth Noting One drawback with this product is that it comes in a smaller container, only measuring 1.7 fluid ounces, so keep in mind you won’t be able to cover a lot of surface area with it. Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, ectoin Best For Blisters Babo Botanicals After Sun Aloe and Soothing Cucumber Mist PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $23 $15 at Walmart $23 $15 at Walmart Why We Like It Blistering from a sunburn is actually your body’s way of protecting itself, and intact blisters can help the skin to heal. Babo Botanicals After Sun Aloe and Soothing Cucumber Mist is specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind, making it ideal for sun-damaged skin. It also includes plant-based products like witch hazel, green tea, aloe, cucumber, and calendula to promote a soothing and cooling feeling. When dealing with something that can be painful like blisters, it’s wise to avoid irritants, which is another reason this product makes our list. It features no added fragrance or alcohol, and the scent is the result of cucumber extract. It’s Worth Noting One drawback to be aware of is that it may be slightly less moisturizing than other products on our list. Product Details: Type: SprayKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, witch hazel, green tea, calendula Best For Itching CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $13 at Walmart $10 at CVS Why We Like It CeraVe uses the power of cortisone cream to treat dry and itchy skin, and it combines it with other ingredients for an even more powerful anti-itch potion. The cream features hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which hydrate your skin while alleviating itchiness and dryness. Additionally, it’s fragrance-free, making it an especially enticing option for anyone with sensitive skin. Importantly, this powerful product can only be used four times a day, so make sure to keep track of how many times you apply it. It’s Worth Noting Although this product aids in itchiness and soothes your skin, it is not specifically intended to treat sunburn. As a result, it’s missing a handful of ingredients that are common in other after-sun products. Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Hydrocortisone Best Prescription Strength Cortizone 10 Anti-Itch Creme PHOTO: Amazon $8 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walgreens Why We Like It For something that is slightly more heavy-duty in ingredients, Dr. Marcus tells us that hydrocortisone is a good option. The steroid works by aiding in bringing down inflammation and Dr. Marcus notes that it can potentially help to shorten the span of a sunburn. While you can get a doctor’s prescription for hydrocortisone, there are also over-the-counter options like Cortizon-10’s Maximum Strength Plus Ultra Moisturizing. It is safe to use this product three to four times a day, making it a good choice for someone looking to alleviate the pain of a sunburn. In addition to the 1% hydrocortisone featured in this product, it also includes vitamins A and E as well as aloe to help damaged skin feel softer. It’s also a useful product to have in your home, as it will work for a handful of other ailments as well, including itchy, chapped skin and poison ivy. It’s Worth Noting While rare, some people do have allergic reactions to hydrocortisone. Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Hydrocortisone Best For Kids ThinkBaby Aloe After Sun Lotion PHOTO: Honeybug $10 $8 at Amazon View on Shophoneybug.com Why We Like It For an after-sun product that is safe for the whole family, Dr. Garshick recommends ThinkBaby Aloe Vera After Sun. In addition to featuring aloe vera to soothe and moisturize sunburned skin, she says that it’s ideal for people with sensitive skin because it’s free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. Avoiding phthalates can be particularly important for children since phthalates have been shown to potentially affect development and increase the risk of allergies. The clean ingredient list earned ThinkBaby’s Aloe After Sun Lotion a verification from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which ensures the product is free of worrisome chemicals. You can also rest easy knowing it has also only been tested on humans. It’s Worth Noting This product is a bit more costly than other options on our list. Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Aloe Vera Our Review Process To find the best after sun lotions and products on the market, we began by speaking with dermatologists to understand what people should be looking for, while also getting product recommendations from these experts. In making our picks, we focussed on a few key factors: Ingredients: We wanted to prioritize ingredients that are suited toward post sun skin health. This means ingredients that are gentle, soothing, and moisturizing.Price: Taking care of your skin shouldn’t break the bank, so we wanted to include products all along the price spectrum.Type: Everybody doesn’t love the same style of products, so this meant that we had to include a range of creams, gels, and sprays to be able to accommodate different peoples’ different demands. Our Experts In making our picks, we reached out to and spoke with a handful of dermatologists to better understand what people should seek from their after sun products. We also received product recommendations from these experts. Our experts include Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologistRebecca Marcus, MD, board-certified dermatologistAanand Geria, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Ingredients to Look for in a After-Sun Lotion for Sunburn, and What to Avoid Ingredients to Look For Hyaluronic Acid: A recommendation of Dr. Garshick, hyaluronic acid has a particularly strong water absorbency property, making it exceptional for hydration purposes. It can also promote healing and is recommended for burns in particular.Glycerin: This is another powerful tool to promote hydration. Like other moisturizing ingredients, Dr. Garshick notes they can help with repairing the skin barrier.Ceramides: These are important for skin barrier formation and are also hugely beneficial for promoting moisturization of the skin longer than other ingredients. What to Avoid: While promoting moisture is a key component for keeping your post-sun skin feeling its best, there are also a few things worth avoiding. Dr. Geria recommends avoiding ingredients that can trap heat and make the burn worse, such as petroleum based products. Dr. Garshick also advocates steering clear of things that can cause irritation like alcohol or fragrance because they can irritate and dry the skin. Who We Are Jack Byram is a writer who has been covering all things health and skincare related for Health.com since 2023. Jack has written extensively and spoken with numerous dermatologists during his writing career to better understand what people need to keep their skin looking and feeling healthy. Additionally, Jack has tested some of the above products to better speak from experience. Updated by Emily Belfiore Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 9 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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