The 8 Best After-Sun Skin Care Products Of 2023: An Expert’s Choice
Seal in moisture and soothe your red, irritated skin with gentle, calming formulas.
Expertise: Cosmetic Dermatology
Experience: 7 years
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.H... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Medha DebCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you are looking for the best after-sun skin care products, we have just what you need. Summer calls for more preparation than just a summer body. You need to have enough professional-grade skin care products to protect your skin from UV rays. Invest in soothing formulas that have proven efficacy in calming your skin if you get a sunburn. Here is a list of 8 post sunburn products that will ensure the tan stays without any burns on your skin. So, who is ready to enjoy a fun summer! Scroll down for more information.
In This Article
8 Best Post-Sunburn Care Products To Protect Your Skin – 2023
1. Best Non-greasy:HAWAIIAN Tropic After SunBody Butter
Image: Hawaiian Tropic This lush post-sun body butter by HAWAIIAN Tropic is infused with rich moisturizing ingredients that leave your skin super-hydrated for 12 hours. Coconut oil, shea butter, and avocado oil nourish your skin and soothe sunburns. This after sun cream has a sweet and exotic coconut scent that uplifts your senses while leaving your skin silky smooth.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Avocado oil
Pros
- Smells good
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- No residue
- Absorbed quickly
Cons
- May cause irritation.
"This tropical-scented body butter leaves my skin soft and smooth. Its quick absorption without any greasy residue wins me over. If you prefer mild products that offer decent moisturization, this might become your favourite."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 14,976 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Lightweight:BURT’S BEES Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Image: Burt's Bees The after-sun lotion by BURT’S BEES is lightweight, does not leave a greasy feeling post-application, and is absorbed easily to provide instant relief after sun exposure. This after-sun body oil contains aloe vera extracts that soothe and calm your skin. Glycerin and honey are natural humectants that form a protective barrier on the skin to hold in moisture. The coconut oil conditions your skin and minimizes any irritations. This antioxidant-rich lotion is all-natural and keeps your skin supple and healthy. Dr. Schwarzburg, Cosmetic Physician at Skinly Aesthetics, adds, “This Burt’s Bees after-sun soother is a great product to use when your skin is dried out and burned from the sun. After getting a sunburn our skin typically loses some hydration and also begins to peel. This cream will lock in the moisture and help protect your skin from becoming flaky and peeling more than usual.” The product is loved by countless reviewers and will instantly become your top favorite too!
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Honey, Aloe vera, and Coconut oil
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Lightweight
- Absorbed quickly
- All-natural ingredients
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Petroleum-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,015 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
3. Best Anti-Aging: Hanalei Island Aloe Gel Moisturizer and Sunburn Relief
Image: Hanalei The Hanalei Island Aloe Gel is made with a blend of aloe vera, papaya enzyme, and Hawaiian noni to provide hydration, nourishment, and relief from sunburns. The aloe vera soothes and heals sunburned skin, and the papaya enzyme provides gentle exfoliation to smooth and refresh the skin. Another powerful ingredient, Hawaiian noni is rich in vitamins and has antioxidant properties that help nourish and protect the skin from free radical damage. It also helps to prevent the early appearance of signs of aging. This gel is perfect for use after a day in the sun or as a daily calming moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. The lightweight formula gets absorbed quickly and leaves no greasy residue. Check out the product on Amazon if you wish to read some honest reviews before purchasing.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Papaya enzyme, and Hawaiian noni
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Lightweight formula
- Non-greasy
Cons
None
"This moisturizer eases the discomfort almost instantly - notably preventing peeling. It's absorbed effortlessly into the skin, and offers a pleasant, non-sticky finish. It's got a mild smell and has become an important part of my skin care routine."
HAWAIIAN Tropic After SunBody Butter Best Non-greasy | BURT'S BEES Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother Best Lightweight | Hanalei Island Aloe Gel Moisturizer and Sunburn Relief Best Anti-Aging | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.41 x 3.41 x 2.94 inches | 3 x 1.7 x 7.2 inches | 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches |
| Weight | 9.28 Ounces. | 3.2 Ounces | 7.41 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 14,976 | 9,015 | - |
| Price | $9.83 | $7.99 | $15.99 |
4. Best Easy To Use:Solar Recover Save Your Skin EveryDay Moisturizer
Image: Solar Recover Save Your Skin Everyday Moisturizer This hydrating moisturizer by Solar Recover replaces the lost moisture from your skin after prolonged sun exposure. It does not smear or leave a sticky feeling and is also absorbed well into your skin. This moisturizer is infused with natural anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula and chamomile oil that relieve the pain and redness caused by sunburns. The vitamin E extracts, lavender oil, and sesame oil nourish the skin, calm down flaring, and reduce pain.
Key Ingredients: Geranium oil, French seaweed, Calendula, Chamomileoil, Vitamin E, Lavender oil, and Sesame oil
Pros
- Easy to use
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- All-natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Smells good
Cons
- Does not reduce redness.
"I like its light mist and how its fragrance transports me to my favorite vacation spot. Even though I end up frequently sunburnt, using this spray overnight has always returned my skin to its natural color by morning. It is also a part of my face and neck moisturizing routine, and works great as a makeup setting spray. This product has become a must-have in my beauty routine."
5. Best Non-sticky:PETER THOMAS ROTH Cucumber Gel Mask
Image: Peter Thomas Roth This ultra-cooling gel mask by PETER THOMAS ROTH is infused with natural botanical extracts that provide instant relief post-sunburn. The papaya, orange, and pineapple extracts are rich in vitamin C and soften your skin. This after-sun mask also fades tan and gives your skin a boost of brightness. The refreshing aloe vera extracts soothe redness and calm down skin damage. The lemon extracts stimulate collagen production, fastening the healing process. Regular use of this mask detoxes your skin for a clearer complexion. Dr. Schwarzburg, Cosmetic Physician at Skinly Aesthetics, says, “This Peter Thomas Roth gel mask can be very helpful with mild sunburns to moisturize and soothe the skin, particularly with cucumber as one of its main ingredients. If you have a severe sunburn, you may want to wait for it to heal before you apply this product, as some of its ingredients, such as pineapple, can act as a mild exfoliant which isn’t ideal on sensitive sunburnt skin.” Click on this video to explore a tester’s experience with this product.
Key Ingredients: Cucumber, Papaya, Chamomile, Pineapple, Sugar maple, Sugarcane, Lemon, Bilberry, Orange, and Aloe vera
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Non-sticky
- Leaves no residue
- Absorbed quickly
- Ideal for daily use
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best Reef-Friendly:COOLA Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion
Image: Coola The COOLA Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion is made of 70% organic ingredients. It refreshes and recovers your skin from sun damage. The lotion is enriched with antioxidants like sunflower oil and aloe vera that soothe your skin and give it long-lasting hydration. It also contains lavender oil, rosemary extract, and mandarin peel, which refresh your skin and act as anti-inflammatory agents. Other ingredients include orange peel, cedar oil, and century plant extract, which give you relief from sunburns, rashes, and allergies. The lotion absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy. It has a refreshing lavender fragrance.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Agave, Sunflower oil, Lavender, Sweet orange, Mandarin peel, Rosemary extract
Pros
- Rich natural ingredients
- EcoCert certified
- Mild fragrance
- Suits all skin types
- Long-lasting results
- Absorbs quickly
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
- Dermatologist certified
- Gluten-free
Cons
None
"After a sunny day, I soothe my skin with this refreshing aftersun. My skin tone tends to quickly burn and peel, but this product keeps my skin comfortable and peel-free. The mild scent is a bonus. Though the initial application may sting a bit, by morning, any sign of sunburn or skin peeling is gone. This organic and easy-to-use product has earned a permanent spot in my summer skin care routine."
StyleCraze Says7. Best Vegan:HERBIVORE After Sun Skin Soothing Aloe Mist
This cooling mist by HERBIVORE quenches your skin after a long day in the sun. It contains aloe vera extracts that naturally soothe your skin while hydrating it. This formula induces faster healing and calms irritation. Peppermint oil, rich in menthol and known for its medicinal properties, imparts a cooling sensation to the skin. Lavender essential oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties that calm inflammation and soothes dryness. This all-natural mist is instantly absorbed into your skin and gets rid of any discomforts caused due to sunburns with ease.
Key Ingredients: Mint, Lavender, and Aloe vera
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Smells good
- Good for skin rejuvenation and skin repair
- Prevents itchy skin
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Artificial preservative-free
- Artificial color-free
- Sulfate-free Petroleum-free
- GMO-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
8. Best Cruelty-free:BADGER Blue Tansy & Lavender After Sun Balm
Image: Badger Blue Tansy & Lavender After Sun Balm This soothing After Sun Balm by BADGER restores dry skin with natural antioxidants and deeply moisturizes it. The skin conditioning ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, organic extra virgin olive oil, and jojoba oil offer optimal nourishment and soothe your skin. The enchanting Moroccan blue tansy oil and lavender work as natural after sun remedies and impart a reinvigorating tropical scent and possess antibacterial properties that relieve skin irritation. The orange and lime oil in this soothing balm quickens the healing process by improving skin elasticity.
Key Ingredients: Blue tansy oil, Organic extra virgin olive oil, Jojoba oil, Cocoa butter, Shea butter, and Lavender
Pros
- Absorbed well
- Provides itchy skin relief
- Helps in redness reduction
- Aids in sun damage repair
- Petroleum-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben- free
- GMO-free
- No synthetic chemicals
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
"I've put this balm to the test in sun-kissed summer skin and it worked wonders. It makes for a relaxing night-time routine. The product is non-sticky and made my skin feel rehydrated and smooth. It eased any sunburn discomfort. A definite staple in my travel kit."
The Bottom Line
Summer time calls for extra attention for your skin, and using sunscreen is not enough to protect your skin from sun damage. Your skin needs after-sun skin care products to protect you from the UV rays and soothe your skin if you get a sunburn. Use the HAWAIIAN Tropic After SunBody Butter for the much needed hydration after prolonged sun exposure., the BURT’S BEES Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother to repair damaged skin barrier, and the Hanalei Island Aloe Gel Moisturizer and Sunburn Relief to nourish the skin and prevent free radical damage. These post sunburn products are enriched with natural, moisturizing ingredients, and are free of harsh chemicals. They will keep the tan in place without any burns on your skin. The after-sun products mentioned above have different compositions to get the job done. However, always try to side with doctor-recommended products if you have highly sensitive skin. And, conduct a patch test before use to detect allergies.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach. She researches skin care products before recommending them. She also analyzes user reviews and opinions from trusted online platforms before listing safe and effective products. These after sun care products nourish and soothe the skin and keep it youthful and smooth without being greasy and sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do after getting a sun tan?
Suntan or UV exposure can generate free radicals, leading to skin damage. In case of a suntan, first, cleanse your skin with an after sun shower gel. Avoid immediate exfoliation after sun exposure. Apply a soothing after sun spray, gel, or cream to calm down any irritation. Finally, use a gentle exfoliator to scrape off the dead skin cells alongside the tan.
What is better for sunburn – aloe or lotion?
Aloe vera restores lost moisture and soothes your skin after a sunburn. Regular hydrating lotions may not soothe your skin, but you can invest in lotions with cooling ingredients like lidocaine, cucumber, aloe, or hyaluronic acid for sun damaged skin as they have calming effects on your skin.
Can you use after-sun lotion as a regular lotion?
Yes, you can! After-sun lotions make a great choice for daily moisturization, as they soothe your skin, boost hydration levels, and heal UV damage caused by daily sun exposure. However, after-sun lotions tend to leave a dewy finish post-application.
What is the difference between after-sun lotion and moisturizer?
Moisturizers are ideal for winters, as they moisturize your skin and nourish it. In comparison, sun lotions are ideal for summertime, as they protect your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun and prevent skin damages.
Is after-sun gel or lotion better?
It is up to you whether to use a lotion or gel. The gel may feel more cooling, and the lotion may feel more hydrating.
What is the best after-sun lotion for sensitive skin?
The non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic La Roche-Posay Posthelios After-Sun Face & Body Soothing Gel is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.
How often should you apply sunburn care products after the sun?
Use post-sunburn care products as often as needed for sunburn prevention. It is essential to keep damaged or burned skin moisturized to avoid peeling.
How long does after-sun last?
After-sun care products usually last for at least three years.
