Summer is quickly approaching and everyone is restocking their sunscreen supply in the hopes of avoiding a dreaded sunburn (though you really should be wearing it every single day, according to dermatologists). Luckily, sunburn-soothing products exist and can help soothe skin post-burn.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, some people are more prone to sunburns but that doesn't mean others aren't susceptible. "Anyone can get burned," the site states.
People most often associate sunburn with extreme redness or peeling skin, but it can appear in these other forms as well, so it's important to be vigilant about sunscreen application (and reapplication) and monitoring these symptoms.
What is sunburn-soothing lotion? | Ingredients to look for | Best sunburn-soothing products | How we chose | Meet the experts
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What is a sunburn-soothing lotion?
Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, notes that the main purpose of sunburn soothing products or lotion is to rehydrate the skin after experiencing a burn or prolonged sun exposure.
“They help to rehydrate and soothe the skin with cooling and hydrating ingredients and also help alleviate any swelling, redness and itching,” says Jacobs.
Ingredients to look for
When shopping for a lotion designed for soothing sunburns, you’ll want to look for a product with aloe vera. “Aloe vera is great because it is anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
You can even use it directly from the plant, but you should ensure that it is fragrance free.” She adds that other key ingredients to search for when shopping include shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Best sunburn-soothing products, according to experts and editors
Vitamin-packed option: Dr. Dan’s Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion
- Contains vitamins A and C
- Anti-itch
- Small Amount
Size: 2.5 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrocortisone
“This hand and body lotion has hydrocortisone, which decreases the inflammation associated with sunburn,” says Dr. Maral Skelsey, director of The Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University.
“I like it because the urea in it is intensely hydrating and it also contains antioxidants like vitamin A and C, which help sunburned skin return to normal.”
A tried-and-true option: Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
- Doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate
- Affordable
- It may have an unpleasant odor
Size: 16 fl oz. | Key ingredients: Aloe, vitamin E and glycerin
Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist based in Boston, recommends this soothing gel. “Aloe vera is the OG after-sun ingredient. This inexpensive gel is a great one to keep around.”
Paraben-free pick: Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion
- Compatible with all skin types
- Lightweight formula
- Has a light fragrance
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, vitamin E and shea butter
“This is a great option for after sun exposure as it hydrates the skin with antioxidants like shea butter, vitamin E, and glycerin to help soothe and rehydrate,” says Jacobs. “This also works well for all skin types as it is hypoallergenic and paraben-free.”
Quick to absorb: Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
- Parabens, phthalates and petroleum-free
- Leaping bunny certified
- Smell can be unpleasant for some
Size: 6 oz. | Key ingredients: Aloe and coconut oil
“The Burt’s Bees after-sun soother is fast to absorb and very hydrating, which is ideal for parched, burned skin,” says Hirsch.
Loved by experts and editors: Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion
- Available in multiple sizes
- Vegan
- May feel sticky
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E, cocoa butter and aloe
“This formulation contains aloe, which hydrates and soothes with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, says Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. It also contains tea tree leaf oil, which has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Celia Funderburk, a Shop TODAY intern, she need "a good aloe vera" and that this is her favorite. "It feels so luxurious and smells so good, like I am really treating my skin well after I accidentally burn it. Would definitely recommend!"
Sierra Hoeger, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, is also a fan. She says, "I only exclusively use Sun Bum sunscreen, so it’s no surprise that I also trust and use their post-sun care products as well. This aloe vera lotion is cool to the touch, calming down any sunburn or intense tan you have, helping your skin feel and look better the next day."
Hoeger continues, "Before using this product, my sunburns would last for days, and things like showers and hugs would hurt. After using this product, my sunburns are more manageable and aren’t as visible within hours."
Helpful for healing: Weleda Calendula Body Lotion
- Made for children/babies
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Greasy
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Water, calendula, sesame oil, sweet almond oil, glycerin
Skelsey also recommends this sensitive skin lotion. “This body lotion contains calendula, which is a healing ingredient that’s great for superficial burns.”
Simple, yet effective: Avène Thermal Spring Water
- Water-based
- Can be used regularly
- Big price tag
Size: 10.1 oz. | Key ingredients: Water and nitrogen
“The light, cool mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes sunburned skin. It helps to ease the hot sensation that results from a burn, and contains trace minerals that can decrease irritation,” says Dr. Allison Arthur, board-certified dermatologist at the Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando, Florida.
“It can be used as often as needed, and should be followed by application of a moisturizer.”
Ideal for blistering: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Affordable
- Unscented
- Odd consistency
Size: 14 oz. | Key ingredients: Petroleum, mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin and bisabolol
“When someone gets a bad sunburn, I usually recommend staying out of the sun completely to let it heal,” said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, who runs BAXT CosMedical in Bergen County, New Jersey. “If you start to blister, Aquaphor is a great option.”
Cold-pressed and cooling: Amara Beauty Aloe Vera Gel
- Easily absorbed by the skin
- Sensitive-skin friendly
- Its color may vary
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, xanthan, ascorbic acid and citric acid
“This is a great product for relief of mild to moderate sunburns," says Dr. Bobby Y. Reddy, an instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. "It has a lightweight formulation and absorbs easily. It's formulated without added alcohol, color or fragrances, so it's especially helpful for those with sensitive skin."
99% organic option: Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Can be used on both skin and hair
- Doesn't have a scent
- It's a big bottle
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Certified organic aloe vera and seaweed extract
"Aloe vera and cucumber are great natural sunburn treatments, and this aloe gel is one of my favorites. It can be used on skin or hair, but must be refrigerated. Believe it or not, the aloe actually feels even more soothing when the gel is cool," says Edyta Jarosz, aesthetician at Schafer Clinic in New York City.
Lavender-infused lotion: COOLA Radical Recovery After-Sun Moisturizing Lotion
- Parabens and sulfates free
- Contains antioxidants
- Expensive
Size: 5 oz. | Key ingredients: Aloe vera, organic agave, rosemary extract, water
“Coola Radical Recovery After Sun body Lotion is a great option as it contains organic agave and aloe which is anti-inflammatory in addition to lavender and sunflower oils which are moisturizing,” explains Jaliman.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best sunburn soothing, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by dermatologists. We also asked editors on our team to provide information on their favorite after-sun products.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist, assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of “Skin Rules” (Saint Martin’s Press).
- Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, is the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care.
- Dr. Maral Skelsey is a board-certified dermatologist, is the director of The Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington. She's also a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University.
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Dr. Allison Arthur is a board-certified dermatologist based in Orlando, Florida.
- Dr. Rebecca Baxt is a board-certified dermatologist based in Paramus, New Jersey at Baxt Cosmedical.
- Dr. Bobby Y. Reddy, MD, is also board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Edyta Jarosz is a New York-based aesthetician at Schafer Clinic.