What Dermatologists Want You to Know About After-Sun Lotions (2025)

Dr. Lal loves the lightweight formula of this after-sun lotion that helps hydrate the skin “immediately after a sunburn or sun exposure.” It’s also recommended by Dr. Luke, who notes that it contains a variety of antioxidants that protect skin against free radicals that occur following sun exposure or damage. “It also has hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol (a form of vitamin B), shea butter, and vitamin E,” Dr. Luke adds.

What reviewers say: “I had to use this on vacation and it worked perfectly! I don’t like using after-sun products because they’re more like putting sticky gel on my skin and won’t absorb...gross!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “This cream, however, is excellent at cooling off my skin and absorbing into it. It keeps my skin moisturized while soothing the burn.”

Formulated with soothing aloe vera and vitamin E, this nourishing lotion from Banana Boat hydrates parched skin. It’s an affordable option that shoppers appreciate for its ability to sink quickly into the skin without skimping on moisture.

What reviewers say: “I got this after getting severe sunburn and it’s been great! Mine came with a pump and is neither too thick nor thin. It melts into the skin, it just takes a few minutes,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I love how it soothes and moisturizes my dry/sensitive skin. I haven’t felt dry, itchy, or sweaty in weeks. I SWEAR BY THIS STUFF!”

“This lotion has aloe vera, mint, and vitamin E,” says Dr. Luke, who adds that it “can also be used in people with sensitive skin since it is formulated without dyes, parabens, or sulfates.” It’s also a top pick of Dr. Lal’s, who appreciates the well-rounded ingredient list and that it helps cool and calm the skin.

What reviewers say: “Absolutely love this product. We used it after our trip to the beach and being burnt. It worked great for moisture and lessened peeling,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Love that it’s not greasy, feels light, doesn’t feel like it clogs my pores, and has a light scent. Once it’s rubbed into your skin there is not a sticky feeling like many lotions.”

Dr. Lal appreciates that this after-sun lotion from Coola contains an array of skin-loving ingredients, like aloe vera which “is very nourishing.” He points out that the shea butter and sunflower seed oil in the formula are great moisturizers while the variety of essential oils may “help heal the skin” following a mild sunburn.

What reviewers say: “I have tried a lot of after-sun creams post-tanning or post-burning...this is by far the best one, I wish it was larger but it actually works so well,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It calms down the redness...and at least lowers the amount of peeling. It’s so good and not sticky.”

Avène’s lightweight emulsion from the popular Cicalfate+ line is an excellent choice for reviving your complexion following sun exposure. It’s designed for use post-procedure or post-tattoo, so you can rest assured that it can help calm a sunburn. “This product helps restore the skin barrier and provides hydration to the skin,” explains Dr. Luke. “It has copper which helps with skin recovery, Avène thermal spring water (which has been shown to soothe and calm the skin), niacinamide (which can calm skin and reduce redness), as well as hyaluronic acid to smooth and hydrate the skin.”

What reviewers say: “I used this cream to calm down my skin after microneedling and I think it did a good job,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It definitely soothes the skin and feels cool on the irritated skin. I can imagine this would soothe burns and other raw skin situations.”

When it comes to burns, including sunburns, “don’t minimize the need for topical steroids,” says Dr. Lal. He recommends using a 1% hydrocortisone ointment on mild to severe burns as the steroid “will help reduce inflammation.” We like this option from Aquaphor, which is fragrance-free and contains soothing ingredients like glycerin and panthenol. However, if your burn is severe enough to cause extreme discomfort or blistering, see your doctor for the best course of treatment. Also be sure to check with your dermatologist before adding a topical steroid to your routine.

What reviewers say: “I was surprised how well it worked on mosquito bites and post-sunburn itchy skin,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It must be the Aquaphor because the regular 1% hydrocortisone cream didn’t work this well.”

This popular option from Sun Bum provides a cooling sensation that can be particularly soothing following a mild sunburn. Plus, Dr. Lal recommends it for standout ingredients aloe vera and cocoa butter, which both help nourish and moisturize dry skin.

What reviewers say: “This stuff is like magic,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It is so easy to use, it literally got rid of my burn over night. It is very travel-friendly and durable, it has a gel consistency that absorbs fast, it was surprisingly really moisturizing, and had a very nice scent.”

“My go-to, my favorite, is this Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream,” raves Dr. Lal. “When your skin is compromised, inflamed, red, or painful, you put it on and it’s just amazing. It has a special post-biotic complex, thermal spring water, and its meant for use on even broken skin.” The multipurpose product boasts 45 uses, including after-sun exposure, post-procedure, cracked or chapped skin, and generally compromised skin. It would be ideal for use on the face or for areas that receive the most sun, like the tops of the shoulders or chest. While I’ve never used it for sun-exposed skin, I use it nightly on my extra-dry skin as a result of my Accutane (oral acne medication) treatment, and can’t recommend it enough.

What reviewers say: “After being in California and getting too much sun for a week this cream repaired my skin overnight,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “First time using, but now a staple in my drawer!”

Also a staple of mine throughout my journey on Accutane—a medication known for producing extremely dry lips, Dr. Lal recommends this lip balm for those with sunburnt lips. “Cortibalm is the best, it’s my favorite,” he says. It contains hydrocortisone, an ingredient Dr. Lal recommends for sun-exposed skin in general, in a convenient tube. While this product is great for soothing the lips, Dr. Lal says you should make sure you are using a lip balm with SPF while outside, especially if you already have a sunburn.

What reviewers say: “I bought this after my lips got sunburned and cracked at the corners of my mouth,” one reviewer wrote. “It literally soothed them from the first use. My skin is so smooth and hydrated now.”

The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a popular choice for soothing skin, and Dr. Luke is also a fan of this spray version, which she says “makes it easier to apply to hard-to-reach areas such as the back and shoulders.” The spray is formulated with the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, which Dr. Luke notes is rich in minerals that have soothing and antioxidant properties as well as vitamin B5 and glycerin to nourish and hydrate skin. This spray could also be used underneath creams or lotions to amp up moisture even further.

What reviewers say: “My dermatologist recommended this brand of skin care for my aging skin,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I love the whole line. This spray helps my skin retain moisture and I like that I can reapply any time of the day. Will buy again and again.”

While this lotion is advertised as a “tan extender” (and we highly recommend against laying in the sun for the sake of “browning” your skin), the product’s ingredients (aloe vera, macadamia nut oil, and glycerin) are excellent for nourishing your skin following a day in the sun, burn or not. It’s been a favorite of mine for years—any time I have gotten an accidental sunburn this lotion soothes my skin and reduces redness overnight. Plus, the scent (which is very light) smells amazing and makes me feel like I’m on vacation.

What reviewers say: “I have been using this product for years and there really is nothing like it!” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “It truly extends my tan and lessens the likelihood a burn if I apply it consistently after sun exposure. I’ve tried different products over the years but always come back to this!”

If you’re looking for something a little thicker, try this reviewer-loved body butter from popular brand, Hawaiian Tropic. This coconut-scented cream has nearly 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon thanks to its intensely moisturizing formula, non-greasy texture, and luxurious aroma. It contains standout ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil to nourish your post-sun skin.

What reviewers say: “This product is a must. First of all, it smells like a tropical escape. It’s lightweight and silky smooth. Perfect after a day of sun exposure. Doesn’t leave a greasy feeling,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Quality product. Recommend for anyone wanting to add a feeling of escape to their after-sun skincare routine.”

This after-sun gel from Vacation boasts an elegant, non-sticky formula that quenches and rejuvenates skin. It’s also alcohol-free, making it great for those experiencing dryness, and claims to prevent peeling. Just a few of the standout ingredients include aloe vera, bisabolol (known for its ability to soothe the skin), cucumber, vitamin E, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid.

What reviewers say: “I misjudged the amount of sun I got on the 4th of July and ended up with a pretty wicked sun burn. This gel saved me!” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “It is very soothing, cooling, and gentle. When it dried my skin felt hydrated and not sticky. The best part is that my sunburn healed and I never peeled.”

This lotion is well-equipped to soothe and nourish sun-exposed skin with a blend of coconut oil, glycerin, aloe vera, and sunflower seed oil. Shoppers appreciate how it helps relieve pain post-burn and speed up the healing process sans dryness or peeling.

What reviewers say: “Best product I’ve ever used for treating sunburn. It works great on sensitive skin too,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “I have not peeled from a sunburn since I started using this product 10 years ago. I just slather it on after being in the sun and it rehydrates my skin, so I keep the tan and don’t look like I’m molting. It reduces itching, heat radiating, and pain associated with sunburn.”

✔️ Look for soothing ingredients. When choosing an after-sun lotion or gel, the first thing you’ll want to identify are ingredients proven to nourish and moisturize the skin. Dr. Luke suggests looking for a formula with aloe vera to soothe and replenish the skin, as well as antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin B which help fight free radicals and skin damage following sun exposure. Dr. Lal also recommends keeping an eye out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to replenish hydration levels in skin that’s left dry from the sun.

✔️ Avoid irritants. Dr. Lal emphasizes that you should choose a formula that is safe for sensitive skin, especially if you have a sunburn. He cautions that a lot of after-sun products or aloe vera gels contain alcohol, which can sting and irritate skin that’s already inflamed and vulnerable. “In an ideal world, if you have an acute sunburn, you should get fresh aloe leaf—that’s the best,” he says.

✔️ Protect your skin moving forward. Mistakes happen, but if you get a sunburn, get back on track with your sun protection ASAP. Consider opting for a mineral sunscreen on sensitive, sun-exposed skin as chemical sunscreens have the potential to irritate skin that’s already inflamed. “Get a mineral sunscreen, because that will help protect your skin from ongoing damage,” Dr. Lal says.