The Best Way To Treat a Sunburn

Spent half the year waiting for summer to come around? Same. But with great sunshine comes great risk: sunburn. We’re all clued up on the perils of too much UV, however, most of us are equally guilty of forgetting our sunscreen now and then. Whether you played by the rules but forgot to do your ankles, or you’ve gone head-to-toe lobster, after-sun lotions are a saving grace. From cooling aloe gel to multi-talented lotions, these formulas help battle peeling skin, soothe sore spots, and return your skin to its former glory.

_{Prices are accurate as of July 21, 2025. Subject to change.}

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion

Gone too hard, too fast with your summer tan? No fear: Hawaiian Tropic is here. Its Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion is packed with aloe and shea butter — super enriching for skin and soothing on burns. Thanks to the coconut-papaya fragrance, you’ll smell like a Caribbean sunset, even if you’ve just been sunbathing in your backyard. This one’s a great option for those who can’t bear the sticky feel of creamier formulas.

Neutrogena Sun Rescue Replenishing Lotion

If you’re feeling a little crispy after that stint in the sun, Neutrogena’s on call to rescue your skin. Non-comedogenic, sulfate-free, and boasting an ingredients list to rival more expensive brands, this budget-friendly after-sun lotion is a must-have for your bathroom cabinet. With aloe to soothe and mint to cool, it calms redness and prevents peeling.

Burt’s Bees After Sun Soother

Burt’s Bees strikes again with another killer formula. Formulated with deeply hydrating coconut oil and cooling aloe, it helps restore moisture and calm inflammation on stressed-out skin. Whether you’re nurturing your tan or crying out “SOS” for sunburnt skin, Burt’s Bees After Sun Lotion is the go-to au natural choice.

Sun Bum Cool Down

Misjudged the UV on beach day? All’s not lost. Slather on Sun Bum Cool Down as soon as you get home, and stop that burn in its tracks. Not only does the cocoa butter and aloe formula soothe burnt skin, but this clever lotion intensifies your precious tan, too. Whether you’re peeling like a croissant or just want to lock in your golden glow, Sun Bum’s non-greasy dream cream deserves a spot in your post-sun ritual. Hot tip: Store it in the refrigerator for an extra pop of ice-cool relief. 

Sunburnt Advanced After-Sun Lotion

With organic aloe as its hero ingredient, Sunburnt Advanced After-Sun Lotion is a genie in a bottle. Whether your wish is to nourish fried skin, get gone of itchy bites, or soothe a rash, this after-sun lotion is an all-in-one skin savior. Clean-beauty devotees, rejoice: it’s free from parabens, phthalates, and dyes, meaning your skin gets all the good without the gross (and unnecessary!) additives, which could irritate your skin even more. All of this for less than the price of an Erewhon smoothie? Count me in.

Australian Gold Aloe Gel

If anyone knows how to care for sunburnt skin, it’s the Aussies. Australian Gold Aloe Gel captures nature’s finest offerings with its aloe, comfrey, lemon peel, and spearmint formula, instantly cooling scorched skin. Fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, this one’s a low-key lifesaver for anyone who forgot to reapply. So, if your shoulders are smoldering (and not in a good way), get your hands on a bottle ASAP. 

Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Prefer to keep things simple? Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel, made from freshly-cut, Texan-grown aloe leaves, is made for you. And, if you’re into credentials, it’s certified by the International Aloe Science Council — read: this aloe’s got the lab seal of approval. Slather it on after an overzealous sunbathing session or even just incorporate it into your daily skincare routine for a potent hydration shot. Housed in a recycled bottle, you’re tipping your cap to the planet as well as saving your skin.

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