What to Buy Skincare Products Soothe Your Skin With the 14 Best Sunburn Relief Products These top options include a wide range of ingredients to meet your individual needs. 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 July 17, 2023 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 Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Kristin Kempa 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. Board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD says the best after-sun products do not contain ingredients that can trap heat, like petroleum-based products. He also recommends steering clear of fragrances or alcohol-based ingredients, which can further irritate your skin. If your sunburn doesn’t improve with the help of over-the-counter products 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, textures, ease of application, 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Face: Weleda Ultra-Rich Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Lips: Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cooling: Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion at Amazon Jump to Review Best Moisturizer: Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best Body Wash: Maelys So-Cool After Sun Cooling Body Wash at Maelyscosmetics.com Jump to Review Best Spray: Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Spray at Amazon Jump to Review Best Aloe Gel: Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Peeling: Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi Correcting Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Coola Radical Recovery Eco-Cert Organic After Sun Lotion Coola View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta Why We Like It Organic and ethically sourced ingredients help you feel better on multiple levels. It’s Worth Noting It's pricier than other options on this list. Both Dr. Geria and Dr. Garshick recommend Coola’s Radical Recovery Eco-Cert Organic After-Sun Lotion. Geria tells us that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and doesn’t contain any parabens and sulfates. 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. Seventy percent of the ingredients in this product are certified organic, while 99% of the ingredients are from natural origins. Additionally, the ingredients are great for sensitive skin, making it an ideal product for a sunburned face. This option is a bit pricier than other after-sun products on the market, but the combination of natural and responsibly made ingredients earns the higher price point. Price at time of publication: $32 Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Agave, aloe vera, rosemary extract, lavender, sunflower, sweet orange oilSize: 5 fluid ounces Best Budget Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It It offers many great ingredients used in expensive brands at a fraction of the cost. It’s Worth Noting If you don’t enjoy scented products, this isn’t for you. Keeping your skin healthy after being in the sun shouldn’t break the bank, and Banana Boat’s Moisturizing After-Sun Lotion is a testament to that. Dr. Geria recommends it because it contains aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin to soothe and moisturize sun-damaged skin. It also includes glycerin, which can help to keep your skin healthy by promoting elasticity, increasing hydration, and repairing the epidermal layer. In terms of functionality, Dr. Geria likes the non-greasy, lightweight formula. It’s also more affordably priced than many of the other options on our list. While it does have a pleasant odor, if you don’t enjoy scented products, this won’t be ideal for you. Price at time of publication: $7 Product Details: Type: LotionKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerinSize: 16 fluid ounces Best For Face Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Dermstore Why We Like It The thick formula does a great job of hydrating and leaving you with a glow. It’s Worth Noting It’s not ideal for people who don’t like any residual trace of a product on their skin. 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. Do note that since the cream is thick, it will leave some residue. It doesn’t feel heavy on your skin and leaves a nice glow, but if you prefer a product that leaves no trace, this won’t be ideal for you. Price at time of publication: $32 Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Calendula, chamomile, beeswaxSize: 2.5 fluid ounces Best For Lips Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Cosbar.com Why We Like It With only three all-natural ingredients, this simple formula does a great job of healing all types of damaged skin. It’s Worth Noting It’s thicker than other options and can leave a slightly greasy finish. When it comes to helping damaged lips, Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm is a great option. Board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, 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. Keep in mind, this option is thicker than the other ones available. As a result, it’s great for use at night before bed but may feel too thick to put on in the morning. Price at time of publication: $30 Product Details: Type: BalmKey Ingredients: Glycerin, castor seed oil, hydrogenated castor oilSize: 0.5 fluid ounces Best Cooling Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion Target View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Why We Like It In addition to keeping skin cool, this lotion also rubs in and absorbs easily. It’s Worth Noting It has a particularly pronounced smell that may not be for everyone. 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 into the skin. Like other options on our list, this cool-down lotion is gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free. However, potential buyers should be aware that it does have a smell of cocoa butter, which is pleasing to some but not to everyone. Price at time of publication: $10 Product Details: Type: LotionKey Ingredients: Vitamin E, aloe lotion, cocoa butterSize: 3 fluid ounces Best Moisturizer Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm Amazon View On Amazon View On Tammyfender.com View On The Detox Market Why We Like It Naturally regenerative ingredients like white lily do a great job of moisturizing and repairing sunburned skin. It’s Worth Noting The texture is on the thicker side. 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, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. 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. This balm is pricier than many other options on our list, but the quality ingredient list, cruelty-free recipe, and overall effectiveness earn the higher price point. Price at time of publication: $150 Product Details: Type: BalmKey Ingredients: Helichrysum, white lily, lotusSize: 2.3 fluid ounces Best Body Wash Maelys So-Cool After Sun Cooling Body Wash Maelys View On Maelyscosmetics.com Why We Like It Coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil nourish and heal your skin while showering. It’s Worth Noting People who are sensitive to perfumes may not enjoy this product. Aside from creams and balms, there are a whole variety of products that can keep your skin feeling great. For use in the shower, we like Maelys’ So-Cool After Sun Cooling Body Wash. While moisturizing your skin is important after being in the sun, it’s also important to remove anything that has accumulated on your skin, such as sand. This option features ingredients that are great for rehydrating the skin, like sunflower seed oil and shea butter. We also love the cooling feeling this wash provides through its usage of menthol, which promotes a calming feeling. We appreciate that this option is cruelty-free and safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do note, though, that while this option is free from parabens and phthalates, it does include perfumes, so it’s not the best option if you’re sensitive to fragrances. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Type: Shower gelKey Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, shea butter, coconut oilSize: 5 fluid ounces Best Spray Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Spray Amazon View On Amazon View On Walgreens View On Walmart Why We Like It The cooling mist helps soothe damaged skin. It’s Worth Noting The ingredients leave behind a bit of a residue. 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, as well as a pleasing citrus scent. Keep in mind the spray is somewhat oily and can leave a bit of a residue feeling on your skin. Overall, though, it’s one of the more affordable options on our list, and it provides an amazing cooling sensation for instant relief. Price at time of publication: $11 Product Details: Type: SprayKey Ingredients: Aloe, cucumber oil, glycerin, vitamin ESize: 6 fluid ounces Best Aloe Gel Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Sevenminerals.com Why We Like It This product uses aloe from a plant instead of powder, and it doesn’t include any other unnecessary additives. It’s Worth Noting The potent formula may lead to reactions in some people. 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. Plus, unlike other aloes on the market, this one is actually derived from the plant and not a powder. It uses agar as a thickener to prevent any residual stickiness. 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. Price at time of publication: $25 Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extractSize: 12 fluid ounces Best For Peeling Andalou Naturals Deep Hydration Multi Correcting Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta Why We Like It In addition to its hydrating capabilities, it also features ectoin to protect against further damage. It’s Worth Noting The smaller container doesn’t allow for liberal use. 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 due to 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. 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. Price at time of publication: $18 Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, ectoinSize: 1.7 fluid ounces Best For Blisters Babo Botanicals After Sun Aloe and Soothing Cucumber Mist Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart Why We Like It Because it’s alcohol- and fragrance-free, this product won’t do anything to further irritate damaged skin. It’s Worth Noting It is slightly less moisturizing than other options on our list. Blistering from a sunburn is actually your body’s way of protecting itself, and intact blisters can help the skin to heal. As a result, it is vital not to pick at them or to pop them, as this will slow down the healing process and potentially lead to infection or scarring. While sun blisters need to heal on their own, the affected skin can still benefit from some TLC. For this, we love Babo Botanicals After Sun Aloe and Soothing Cucumber Mist. This product 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 the cucumber extract. One drawback to be aware of, though, is that it may be slightly less moisturizing than other products on our list. Price at time of publication: $15 Product Details: Type: SprayKey Ingredients: Aloe vera, witch hazel, green tea, calendulaSize: 5.5 fluid ounces Best For Itching CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On CVS View On Walmart Why We Like It The combination of cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide works to alleviate itchy and dry skin. It’s Worth Noting The cream doesn’t include other common after-sun care ingredients. 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. 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. Additionally, it can only be used four times a day, so make sure to keep track of how many times you apply it. Price at time of publication: $10 Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: HydrocortisoneSize: 1 fluid ounce Best Prescription Strength Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength, 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It The strength of the steroid hydrocortisone works to lower inflammation and shorten the length of a sunburn. It’s Worth Noting A small number of people are allergic to hydrocortisone. 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 handles a handful of other ailments as well, including itchy, chapped skin and poison ivy. Do note, though, that while rare, some people do have allergic reactions to hydrocortisone. Price at time of publication: $8 Product Details: Type: CreamKey Ingredients: HydrocortisoneSize: 2 fluid ounces Best For Kids ThinkBaby Aloe After Sun Lotion Honeybug View On Shophoneybug.com Why We Like It This option is phthalate-, sulfate-, and paraben-free to ensure that your children are safe. It’s Worth Noting It feels a bit sticky due to the aloe vera content. 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. Do note, though, that this product is a bit more costly than other options on our list. Price at time of publication: $26 Product Details: Type: GelKey Ingredients: Aloe veraSize: 8 fluid ounces How We Selected To find the best after-sun products, we spoke with experts to better understand how after these products work, what ingredients to look for, and how to use them. Experts we spoke to include: Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Once we gleaned insight from these experts, we researched numerous after-sun products. We evaluated different kinds, such as gels, creams, and sprays. Additionally, we paid attention to a range of ingredients to accommodate varying degrees of sun damage. Finally, we were sure to include products across the spectrum of prices. What to Know About Sunburn Relief Products How to Use Sunburn Relief Products Dr. Garshick says you can use sunburn relief products as needed to provide relief. It’s generally advisable to use a product twice a day or as directed. Be sure to read the specific instructions on your product as not all products are the same. Some products, particularly those that contain medications like hydrocortisone, shouldn’t be used more than three or four times a day. Type After-sun products come in a variety of different application types, from creams to gels to lotions. Dr. Marcus tells us that many over-the-counter treatments contain hydrating, anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and oats. Moisturizers are important for treating sun damage because they promote the healing process while repairing the skin’s natural barrier. She also recommends seeking out fragrance-free creams, which tend to be thicker. Ingredients When it comes to treating sunburns, there are a handful of common ingredients you can expect to find in products. For example, Dr. Marcus says aloe is soothing and has anti-inflammatory products. Dr. Geria adds that vitamin E and glycerin lower inflammation and aid in moisturizing. He also says oatmeal is a great ingredient to eliminate itching and decrease inflammation. When it comes to ingredients to avoid, Dr. Geria tells us petroleum-based products like Vaseline can trap heat and worsen a burn, as can oils and other heavy creams. He also recommends avoiding benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can cause allergic reactions. Additionally, he suggests avoiding alcohol-based products, which can dry out your skin, as well as fragrances and dyes since they can cause irritation. Severity of Sunburn Dr. Garshick says 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. Dr. Geria also says people with sensitive skin should avoid products that contain fragrance. When to See a Healthcare Provider Dr. Garshick tells us you should seek out medical attention if you are not getting any relief from over-the-counter products. Additionally, she says any blistering that covers a larger area of the body would be a good reason to seek out medical attention. Lastly, she suggests seeking medical attention if you experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or fever. Your Questions, Answered What works best on a sunburn? When picking the best product for a sunburn it is important to consider a handful of factors. For starters, be mindful of whether you have sensitive skin or not, and more importantly, if you have any allergies. Dr. Garshick recommends moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and lipids, as these will help repair the skin barrier. Dr. Garshick also adds that it is important to continue wearing sunscreen, specifically sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, in order to prevent further damage and irritation. To increase the pain relief provided by creams or lotions, Dr. Geria recommends using a cold compress, which will also decrease inflammation and pain. How long does a sunburn last? Dr. Marcus tells us the severity of a sunburn determines how long it lasts. According to Dr. Geria, a sunburn should generally improve within a few days, and skin peeling should occur within the week. More severe burns can take a few weeks to fully heal. What is the fastest way to get sunburn relief? All the experts we consulted say the fastest way to get sunburn relief is to lower inflammation and moisturize your skin to keep it healthy and repair the damaged skin barrier. Dr. Geria tells us that the quickest way to get relief is to put a cold, wet compress on the affected area for 15-20 minutes. He advocates doing this multiple times each day while supplementing with cold baths or showers and an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen. Make sure to also drink water to keep your body hydrated. What should you not put on a sunburn? When it comes to ingredients that you should avoid putting on a sunburn, Dr. Geria recommends avoiding ingredients that can trap heat and worsen the burn, such as petroleum-based products. Dr. Garshick adds that it’s wise to avoid alcohol-based products, as well as anything with fragrance, as these ingredients can irritate and dry out your skin.  Who We Are Jack Byram is a freelance writer who specializes in all things body-related. He has spoken with numerous medical experts and written countless articles about taking care of every part of your body. He is constantly trying new products to better take care of his skin and body. Updated by Emily Belfiore Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 4 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Jul;159(1):23-34. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08643.x Bilstein A, Heinrich A, Rybachuk A, Mösges R. Ectoine in the Treatment of Irritations and Inflammations of the Eye Surface. Biomed Res Int. 2021 Feb 9;2021:8885032. doi:10.1155/2021/8885032 Skin Cancer Foundation: What should I do if I get a blistering sunburn? Braun JM, Sathyanarayana S, Hauser R. Phthalate exposure and children's health. 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