13 Best After-Sun Lotions for Sunburn Relief, Approved by Dermatologists

David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York, says you don’t need to use a dedicated after-sun product—in fact, most of his top recommendations, including this one from CeraVe, are traditional creams and moisturizers. He likes that the drugstore pick is suitable for daily use but also helps restore your skin barrier after sun exposure. “It’s very hydrating without feeling greasy,” he says. “Plus, it’s suitable for both face and body, repairs the skin quickly, and, because it doesn’t have fragrance, is well-tolerated by most people.”

The cream has been a go-to for me for years, because it instantly smooths any rough spots on my very dry skin—no tacky residue—and leaves it smooth and hydrated for hours. Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin counts it as a favorite, too, telling Glamour it doesn’t flare up her eczema. In fact, it can help relieve itchiness associated with a compromised skin barrier, whether from dry skin or sun burn.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 19 oz.

• What we love: Suitable for sensitive-skin types; accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA); budget-friendly
• What could improve: Some users say the jar format can be messy

This gel-based lotion delivers exactly what sensitive, sun-stressed skin needs: hydration without the additives that can cause further irritation. “Its prebiotic oat and feverfew provide a calming, cooling effect that hydrates without clogging pores,” says William Shipman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California.

You can tell it’s gel-based by how easily it spreads—it has a pillowy texture that melts into skin effortlessly. A dime-size amount covered my entire arm, leaving it velvety smooth with a noticeable cooling effect. And even when my legs were so dry they were starting to flake, this lotion took care of it instantly. I also appreciate that although it’s fragrance-free, it still smells pleasantly fresh—not at all medicinal or clinical.

Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew, aloe vera / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 12 oz.

• What we love: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; noncomedogenic; a little bit goes a long way; ultra-hydrating
• What could improve: Finish feels a little slick at first

Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skin care brand Btwn, recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm because it’s incredibly effective at both hydrating and reducing inflammation in the skin after sun exposure.

We like that it’s very gentle and nonirritating, but also that it’s ultra-moisturizing since it’s an ointment and has a higher concentration of oil and a lower concentration of water. Still, reviewers say it doesn’t feel as greasy or oily on skin as your typical ointment. Instead, it absorbs quickly and leaves no lingering scent.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin B₅, madecassoside / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 1.35 oz.

• What we love: Highly moisturizing; absorbs quickly for an ointment; fragrance-free
• What could improve: Takes longer to work into skin

This may be a no-frills drugstore product, but there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. The texture is almost watery, which makes it incredibly easy to spread. And unlike many after-sun gels, it’s not the slightest bit sticky, either while drying or once fully absorbed.

It does take a few minutes to dry down completely, but that lingering coolness is part of the appeal, especially on sunburned or overheated skin. (Pro tip: Pop it in the fridge for an extra-refreshing boost.) While it’s not the most hydrating option in our lineup, it’s a fast, effective fix for calming sunburned skin—whether on your body or your face.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera extract, glycerin / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 16.2 oz.

• What we love: Soothes sunburn fast; affordable and easy to find; can be refrigerated for even more cooling properties
• What could improve: Takes a few minutes to fully absorb

Dr. Green’s go-to sun soother contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin, and vitamin E to prevent further damage after UV exposure. Plus, it has licochalcone A and glycyrrhetinic acid, two compounds with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated, inflamed skin, she says.

We like that this product is widely available in drugstores and that it’s hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including the more sensitive and acne-prone. Unfortunately, it does contain some fragrance, which could be a potential irritant.

Key ingredients: Licochalcone A, glycyrrhetinic acid, vitamin E, shea butter / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6.8 oz.

• What we love: Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula is great for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin
• What could improve: Contains fragrance, which is a skin irritant

This highly rated body lotion was recommended by not one but two dermatologists we spoke to—and it’s easy to see why. The lightweight, silky formula glides on effortlessly, so a little goes a long way. In testing, my skin felt noticeably smoother, and I experienced an instant cooling effect that lingered for several minutes or more. It’s especially satisfying post-sun, when skin feels dry, irritated, or even a little sunburnt.

Unlike many aloe-based gels, this lotion absorbs completely without leaving behind any sticky residue—just extra-smooth skin. The fresh, clean scent was also a pleasant surprise. If you ask me, it’s exactly what you’d want to smell like fresh out of the shower.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, mint extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6.7 oz.

• What we love: Cooling on contact; hydrating; fast-absorbing; smells great
• What could improve: Some users say they’d prefer a pump format

This rich, velvety moisturizer includes a blend of botanical hydrators like shea butter, mango seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive extract—all of which work to seal in moisture and smooth the skin’s surface, says Dr. Humphrey. It also contains aloe, which is known for its soothing properties. On the downside, says Dr. Humphrey, it does contain fragrance and preservatives, both of which “carry a low potential for irritation in sensitive skin.”

Dr. Humphrey also says this body butter’s thick, nourishing texture may be ideal for those with drier skin types, which was spot on in my evaluations. My dry, slightly sunburnt skin soaked it right up and stayed soft for hours. But the whipped texture meant it wasn’t at all greasy—just silky. And don’t even get me started on that dreamy coconut scent. I feel like I’m back on vacation when I wear this.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut butter, mango seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive extract, aloe / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 8 oz.

• What we love: Silky whipped texture; both moisturizing and soothing; no residue; great scent
• What could improve: Does contain fragrances and preservatives that could be irritating to sensitive skin types

“This after-sun lotion has a gel-cream texture that is great for applying right after a cool shower,” says Dr. Chin. “It has a natural, minty scent that assists with the cooling effect, while aloe, bisabolol, sea buckthorn, and a blend of natural oils add moisture back to the skin.”

Reviewers are quick to praise the lightweight gel texture, noting it applies like a dream and absorbs super quickly without any stickiness whatsoever. Even those with more sensitive skin say they haven’t experienced any issues, thanks to the gentle formula’s lack of fragrance.

Key ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 8.4 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight gel texture; instantly cools skin; fragrance-free
• What could improve: Some say the menthol-esque scent is a bit strong

Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray earns top marks for its ultra-fine mist, which distributes product evenly without the need to rub it in—ideal when skin feels tender and sun-stressed. And while it doesn’t deliver the same immediate cooling effect as some other formulas we tested, ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and cucumber extract help hydrate and calm irritation. In testing, skin felt noticeably softer and more comfortable for hours after application.

The finish is slightly oily—similar to a dry body oil—which some users appreciate for its added moisture, though others may not love the slick texture. Still, it stands out as a convenient, no-mess option for soothing post-sun skin without the hassle of slathering on a thick gel or lotion.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6 oz.

• What we love: Convenient hands-free application; fine mist applies evenly; refreshing scent; moisturization lasts for a long time
• What could improve: Feels a bit oily on the skin; not instantly cooling

In addition to being plant-based, this mist from Babo Botanicals stands out for its unique, lotion-like texture. Unlike finer sprays—like the one we tested from Sun Bum—it requires rubbing in, but the formula is soft, silky, and easy to apply. Once absorbed, it feels lightweight yet delivers lasting hydration.

Free from fragrance, alcohol, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, it’s an excellent option for sensitive skin, those avoiding potentially irritating additives, or families with young kids. It’s one of the gentlest, simplest, and most effective after-sun formulas we tested.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, cucumber extract, green tea leaf extract, witch hazel / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 5.5 oz.

• What we love: Plant-based formula; suitable for all skin types, including children; lightweight texture that spreads easily and is deeply hydrating
• What could improve: Mist isn’t as fine as some others; not instantly cooling

This lightweight lotion has a silky, slippery texture that spreads effortlessly and soaks in quickly, so you can get dressed right away without any stickiness. The scent is soft and refreshing—subtle enough to please without overpowering—and the formula leaves newly tanned skin feeling smooth and hydrated, not tight or dry.

After a day in the sun, it’s exactly what you want to reach for. Since I started using it, my tan has looked fresh and glowing—not dry or flaky—and it’s quickly become my go-to for keeping skin nourished long after pool or beach time. It’s also gained a cult following on TikTok, where fans rave about its smoothing, moisturizing effects.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera gel; macadamia nut oil; vitamins A, C, E; glycerin / Fragrance: No / Size: 8 oz.

• What we love: Lightweight, silky texture; spreads easily and absorbs quickly; soft and refreshing scent
• What could improve: May not be ideal for sensitive skin, since it contains fragrance