It's no surprise that summer months are usually met with loads of time spent outdoors, which can also lead to increased risk of sunburn—even with dedicated sunscreen use. "Although everyone is at risk of developing a sunburn, those with fair skin are more likely to develop a sunburn, as darker skin tones have more melanin, which may provide some protection against developing a sunburn," Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York City, and adviser at BioRepublic, tells BAZAAR.com.
To help minimize the sting and irritation of overexposed skin while speeding up its repair, using one of the best after-sun products in spray, gel, or lotion form is essential. Professionals also note that while traditional body lotions or gel moisturizers can be helpful in healing sunburned skin, the best after-sun products include ingredients like aloe vera that provide a cooling or soothing effect to help reduce inflammation.
Shop the Best After-Sun Essentials
"Immediately after a sunburn, it's best to avoid thick occlusive ointments, as these can trap heat," Garshick adds. "It's best to opt for lightweight formulations of creams, lotions, or gels that have soothing benefits to help calm the skin. Sprays can sometimes make it easier to get to hard-to-reach areas, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference." After some time, you can add in other products: "Once the skin becomes dry or starts to peel, it can be helpful to consider a thicker ointment such as Vaseline Healing Jelly, as it works to support the skin barrier."
For an easy post-sun treatment your face and body can appreciate, we've pulled together some of the best after-sun products that come expert and editor approved from top brands like Glossier, La Roche-Posay, and more to keep in your beach bag this summer.
Pros
Cooling
Cons
Unlike some stickier aloe vera gels you may have used in the past, this best-selling version from the experts at Vacation has a watery texture that locks in moisture. It also has a cooling formula that helps ease tenderness from fresh sunburns while minimizing peeling.
| Key ingredients: | Aloe vera, cucumber, bisabolol, vitamin E, niacinamide, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and tremella mushroom |
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Pros
- Eco-friendly
Cons
This refreshing aloe mist from Everyday Humans features the subtle scent of cactus flower, and uses hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate parched summer skin while boosting its moisture.
| Key ingredients: | Hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, cucumber water |
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Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
For a sheet mask option to use post-sun exposure, Garshick recommends this refreshing one from BioRepublic that contains aloe vera extract, collagen, and vitamin E. "This sheet mask works to soothe dry or irritated skin, making it perfect for after-sun use," she says.
| Key ingredients: | Chamomile extract, aloe vera juice, snow mushroom extract |
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Pros
- Vegan
Cons
Here's a vegan after-sun pick from Glossier that's perfect for sensitive skin, and has even been awarded with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Its buttery formula combines glycerin and cupuaçu butter for restorative hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I would swear my life to using this product. The best moisture barrier in extreme weather and I would definitely recommend to others." —Petra S.
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Pros
- Self-tan extender
Cons
Not only does this cooling gel help to moisturize and repair skin after sun exposure, but it also contains self-tanning actives to enhance your seasonal bronzed look.
One satisfied customer writes:
"A beautiful product that smells nice, helps heal your sunburn and at the same time prolonging your tan. More expensive than aloe vera and the like, but worth it!" —Opal B.
| Key ingredients: | Vitamin E, shea, vegetable glycerin, sunflower, essential oils of marjoram and sage |
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Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
Over 8,300 Amazon customers are raving about La Roche-Posay's soothing, mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water, which Garshick recommends to gently refresh sunburned skin.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is a must have if you are looking for quick hydration and to soothe irritated skin or a sunburn. I spray this on my face a few times a day and it always leaves me feeling refreshed, especially on hot days. One bottle goes a long way. The ingredient list is super small so you know you aren't putting unneeded chemicals on your face." —Kyle G.
| Key ingredients: | Selenium |
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Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Slight fragrance may be off-putting to some
Featuring a featherweight texture that absorbs into the skin, Dior's after-sun balm quickly soothes discomfort on both your face and body in minutes.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I can not live without this product for the spring summer months. It gives your skin the healthiest glow. The finest micro shimmer I’ve ever experienced. I also enjoy the scent. Super hydrating as well." —Sarah
| Key ingredients: | Tahitian monoi extract, kau pe flower, omega-9, omega-6 |
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Pros
- Cooling
Cons
Fans of Mario Badescu's facial sprays should consider adding this cooling gel from the brand to their summer beauty rotation. It contains a blend of menthol and aloe to calm skin while reducing its overall sting and discomfort.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This is exactly what I was looking for...a cooling after-sun gel that remoisturizes my face. It's nice and light, not oily. Recommend!" —Haley C.
| Key ingredients: | Rosehip extract, rosemary oil |
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Cons
This popular lotion from Sun Bum is another of Garshick's go-tos for overexposed skin, since it's powered by ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E to restore moisture. Experts recommend applying the lotion as soon as you feel a sunburn coming on to maximize its cooling abilities.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I love this product! Picked it up on a whim because I was planning to spend some time in the California sunshine and figured I had a chance of a sunburn. Got a little red from being outdoors today and immediately applied this after a quick cold shower and it feels like there is no burn at all on my skin! It absorbed quickly and didn't leave me greasy, and didn't make my damaged skin get that tight feeling after dry-down like with some aloe-based products, which is a huge relief." —Mars
| Key ingredients: | Water, cottonseed oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, aloe barbadensis gel, vitamin E |
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Pros
- Quick-absorbing
Cons
- Subtle scent may be off-putting to some
This nongreasy body spray uses hyaluronic acid to prevent skin peeling and absorbs quickly, which means you won't have to wait long to start seeing (and feeling) its refreshing benefits.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I used this after the beach and pool in Mexico. It's lightweight, and leaves your skin with a healthy and hydrated glow. I'm going to buy more to use all summer long!" —Drew
| Key ingredients: | Water, glycerin, citric acid, sodium hydroxide |
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Pros
- Nongreasy
Cons
Another soothing after-sun product that's coveted by Amazon shoppers—more than 8,000 to be exact—this aloe- and coconut oil lotion from Burt's Bees is made with nearly 100 percent natural ingredients, and won't leave your face looking oily.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I burn very easily so I try to stay out of the sun or wear tons of sunblock so on those days when I still manage to get burned, this has been the absolute best for pain relief. I’ve used it for years. Instead of trying to drive around to see which store carries it, Amazon has made it easy. I’ve tried other things that are too greasy, sticky or just don’t work. This stuff relieves the pain, smells nice and it turns to tan rather quickly skipping the peeling part. I swear by this stuff." —Danielle S.
| Key ingredients: | Aloe vera, coconut oil |
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Pros
- Reef-safe
Cons
- Subtle lavender scent may be off-putting to some
Powered by ingredients like lavender and sunflower oils, aloe vera and more, Coola's top-rated body lotion features a vegan formula that soothes and refreshes damaged skin.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I never write reviews but everyone needs to know to buy this immediately. We were just in the Caribbean and my son and daughter got really burnt. We put this on after they showered, and before they went to bed. By morning, neither one of my children looked sunburnt at all! They did not end up peeling, or have any pain from a burn! We will never go to a Beach without this product again. It’s an absolute must have!" —Audrey
| Key ingredients: | Lavender and sunflower oils, rosemary, aloe vera |
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Pros
- Doesn't leave behind a white cast
Cons
"Even with a sunburn, it's important to use sunscreen, but best to opt for one that won’t irritate the skin or be tough to apply," Garshick says. "This mineral sunscreen blends in easily while providing SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage, helping to prevent further sun damage. It also contains an antioxidant blend to help protect and repair free radical damage that often results with a sunburn. It feels nice on the skin when applied and won’t leave it looking or feeling greasy."
| Key ingredients: | Blueberry, acai, and green tea extracts, rosa canina fruit oil, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide |
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Pros
- Cooling
Cons
Ideal for sunburned skin—or just to cool down after a tough workout—this Greek yogurt-infused gel can be used up to three times daily, and is even more effective when refrigerated.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Great after-sun: I've been using it for years. Absorbs fast and hydrates with an amazing scent! Highly recommend this product—Korres never disappoints." —DT
| Key ingredients: | Greek yogurt |
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Pros
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Has National Eczema Association seal of acceptance
Cons
While incorporating the right products is optimal for reducing skin inflammation and dryness, Garshick notes that using a gentle body care routine also plays a key component in post-sun recovery. "Not only is it important to moisturize the skin, but it is also important to avoid being too harsh on the skin," she adds. "That's why it's important to use a gentle body wash like this fragrance-free formula that's designed to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of natural oils. It also contains the microbiome nutrient serum, which helps to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier."
| Key ingredients: | Water, glycerin, lauric acid, citric acid, hydrogenated soybean oil |
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Pros
- Self-tan extender
Cons
- Subtle vanilla scent may be off-putting to some
Here's another soothing lotion that helps extend the life of your face and body tan; this one's not only hypoallergenic, but also leaves behind a pearlescent post-sun gold glow.
| Key ingredients: | Vitamin C, black currant oil, vitamin E, vitamin B5, shea butter, green tea extract, sunflower oil, ceramides |
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Pros
- Can be used as treatment mask or conditioner
Cons
This hydrating treatment and conditioner can be applied to your hair while it's damp or dry. It uses ingredients like red algae to restore hair moisture and shine after prolonged sun exposure.
| Key ingredients: | Water, red algae, glycerin, dimethicone |
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What should I look for when choosing the best after-sun products?
When considering if a formula is right for you, Garshick recommends keeping an eye out for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and antioxidants, plus hydrating ones like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that work to lock in much-needed moisture.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson
Associate Beauty Commerce Editor
Tiffany Dodson Davis is the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Don't ask her to choose a favorite fragrance—it's like picking a favorite child. As one of the brand's resident shopping experts, she specializes in trend forecasting, testing the latest beauty and wellness launches, and curating bookmark-worthy commerce guides. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in SELF Magazine, Bustle, and Teen Vogue. She's also been tapped as a commerce and beauty expert for The Business of Fashion, NPR’s Life Kit podcast, and more.
