The 9 best aftersun lotions for everything from relieving sunburn to preventing insect bites
Designed to relieve discomfort, our beauty team deem these tried and tested aftersun formulas essential for the summer months
The best aftersuns work to nourish and rehydrate parched skin, as well as providing a dose of cooling relief if you've been caught out by sunny weather. A summer staple, they work alongside the best facial sunscreens and bodycare suncreams to protect our skin in hot weather.
“Sun damage caused by UVA radiation is practically irreversible as it damages the skin at a DNA level, which is hard to undo,” says Dr Catharine Denning, aesthetic doctor and the founder of the Marylebone Skin clinic. If, however, you do experience a degree of sunburn (we’ve all been there), it’s important to support the skin in healing itself. This is where aftersun lotion comes in, an essential when it comes to how to treat sunburn easily.
“A good aftersun lotion can calm and soothe sun-exposed skin,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, aesthetic doctor and the founder of the Illuminate Skin Clinic. “Regardless of whether you’ve burnt your skin or not, aftersun will help to restore a healthy moisture balance,” she continues. Our edit of the best aftersun lotions, tried, tested and reviewed by our team of experienced beauty journalists will help you find the right product for you.
The best aftersun lotions, reviewed by our beauty team
Whether you’re looking for a reliable and affordable aftersun, a multitasker that replaces self-tanner or mosquito repellent, or something that’s more of a first-aid essential for sunburn than a post-sun moisturiser, these are all the best aftersun lotions to keep handy this summer.
Product type: Spray | Key ingredients: Bio aloe vera, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
There are some products that simply endure, and Nivea’s After Sun Spray is one of them. A reliable staple that has earned its place in many beach bag over the decades, this is the kind of product you never really think to question because it consistently does exactly what it promises. With a spray mechanism that makes for effortless quick, even and mess-free application, it’s precisely what you want when your skin is hot and tender - or you just need a quick hit of hydration before heading down to dinner.
While the formula is quite thin and watery, so perhaps not the best if you want intense nourishment, its lightweight feel means no heaviness or stickiness. It creates that icy cool sensation as soon as it hits the skin and genuinely soothes even the most stubborn sunburn, while the aloe vera works to hydrate and calm the skin. And the nostalgic scent is just a bonus. At this price point, it's an easy, unthinking add-to-basket every summer, and one that never disappoints.
Pros
- Easy and mess-free application
- Soothes and hydrates skin
Cons
- Thin formula
Product type: Lotion | Key ingredients: Aloe Vera, shea butter, glycerin
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
Aloe Vera is one of the most popular skincare ingredients that’s renowned for its anti-inflammatory and skin cooling properties. Hence why it plays a starring role in so many aftersun lotions. Find it in abundance in this purse-friendly pick from Garnier that’s racked up hundreds of five-star reviews. Loved for its refreshing texture, this formula is a total joy to apply – sinking into the skin quickly, cooling it down as it goes.
Thanks to Aloe vera and glycerin (a humectant), it’s also super hydrating and, according to the brand, provides 24 hours of hydration. While we can’t validate this precise claim, we can say that our skin felt nourished and smooth after application. Our top tip? Store this aftersun in the fridge for an extra refreshing boost – you’ll thank yourself after a hot summer’s day. The only downside worth mentioning is that this product does contain fragrance, which, though it gives off a lovely scent, may be irritating for some.
Pros
- Affordable and nourishing
Cons
- Scented
Product type: Gel | Key ingredients: Aloe vera
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
When sunburn goes beyond the realm of a standard aftersun and into genuinely uncomfortable territory, this is the product to reach for. Banana Boat's Aloe Vera Gel is pure, concentrated relief, and for severe cases specifically, it is hard to beat.
The reason it works so well for more serious burns comes down to its formula. A high-concentration aloe vera gel delivers an intense, sustained cooling effect directly to inflamed skin, calming redness and reducing that deep, radiating heat far more effectively than a standard moisturising spray or lotion would. Where other aftersuns soothe, this one genuinely intervenes.
It's worth noting, however, that the gel does leave a slightly tacky, sticky finish on the skin, which, for everyday or casual aftersun use can feel a little uncomfortable. This is not really a ‘reach for it after a light tan’ situation, think of it instead as the first aid option in your sun care kit - the one you're very glad to have when you really need it.
Pros
- Instant and intense sunburn relief
Cons
- Slightly sticky finish
Product type: Lotion | Key ingredients: Aloe vera, Citrepel®75, lavender, peppermint
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
With a deeply hydrating and immediately cooling effect on the skin, this reliable lotion is just as effective on a mild case of sunburn as it is after a long day of sunbathing. The kind of product you find yourself reaching for the moment you step out of the sun, it's genuinely soothing and leaves skin refreshed and nourished.
What sets it apart though, is the addition of insect repellent, without any of the clinical, chemical heaviness you'd associate with a traditional DEET formula. There's no sticky residue, no harsh smell, just a clean, natural finish that actually feels pleasant to apply. I wore it every evening throughout a trip to the Maldives during peak mosquito season (there was even an 'unusually high activity' warning note on my bedside table) and I didn't get a single bite. For a natural formula that comes in under £20, that's a seriously impressive result. As a fortunate beauty editor who gets to test a lot of products, I don't usually spend money on much, but this is one product I rebuy myself every time I go away.
Pros
- 3-in-1 formula that works as moisturiser, aftersun and insect repellent
- Great price for what you get
Cons
- Doesn't have that icy cool feel that some typical aftersuns have
Product type: Lotion | Key ingredients: Glycerine, vitamin E
Reviewed by: Aleesha Badkar
A good aftersun that also builds your tan in minutes? At this price point, it feels almost too good to be true, but this is one of those quietly brilliant multitaskers that genuinely delivers on both fronts. Used in the traditional sense, it works well as an after sun - hydrating, comfortable and easy to apply - but it's the self-tan element that makes it genuinely exciting.
The formula develops into a natural-looking, streak-free finish that enhances existing colour without any of the patchy, uneven results that can usually plague even the best instant tans. It's subtle enough to look like skin rather than product, and for me, has replaced most of the best fake tans in my collection, as - even if I’ve not been in the sun - a few swipes of this beautifully moisturising lotion before an event and I’m left with natural-looking warmth that looks like I’ve just caught the sun. For a product at this price, the fact that it pulls double duty so effectively makes it one of the best value aftersun buys in my opinion. A reliable staple that earns its place in my routine long after any holiday is over.
Pros
- A time-saving, self-tanning 2-in-1
- Nourishing and refreshing on the skin
- Warm, even colour
Cons
- It’s more of a fake tan than tan enhancer, so be careful if you don’t want any extra colour
Product type: Lotion | Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
This aftersun from US-born Sun Bum ticks all our boxes and then some. We love the easy-to-squeeze bottle, the subtle summery scent and the lighter-than-light formula that cools on contact with the skin and is jam-packed with conditioning ingredients. In fact, as far as aftersun formulas go, this is up there with the very best in the business. Aloe vera and cocoa butter hydrate and soothe skin while vitamin E repairs and replenishes moisture loss from sun damage – which we definitely noticed when applying it to our own skin.
If we’re completely honest, we’re not all that surprised to find that this aftersun is so darn good – considering the brand works between California and Florida, where temperatures soar. Initially created for their friends, the founders decided to spread the love and launch their products online – and for that, we thank them. As well as the ingredients mentioned above, the formula is also brimming with antioxidants and is both hypoallergenic and vegan-friendly. Like we said, it ticks all our boxes.
Pros
- Super cooling formula
Cons
- Scented
Product type: Balm | Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, glycerin, shea butter
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay is known for its effective formulations that are non-irritating and especially well-suited for anyone following a skincare routine for sensitive skin. And the brand's latest product, AP+M, is no exception. While it’s not marketed as an aftersun lotion, this nourishing balm has been specifically formulated to soothe and repair dry, itchy skin – something that many of us experience after time spent in the sun.
Unlike other "aftersun" lotions, we will point out that this one doesn’t have a deliberate cooling effect – but we did fid that it deeply moisturiseed and comforted our skin. In our opinion, it's up there with the best La Roche Posay products of all time. This is thanks to the line-up of dermatologist-approved ingredients including hydrating glycerin, moisturising shea butter, and the brand’s soothing thermal spring water. It’s also fragrance-free and suitable for use on eczema-prone skin.
Pros
- Recommended by dermatologists
Cons
- Not cooling
Product type: Milk | Key ingredients: Glycerin, lanolin, water
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
When it comes to skincare, French beauty brands are a cut above the rest and this aftersun lotion from Institut Esthederm is no exception. Getting our vote for one of the best skincare products around, this is a fuss-free and non-irritating formula that's suitable for pretty much everyone. We found the lightweight fluid has a milky texture that soaks in seamlessly without feeling sticky or greasy. Instead, our skin felt soft, supple and instantly soothed. It's also Dr Shotter's go-to, who says: “I am a huge fan of the Insitut Esthederm Aftersun Repair, which gently soothes the skin and makes it feel cooler and nourished."
As well as providing instant relief, the aftersun lotion hydrates skin that has been scorched in the sun and increases skin’s tolerance to later exposure. Clever! We also love that you can apply it to both the body and face, which cuts down on precious packing space when taking it on a trip. We liked the ease of application, too; simply spritz it onto sun-exposed skin and massage it in. And while the milk itself is fragranced, we love the super-subtle scent and it shouldn’t be an issue for anyone.
Pros
- Milky texture
- Can be used on both the face and body
Cons
- Pricey
Product type: Lotion | Key ingredients: Rose wax, anthyllis, ice plant, almond oil
Reviewed by: Emma Stoddart
The term "natural" has become a marketing tool in its own right and, because it’s an unregulated term, many products claim to be natural without actually being natural (here we mean free from synthetically derived ingredients). This aftersun lotion, from Dr Hauschka, is different. Formulated with 100% natural and/or organic cosmetics, it has been certified to NATRUE standard, so you can trust that the claims are accurate. It’s free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and preservatives, mineral oils and silicones.
As for what the natural skincare formula does contain – it’s laced with marigold and anthyllis to soothe sun-stressed skin as well as almond oil, shea butter and rose wax to moisturise and protect skin from drying out. The texture is rich and we found that it takes a little longer than most to fully absorb into the skin. But once it has been absorbed, we experienced seriously soothed and smooth limbs. One more thing to note is that this cream can transfer onto clothes – so we recommend from experience allowing five minutes to let it sink in before getting dressed.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients
Cons
- Doesn't absorb quickly
How to pick the best aftersun lotion
There are countless aftersun lotions available on the market – which can make finding ‘the one’ a difficult task. Overall, most formulas do work. The difference being is that some are laced with extra skincare ingredients. Here are a couple of things to consider:
- Texture: As with the best face moisturiser, aftersun comes in a variety of textures – from lightweight lotions to heavier balms. Consider your texture preference before choosing an aftersun product.
- Ingredients: Look out for antioxidant-rich ingredients like Aloe vera and vitamin E as they can help prevent further skin damage. “Ceramides are also good at soothing inflamed skin,” says Dr Denning. Hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, also have the benefit of helping your skin hang onto a natural glow, if you're interested in how to make a tan last longer. Avoid any aftersun lotions that contain alcohol as it can dehydrate skin further.
Does aftersun lotion really work?
“There’s no quick fix to heal sunburn,” confirms Dr Denning. However, there are things that can help.” Enter: aftersun. To understand how aftersun lotion works, Dr Denning gives us a quick science recap: “Heat from the sun causes damage to the skin by irradiating it, which leads to the skin heating up, causing water loss, dehydration and inflammation."
Aftersun is specifically designed to support the skin's healing process. “It’s lightweight, meaning it allows heat to leave the skin and has a high water content to replace water loss in the skin," Dr Denning continues. "Plus, aftersun also contains soothing, anti-inflammatory antiseptic ingredients such as aloe, bisabolol, and allantoin."
Is aftersun or moisturiser better for sunburn?
According to Dr Denning, “aftersun is preferable to normal moisturiser, however any moisturiser is better than none.” Dr Shotter notes that it depends on the formulation. “If you have a good, gentle, soothing moisturiser that contains Aloe vera, then it doesn’t need to be targeted at sunburn," she says. "However, if reading an ingredients list is tricky, looking for a product marketed as ‘aftersun’ can be helpful.”
What should you not put on sunburn?
There are definitely things to keep off your sunburn to avoid further irritation. “Avoid anything that contains oil, petroleum or active ingredients – such as urea, glycolic or salicylic acid,” advises Dr Denning. “Anything that has added scent or alcohol in can worsen the inflammation and further dehydrate the impaired skin barrier – so should be avoided." In other words, stick to plain and simple formulas.
Meanwhile Dr Shotter notes that “you can occasionally find a small amount of alcohol in aftersun products as, on application, it can feel cooling when it evaporates – but it is not good for the skin at all.”
What’s the best way to treat sunburn?
“Sunburn can occur within 10 minutes of sun exposure for some people. When you first notice any signs of sunburn you should get out of the sun, find some shade and have a cool shower or bath to help cool the skin down in the first instance,” says Dr Denning. “Using cooling, gentle aftersun lotions will help to further cool the skin and also replace some of the moisture that will have been lost by being burned.”
In severe cases, Dr Shotter says that ibuprofen can be used to help ease the inflammation in the skin. “Drink extra water while the sunburn heals, as you can become dehydrated,” she adds.
Our expert panel
Aleesha is Beauty Shopping & eCommerce Editor at woman&home, where she gets to share her expertise into all the best techniques, sharpest tools and newest products - with a particular savvy in skincare and fragrance. With years of beauty product testing experience, she always knows what to recommend.
Emma Stoddart is a freelance beauty journalist who has worked for some of the UK’s top titles including NET-A-PORTER, Stylist and Grazia. Her experience covers both online and print, including producing editorial shoots with some of the industry’s biggest artists.
Dr Catharine Denning is an aesthetic doctor and the founder of the Marylebone Skin clinic.
Dr Sophie Shotter is an aesthetic doctor and the founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic. She also practises on Harley Street.