19 Best Lotions For Sunburn In 2023 

We all know that sunburn is damaging for the skin, but we also know that sometimes we get caught out in the sun without our sunscreen, forget to reapply after a swim, or even get fooled by the UV rays on a seemingly cloudy day. As much as we wish it wouldn’t, sunburn happens, and it can increase your risk of skin cancer and lead to premature skin aging. Not fun. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 19 Best Lotions for Sunburn in 2023. These lotions are the best of the best and will remind your skin how much you love it, making your sunburn a distant memory. 

But first, a few quick reminders: 

1.    Wear sunscreen, EVERYDAY: We know you know this, but it really is the best and only way to avoid the dreaded sunburn and protect your skin. Choose a high quality sunscreen (SPF30 at least), that offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Good sunscreen is worth investing in. 

2.    If you do get burnt, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drinking your water is the best way to heal your skin from the inside out. It might even be a good idea to get in some electrolytes because let’s be honest, you’re probably a bit dehydrated. 

3.    Keep your skin cool: Maybe avoid the sun for a few days and make sure your showers aren’t too hot. No need to add extra heat to your burn. 

4.    Apply your favorite after sun lotion: This will help you feel refreshed and help your sunburn to heal. Lather up and keep on reapplying - your sunburn  will thank you for it. 

Read on to discover our picks for the 19 Best Lotions for your Sunburn this year (although hopefully whichever one you choose, you won’t need it too often).

1. Blu Atlas Body Lotion

Blu Atlas’ Body Lotion is a product we suggest getting excited about. This premium body lotion is designed to rejuvenate dry skin and leave you feeling fresh and nourished. Made up of clean ingredients that are naturally high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it’ll leave your skin glowing even after a long day in the sun. 

Hydrating skin-saving heroes in this product include shea butter, jojoba oil and seaweed which work together perfectly to soothe irritation and optimize your skin’s natural hydrating power. 

As with the rest of the Blu Atlas range, the Blu Atlas Body Lotion is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and artificial fragrance-free so even if your skin is a bit tender and red, you can be sure that this lotion will look after you and your sunburn. 

Available in Blu Atlas’ unparalleled Classic scent, an irresistible Coconut and Apricot, and an unscented option, there should be nothing stopping you from giving the Blu Atlas Body Lotion a good go this summer. Slather away, we highly recommend.

2. Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion
 

Feel good about replenishing and regenerating your sun kissed skin with the Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion. This product is the perfect summer companion, and it is so great that we think you should have one in your beach bag, one on your bathroom shelf and one on your bedside table.

This vegan, cruelty-free, natural lotion by Summer Fridays will just melt into your skin on application, and will leave you feeling deeply hydrated all over thanks to the inclusion of incredible products like rosehip oil, cocoa butter and hyaluronic acid. Meanwhile, coconut, vanilla blossom and warm almond will leave you smelling like a summer’s day. 

The Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion was a no-brainer for our list of the 19 Best Lotions for Sunburn this year, especially after being awarded the title of Best Light Body Lotion in the 2021 Allure Best in Beauty Awards. It is such a beautiful lightweight product, providing silky moisturization and nourishment, so it is a perfect post sunburn lotion for 2023. 

3. Aēsop Aftersun Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel
 

Although Aēsop’s Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel is not technically a lotion, it is one of our firm favorites for soothing our sunburn this year. This gel is so refreshing for the skin that you’ll want to be applying it every day of the year, and to be honest, so do we! 

Thanks to the inclusion of grapefruit, lemon and witch hazel, the Petitgrain Reviving Body Gel has a fresh citrusy scent, while aloe vera and panthenol are responsible for the lightweight, soothing sensation on application. With such a great composition, Aēsop’s Body Gel applies like a dream and is able to be rapidly absorbed into your skin. This means you can layer on as much as you need, and re-apply as often as you desire without feeling wet or sticky. 

For a  soothing skincare hack: Leave your Aēsop Reviving Body Gel in the fridge to experience instant cooling relief when you get home from a day in the sun. What a luxury. 

4. Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm with Aloe
 

The Clinique After Sun Balm is their answer to rescue your sunburnt skin. Calming ingredients including aloe vera and chamomile work to calm the skin with their powerful ability to moisturize and rehydrate. 

For those times when you are caught unaware and can’t avoid a burn, this is an essential product you need in your summer arsenal. Clinique’s miracle balm is good for minimizing potential peeling, and due to its ever so slight green tint, it also helps to reduce redness and turn your burn into tan. The inclusion of a strong antioxidant, vitamin E, also means that the Clinique After Sun Balm has impressive anti-inflammatory properties which can help provide relief for any lasting hot sunburn sensations and prevent lasting skin damage. 

With such an enticing sunny yellow tube, and the feeling of lasting hydration, your mood will definitely improve after applying this rescue balm and experiencing the healing results. 

5. Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion
 

The After Sun Cool Down Lotion by Sun Bum is powered by the incredible calming combination of aloe vera and vitamin E, and is enriched with cocoa butter and jojoba oil. It is an extraordinary product that works to successfully revitalize your skin post-sunburn. For intense hydration, lather this on at the end of the day, and experience instant and lasting sunburn relief. 

What we love about Sun Bum’s restorative Cool Down Lotion is that, unlike some other aloe vera products, it smells great, it doesn’t feel sticky or greasy, and it has no stinging sensation when it goes onto your burn. 

If you’ve been diligently working on your tan, and have managed to avoid the burn, the Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion is still a product to be keep around, as crucially, it can help to extend the life of your tan, allowing you to stay bronzed for longer. 

Sun Bum’s After Sun Cool Down Lotion also has the added bonus of being vegan, eco-friendly, and Hawaii reef compliant, so you can feel good about looking after the environment as well as your skin. 

Our thoughts: Don’t go on vacation without it! 

6. Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion
 

Radical and Recovery are two words we love to hear in the same sentence when we’re feeling a little burnt. That’s why the Coola Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion was a sure thing for our list of 19 Best Lotions for Sunburn in 2023. It is ultra-soothing and will provide premium plant based hydration for your sunburnt skin.
Coola’s Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion uses agave for its rejuvenating benefits, due to its ability to heal and calm skin irritation. Aloe vera works alongside to revitalize skin cells and lock in hydration, while rosemary extract protects against the damaging effects of excess UV exposure. Sunflower and lavender oil are further additions that repair and moisturize the skin due to their high concentrations of vitamin A and E. 

99% of the ingredients in the Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion are of natural origin and more than 70% are certified organic. Not only that, Coola is Ecocert Certified, meaning it is guaranteed to use the best socially conscious and environmentally friendly practices. If that doesn’t make you feel good about what you’re putting on your sunburn, we don’t know what will. 

7. The Body Shop Shea Body Lotion
 

A slightly more lightweight option than the Body Shop’s famous ‘Body Butter,’ the Body Shop Shea Body Lotion will just melt into your skin, and will work well as an antidote to your red and angry sunburn, providing deep penetrating moisture for up to 72 hours.

The high fat content in shea butter (The Body Shop’s hero ingredient) means that this lotion is a rich emollient, and its creamy, sumptuous texture will make your skin feel soft and smooth, even after a burn. Not only that, shea butter is full of antioxidant rich vitamins so has the anti-inflammatory properties your skin needs to recover and be renewed after excess sun exposure. 

If shea is not the ‘flavor’ for you, any one of The Body Shop’s Body Lotions will do the trick, as all are formulated in a similar manner, with natural Fair Trade Shea Butter as the main ingredient. After the Shea Body Lotion, other scented options we recommend for aftersun include argan oil, almond milk and avocado. Simply stunning.

8. Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream
 

Feed your skin with the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream. This product by Weleda is absolutely one of the 19 Best Lotions for Sunburn in 2023. 
Weleda Skin Food is intensively nourishing and highly therapeutic, as its thick creamy formula can transform your sunburnt skin and leave you with a healthy and luminous glow. Although it may be quite thick compared to some other lotions, it absorbs easily, and the glow lasts all day. This product is so good, it has been a best-seller on the skincare market since 1926, and we can understand why! 

Made with a miraculous combination of natural ingredients including beeswax, viola tricolor extract, calendula and chamomile, it is no wonder that Skin Food is capable of calming your skin. Just like you feel after drinking a soothing mug of chamomile tea before bed, your skin will feel the same after you massage in your daily Skin Food. 

Weleda Skin Food will absolutely be your post sunburn skin savior, but is also perfect for soothing your skin any and every day of the year, just like it does for Victoria Beckham (AKA Posh Spice). If you want skin that is anything like hers, add this to your cart immediately. 

9. Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion
 

While you are spending some obligatory time indoors recovering from your sunburn before going back out in the sun (obviously fully protected next time), the Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion will make you feel like you’re still at the beach, and in Hawaii sitting under a coconut tree, no less. Thanks to its delicious Coconut and Papaya fragrance, your mouth will be watering, and you’ll keep wanting to come back for more, which to be honest, for your sunburn won't be a bad thing. 

While being mouthwateringly fruity and botanical, the island inspired ingredients in the Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion really work to care for your skin. Mango, passionfruit, guava and papaya smell great, while also providing you with that silky smooth feeling. 

Another great asset of the Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Lotion is its dual ribbon hydrating formula. Beautiful green ribbons of lotion are swirled with super cooling blue gel, the combination giving you a weightless and refreshing sensation, while simultaneously healing your burn, moisturizing your skin and extending the life of your tan. 

We give it 5 stars. 

10. Eco by Sonya Driver’s Organic Coconut Body Milk 
 

Eco by Sonya Driver’s Organic Coconut Body Milk is a gorgeous Australian-made product, designed with hydration in mind. That’s why we think it’s a great option for when you need a boost of moisture post-sunburn. 

The Organic Coconut Body Milk is made up of only natural ingredients, with its main standout stars being aloe vera, coconut milk and avocado. Aloe vera sits right at the top of the ingredient list, which, for that post sunburn relief, is a big green flag for us as aloe vera is known for its superior hydrating, cooling and healing powers. Coconut oil is also an excellent skin rejuvenator known for reducing inflammation, removing any harmful bacteria and moisturizing dry skin, while Avocado is a nutrient packed superfood that is ultra rich and soothing, perfect for your sunburn. 

Thanks to the (almost) liquid-like texture of the Coconut Body Milk, a little goes a long way, and we think this is something you’ll be extra happy about when you realize just how luscious this product is. It is silky and lightweight, yet super nourishing. After a few days, your sunburn will be gone, and so too will be any hint of skin dryness. 

11. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Body Lotion

 If you’re looking for a super high quality body lotion, this is it. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Body Lotion has been a skincare staple for many years, gracing the shelves of many a skincare lover. Thanks to this lotion’s restorative power, its place on our list of the 19 Best Lotions for Sunburn in 2023 is well deserved. 

As with all of Kiehl’s products, the Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Body Lotion is made up of  sustainably sourced ingredients that are responsibly formulated, working together to create a lotion that is both natural and effective. Shea butter, cocoa butter and squalane work together seamlessly to hydrate and soften your skin, while restoring its fresh appearance after a day in the sun filled with delightful (yet dehydrating) swims in the ocean. 

Another dynamic ingredient in Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Body Lotion is beta-carotene. You will wish all your After Sun products contained beta-carotene as this powerhouse has the capability to protect your skin from the acute and chronic effects of UV damage, providing superior skin enhancement. 
When you apply this lotion (best immediately after your shower at the end of the day), you will experience true pleasure as it absorbs quickly and easily, but locks in endless moisture, leaving you feeling fresh and radiant. 

12. Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
 

Specifically formulated for use post-sun, Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother is an absolute godsend that will inject energy back into your sun-kissed skin. 

You know that feeling of conditioning your hair after a few days at the beach? Well, your skin will feel just as silky and conditioned after you lather up with this After Sun Soother by Burt’s Bees. Packed full to the brim with natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil and soybean oil, it’s no wonder it's good. We can guarantee you and your burn will feel revived. Perfectly moisturizing, delightfully soothing, satisfyingly healing? We say yes. 
We also love that this product is certified carbon neutral. Big pat on the back for Burt’s Bees. 

13. Nécessaire The Body Lotion
 

Doesn’t Meadowfoam just sound so perfectly pampering? Well, that’s exactly what you have to look forward to after soaking in The Body Lotion by Necessaire. This fragrance-free lotion is rich in nourishing ingredients that work to strengthen and comfort the skin, which is just what it needs after too much sun. Not only that, this body lotion also works as a light exfoliant, which is perfect for removing that dry skin layer that you often get after a burn. 

The Nécessaire Body Lotion uses niacinamide to fortify your skin’s natural protective barrier, and is helped out by its naturally low pH, which is ideal for maintaining healthy skin, as it more closely matches the skin’s own pH. The Body Lotion also uses vitamin-rich marula and cacay oil to soften the skin and leave you glowing. It’s a thumbs up from us.

14. Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion
 

Boys out there, this one is just for you. 

Although (unfortunately) not linked to the Jack Black that we all know and love, hero of iconic films like School of Rock and The Holiday, the authentic and original Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion is, thankfully, just as iconic.

This lotion is lightweight and no fuss, able to quickly and efficiently penetrate the skin to leave you feeling nourished and refreshed. It is designed for when you’re feeling a little overheated, which could be after too much sun, a sweaty workout or even after a stressful day at work. 

Macadamia nut oil is the hero ingredient, providing exceptional hydration, alongside other ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, soy protein and menthyl lactate. Menthyl lactate is like the gentle younger sister of menthol, and is refreshingly cooling on the skin, especially when you’re feeling a little tender. 

For maximum benefit, the Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion is best used when your skin is still a little bit moist post shower, and we promise it will make you feel fresh. Plus, with its subtle clean smell, your girlfriend won’t be able to resist. 

15. Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion
 

You might associate Vaseline with being sticky and greasy, but we can confirm, with the Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Body Lotion that is absolutely not the case. 

This soothing body lotion moisturizes and repairs damaged skin by working deep below the skin’s surface to provide hydration through all the skin’s layers.

Microdroplets of Vaseline jelly combine with 100% pure aloe vera extract, and this potent hydrating combo is just what you need to restore and soothe your sunburn this year. 

It feels light, yet heavily moisturizing, and trust us, your sunburn will thank you for it. 

16. Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter
 

When your skin is compromised and in need of a rescue (like when you’ve been scorched by sun) let your remedy be the Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter. Formulated with a restorative blend of plant butters and oils, there is no shortage of rich natural ingredients in this product, which is ready to heal that burn. 

The thick texture of Drunk Elephant’s Miracle Butter means there is no question as to whether it’s doing its job. It will glide over your skin with satisfying ease, and as you massage it in, you’ll be able to feel the glorious ingredients working their magic. 

Ingredients we love include marula butter, rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, shea butter, the most superior emollient, cupuaçu butter, known for its ability to deeply moisturize, and meadowfoam oil, containing an abundance of fatty acids to soothe and nourish. Drunk Elephant, we are impressed. 

As an added bonus for those who are super sensitive, this product has no scent at all, so you won’t have to worry about it irritating your skin. It is all natural and all about healing, with no room for artificial silicones or fragrances. 

17. Clinique Deep Comfort Body Lotion

 
Say hello to deep comfort with Clinique’s Deep Comfort Body Lotion. This creamy lotion is the summer equivalent to wrapping yourself in a blanket and sitting by the fire with a hot chocolate in the winter. It will envelop you in with its richness, leaving you deeply comforted. 

Silky, luxurious and uplifting are words which came to mind when we were thinking about this product, and we are not alone in our thinking as numerous 5 star reviews fill the online world of lotion. 

After using Clinique’s Deep Comfort Body Lotion, your skin will be cleansed, and your sunburn will be a thing of the past. Soothing and smoothing aloe vera and soybean oil are two of the reasons for this, as well as the inclusion of caffeine. We do truly love caffeine in skincare due to the way it can reduce redness and inflammation and leave you with a healthy glow -exactly what you need post-burn. Caffeine can also help to protect your skin from UV rays and free radical damage, so you’ll be safer from the sun the next day. Thank you, Clinique.

18. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream
 

The La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream is a product we trust, and you can too. Recommended by dermatologists worldwide, this cream is pretty much guaranteed to be a lifesaver for your burn. 
Environmental stressors, like the sun, can cause the skin’s natural (essential) microbiome to be depleted, but with The La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair

Moisturizing Cream, you don’t have to worry because this prebiotic product will work to restore a healthy microbial balance with optimal bacteria for a strong working skin barrier. Prebiotic skincare might just be the way of the future. 

Furthermore, La Roche-Posay’s Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream contains their signature selenium-rich thermal water, and seeing as it comes all the way from France, we think it must be pretty good. This prebiotic water is high in nourishing antioxidants, which give this lotion the ability to reduce sun damage while simultaneously soothing the skin. Add in shea butter for irresistible smoothness restoration, and ceramide-3 for 48 hour moisture retention and you’ll be unstoppable. 

This product is so excellent, it is safe for your whole family, even young babies.

19. NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturizing Lotion
 

We simply could not forget the NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturizing Lotion. Whenever your skin is feeling the burn or even is just a little dry and dehydrated, simply apply the Nivea After Sun Lotion and you will feel the instant relief. 

This lotion has the best combination of qualities. One, it’s lightweight and quick to absorb. Two, it feels rich, creamy and nourishing, and three, it’s non-greasy. In our book that’s a win, win, win. 

Formulated with ingredients we love like aloe vera, avocado oil and vitamin E, this lotion is pretty much guaranteed to give you 48 hours of hydrated skin. It will help you get over your burn, turning red to brown by the time you wake up the next morning.