“It is important to apply products on your skin when you get a sunburn to help alleviate the inflammation and minimize the peeling,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, director of Jefferson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center.
When looking for a sunburn relief gel and lotion, Dr. Saedi recommends choosing products with aloe vera “to help alleviate the heat sensation.” Avoid “any topical creams or lotions that have a topical anesthetic agent, because that will cause a potential allergic reaction,” she adds. We researched dozens of sunburn relief gels and lotions and evaluated them for active ingredients, grease, and price. We also consulted with experts like Dr. Saedi.
Here are the best sunburn relief gels and lotions on the market.
Price at time of publication: $25
If you have naturally dry skin and need an extra boost of hydration, this non-greasy lotion is a game-changer. It is also 98.6 percent natural—free of all parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly)—and packed with natural antioxidants and nutrients including honey and natural flower extracts.
Price at time of publication: $11
Dr. Saedi suggests “the original” gel over the lotion, as it is packed with soothing aloe vera. “I like it kept chilled,” she adds. The quick-absorbing gel is also available nearly everywhere and is a steal compared to many competing products.
Price at time of publication: $14
Price at time of publication: $13
In addition to aloe vera, it is packed with antioxidants and other high-quality ingredients you might find in your daily moisturizer. organic agave, rosemary extract, and oils such as lavender, sunflower, sweet orange, mandarin peel, and cedarwood are just a few of them. It is also free of any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or oxybenzone.
Reviewers rave that it is gentle enough for those with the most sensitive skin, is quick-drying, non-greasy. In addition to providing sunburn relief, will also help you maintain your tan without peeling as long as possible.
Price at time of publication: $11
While it contains aloe vera like all of the other products on our list, calendula and arnica montana add to its soothing and cooling abilities. It is also cruelty-free and allergy tested in addition to being free of any harsh chemicals, petroleum-derived ingredients, parabens, and synthetic fragrance.
Price at time of publication: $23
In addition to aloe, healing ingredients also include vitamin C and vitamin E for added anti-aging benefits. While most people purchase this product for their skin, it can also be used in the hair and on the scalp.
Price at time of publication: $17
Did we mention it smells amazing? An aroma of coconut with a hint of lime will make you feel like you are vacationing in the tropics every time you slather it on, so you will want to keep using it even when you aren’t sun-scorched.
Price at time of publication: $25
If you don’t already have a tub in your medicine cabinet, Vaseline is available almost everywhere and costs next to nothing.
Price at time of publication: $21
If you’re going to be slathering your skin in a post-sunburn product multiple times per day for the next few days, it’s smart to choose a product containing vitamins, antioxidants, or ceramides to help your skin bounce back to its natural state faster.
“Some products contain antioxidants like vitamin E to reduce inflammation or humectant ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to pull in hydration to the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., New York City-based dermatologist. “Many products also contain skin-softening and -repairing ingredients like emollient oils or ceramides.”
Consistency
There are lots of different ways to get the healing powers of aloe and other sunburn relief products onto your skin: gels, lotions, creams, and sprays are some of the most popular. When choosing an application, you should consider your comfort and the breathability of the formula.
Dr. Zeichner says to avoid heavy ointments, which may not only be painful to apply but can smother the skin. Stick to gels and lotions, at least, which layer on lightly and smoothly, or opt for a spray application if your skin is ultra-uncomfortable to touch.
Organic vs. Non-Organic Aloe
According to Dr. Zeichner, there’s no need to look for organic aloe when shopping. “While many consumers prefer to use organic products, the true definition of organic is unclear [especially when it comes to skin care]," he says.
He goes on to clarify that organic is a term used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in reference to food and farming. So while you might want to purchase organic aloe products that you plan to consume, the Food & Drug Administration has no definition for organic when it comes to medication, cosmetics, or supplements.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As an internationally recognized health writer and product guru, Leah Groth understands that nobody wants to waste their time or money on products that fail to rear results. Over the years, she has interviewed the world’s top health experts and reviewed hundreds of items, to help readers like you discover the most effective health gadgets, goops, and aids that will help you look and feel your very best.
Additional reporting to this story by Sarah Bradley
