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The best aftersun lotions to soothe and cool sunburnt skin and reduce redness
Extra sun cream next time!
Prevention is always better than cure, so it’s always advisable to keep out of prolonged sunlight to avoid skin damage, burning and premature aging. If you are going to be in the sun, you need to regularly apply sunscreen (we recommend SPF50).
But if you’ve been caught out, the best aftersun lotions will help to soothe painful sunburn, reduce redness and cool the skin, so it’s worth having one on standby for holiday season.
Many use aloe vera, thanks to its cooling properties and ability to reduce inflammation, as well as hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration and shea butter, an active emollient, which helps ease that burning sensation. Aftersun lotions aren’t only for burnt skin either – the cooling, hydrating ingredients mean they’re great for replenishing skin after a day in the sun.
These are some of our favourite formulations at a glance, but keep scrolling for our full reviews.
How we chose the best aftersun lotions
We test thousands of skincare products a year at the Good Housekeeping Institute, and our beauty team are experts at analysing ingredient lists to ensure they'll work for specific skin concern. All the products on this list feature ingredients that soothe sunburn and rehydrate skin. They are also favourites of our beauty editors and experts.
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Nivea After Sun Moisturising Soothing Spray Lotion
Nivea After Sun Moisturising Soothing Spray Lotion
Nivea is a well-established brand in the suncream category and many of us will be familiar with its soothing aftersun lotion. This lightweight spray version absorbs into the skin almost immediately, so you don’t need to wait around before getting dressed and there’s no sticky residue, making it effortless to use and apply.
The spray dispenses a dose of cooling aloe vera to soothe sunburn, as well as moisturising hyaluronic acid, which works to replenish dehydrated, sun-damaged skin. The brand says it offers 48 hours of intense moisturisation, helping to prevent any peeling, too.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Post-UV Exposure
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios SPF50 is a favourite with our beauty editors for its sun protection, and the brand has created the perfect pairing in its Post-UV Exposure cream.
It’s great for replenishing hydration after long beach days and includes two hydration heroes: glycerine, which draws moisture into the skin, and panthenol, which helps strengthen the skin barrier to lock in hydration. You can apply it to the face and body, and the generous-sized bottle means it should last all summer long.
Banana Boat aloe vera gel
Banana Boat aloe vera gel
Effective aftersun lotions don’t need to be expensive, as this budget option proves. The green gel looks like it’s been scooped straight from an aloe vera plant, and essentially, it has been.
The gel feels immediately cooling and is particularly soothing on raw, tight lobster skin, while also providing a dose of hydration to restore dry skin and prevent peeling.
Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion
This differs slightly from your traditional soothing aftersun lotion, as it can be applied both pre- and post-exposure to the sun.
The formulation contains melanin production activators to help boost your natural tan and avoid red shoulders when you’ve lost track of time at your park picnic – although it goes without saying that you should still use sun cream alongside this to protect your skin from damage.
E45 After Sun Face and Body Gel For Sensitive Skin
E45 After Sun Face and Body Gel For Sensitive Skin
Anyone who suffers with eczema will be familiar with E45, as the brand specialises in no-nonsense creams to treat skin prone to flare-ups.
This aftersun is free from fragrance and allergy-certified, so you don’t need to worry about irritating your sunburnt skin further. Instead, the clear, cool gel instantly hydrates and soothes angry red patches.
Ultra Sun After Sun for Very Sensitive Skin
Ultra Sun After Sun for Very Sensitive Skin
This lotion was formulated specifically for sensitive skin to avoid adding fuel to the fire, so to speak.
The lightweight gel feels immediately soothing on application and it’s infused with skin-soothing ingredients, including the brand’s Aqua-Rich formula, which is made from oats and lecithin, two hydrating ingredients known for their skin-healing properties.
Neal’s Yard Remedies Lavender & Aloe Vera Cooling Cream
If your skin is still feeling the heat after a day in the sun, this cooling cream will work to bring your temperature down, thanks to a blend of natural ingredients.
The classic cooling aloe vera gel is enriched with the relaxing scent of lavender to help soothe you as well as your skin. This one isn’t just for summer either, as it works wonders on dry, irritated skin year-round.
Soltan Essentials Family Pack
If you’re planning a holiday or any family outings anytime soon, this convenient pack has all the suncare solutions you should need.
There’s facial and body SPF, as well as an aftersun lotion, all neatly tucked into a zip-up pouch that can be easily flung into bags and locked in to keep it safe from spillages.
Does aftersun go out of date?
Like any other cosmetic product, aftersun lotions will have an expiry date. A bottle should generally last up to 12 months once open, or up to three years when unopened. Each product will have an expiry date on the packaging, so always check before slathering it on.
How often should you apply aftersun when burnt?
There isn’t a limit on how often you apply aftersun treatments, but the NHS recommends applying it generously after a cool shower or bath to soothe any inflammation. You can apply it for as long as it takes for the skin to recover.
Does aftersun help you tan?
Aftersun, unless specified, will not help you tan, as it does not stimulate melanin production, which is what causes tanning. Instead, it will help prevent peeling by hydrating your skin, so your existing suntan may last longer.
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
