12 Best After-Sun Lotions, According to Dermatologists 2024

Applying sunscreen is a nonnegotiable when it comes to protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, but it’s not the only skin care product to have on hand this summer. In addition to your favorite SPF, dermatologists recommend the best after-sun lotions to help hydrate your skin from sun damage, an overlooked part of sun care.

After-sun lotions hydrate and soothe the skin after sun exposure, says Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. They are “excellent for alleviating mild sunburns, reducing redness and inflammation, and repairing the skin’s natural moisture barrier damaged by exposure to harmful UV rays,” she says.

While after-sun lotion typically doesn’t contain active ingredients that help protect your skin from UV rays and should not be used in place of sunscreen, it helps keep your skin healthy and moisturized postsun exposure. Think of it as a skin-boosting body lotion made with ingredients like calming aloe vera, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing agents like shea butter and coconut oil.

“When using after sun lotion, it’s essential to stay out of the sun to avoid further UV damage and irritation to the skin,” Dr. Green says. “For maximum protection, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 in addition to after sun lotion.” These extra precautions can help prevent sun spots, redness, inflammation, dryness, and swelling from sun exposure.

Below, we polled dermatologists to find the best after-sun lotions that they love and recommend ahead of the summer.

The best after-sun lotions, at a glance:Best Overall: Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion, $9Best for Redness: Bioderma Atoderm Cream Ultra, $17Best for Cooling: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion, $12Best for Face: La Roche Posay Posthelios After-Sun Melt-In Gel, $34Best for Sensitive Skin: Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun Lotion, $39Best for Sunburn: Pura D’or Organic Aloe Vera Gel Jasmine, $16All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Best for Overall: Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion

This is Dr. Green’s go-to sun soother. It contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate the skin and vitamin E to prevent further damage after UV exposure. Plus, it has licochalcone A and glycyrrhetinic acid, two compounds with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated, inflamed skin, she says.

Key ingredients: Licochalcone A, glycyrrhetinic acid, vitamin E, shea butter / Size: 6.8 oz.

Review: I bought this for a beach vacation we were taking, and even after five full days of ‘fun in the sun,’ using this each day really helped my skin stay hydrated and not burn or peel. Light scent, dried nicely without feeling sticky. —reviewer on Amazon

Pros: Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula is great for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.Cons: Contains fragrance, which is a skin irritant