13 Best After-Sun Lotions 2025, According to Dermatologists

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When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen is your first line of defense against UV damage, but after-sun care is just as important. The best after-sun lotions rehydrate and soothe your skin post-exposure. NYC dermatologist Michele Green, MD, says they’re “excellent for alleviating mild sunburns, reducing redness and inflammation, and repairing the skin’s natural moisture barrier damaged by exposure to harmful UV rays. And, as a nice bonus, these humectants can even help prolong a tan.”

With summer in full swing, we asked dermatologists to share their favorite post-sun products, then put their top picks to the test. After reviewing more than 20 creams, gels, and lotions, we landed on 13 standout formulas that deliver real results.

Our top pick? Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun Lotion, which is instantly cooling, deeply hydrating, and packed with skin-loving ingredients. But if you prefer an aloe vera gel you can stash in the fridge or a multitasking body lotion that works well year-round? We’ve got those too.

The best after-sun lotions, at a glanceBest Overall: Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun Lotion, $22Best Aloe Vera Gel: Vacation After Sun Gel, $15Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $17Best Cooling for Irritated Skin: Banana Boat Aloe After-Sun Gel, $6Best to Keep Tan: Maui Babe After Browning Lotion, $18Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Mist, $15Best Aloe Vera Spray: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray, $13How do after-sun lotions work?

Whether a product is specifically marketed as an “after sun” lotion or cream, or just has the right formulation to treat sun-stressed skin, “ingredients like menthol or aloe vera can calm inflammation and soothe discomfort, while hydrating ingredients can help prevent peeling and flaking of the skin,” says Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and coconut oil are all highly moisturizing ingredients that’ll help keep skin looking youthful, supple, and possibly even prolong your tan. (And yes, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen.)

To find the best after-sun products, we didn’t just rely on expert picks. We tried them ourselves—over and over again. What started as early testing during spring break turned into months of daily use as the weather warmed up and summer officially began. While taking care of skin after outdoor workouts or long afternoons lounging poolside, we’ve put more than 20 lotions, gels, and sprays through real-world conditions.

We looked at how each formula absorbed, how it felt on freshly sun-kissed skin, and whether it delivered on hydration and cooling benefits. We also paid attention to the small but important details, like scent, residue, and how quickly we could get dressed afterward.

And because social media has a way of turning certain formulas into overnight sensations, we added a few trending products into the mix (including TikTok viral Maui Babe) to see if they lived up to the hype. Our final picks are the ones we keep reaching for.

Best Overall: Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun LotionOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun Lotion

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Coola Radical Recovery EcoCert Organic After Sun Lotion

True to its name, this Coola lotion will cool you down, but it’s also exceptionally hydrating to help replenish lost moisture from extended sun exposure. “A moisture-locking base of organic agave and aloe vera is enriched with a globally curated range of antioxidant and vitamin-intensive boosters, including rosemary extract and the nurturing oils of lavender, sunflower, sweet orange, and mandarin peel, along with calming cedarwood,” says Vivina Chin, MD, founder of Koru Wellness Aesthetics in NYC.

While I found this lotion comes out very slowly via a small hole on the top of the tube (more like an eye cream or a lip balm), a little bit goes a long way and it left my skin feeling very hydrated. The consistency is not quite as thick as an intensive cream, but not runny like a traditional lotion, and it absorbs quickly without leaving skin feeling sticky the way some aloe-based products do.

Key ingredients: Vitamin-intensive boosters, organic agave, sunflower oil / Fragrance: Naturally derived / Size: 5 oz.

What we love: A little bit goes a long way; leaves skin soft and hydrated; made of over 70% organic ingredients; EcoCert-certifiedWhat could improve: Comes out very slowlyBest Aloe Vera Gel: Vacation After Sun GelOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Vacation After Sun Gel

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Vacation After Sun Gel

For those who prefer after-sun care with a lighter texture, this gel formulation offers a water-based, fast-absorbing alternative. “With aloe vera as the first ingredient, it targets inflammation and provides a temporary cooling sensation through evaporation—especially comforting on warm, irritated skin,” says Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Vancouver. “Unlike older gel formulas that often contained alcohol (which can sting damaged skin), this one is also alcohol-free and includes antioxidant-rich botanicals like green tea and cardamom, and vitamin E.”

Since it doesn’t have a heavy or tacky finish, Dr. Humphrey says it’s a good option for oily or combination skin types, but I found it adequately hydrated my dry skin too. It was especially soothing on the thin skin on the tops of my feet after a particularly bad sunburn while on a recent vacation.

Key ingredients: Aloe, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, green tea, bisabolol, vitamin E / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6 oz.

What we love: Not tacky like some other aloe-based skin care products; contains lots of skin-soothing ingredients in addition to aloe; fast-dryingWhat could improve: Contains fragranceBest for Dry Skin: CeraVe Moisturizing CreamOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York, says you don’t need to use a dedicated after-sun product—in fact, most of his top recommendations, including this one from CeraVe, are traditional creams and moisturizers. He likes that the drugstore pick is suitable for daily use but also helps restore your skin barrier after sun exposure. “It’s very hydrating without feeling greasy,” he says. “Plus, it’s suitable for both face and body, repairs the skin quickly, and, because it doesn’t have fragrance, is well-tolerated by most people.”

The cream has been a go-to for me for years, because it instantly smooths any rough spots on my very dry skin—no tacky residue—and leaves it smooth and hydrated for hours. Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin counts it as a favorite, too, telling Glamour it doesn’t flare up her eczema. In fact, it can help relieve itchiness associated with a compromised skin barrier, whether from dry skin or sun burn.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 19 oz.

What we love: Suitable for sensitive-skin types; accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA); budget-friendlyWhat could improve: Some users say the jar format can be messyBest Noncomedogenic: Aveeno Calm + Restore Body Moisturizer Gel for Sensitive SkinOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Aveeno Calm + Restore Body Moisturizer Gel for Sensitive Skin

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Aveeno Calm + Restore Body Moisturizer Gel for Sensitive Skin

This gel-based lotion delivers exactly what sensitive, sun-stressed skin needs: hydration without the additives that can cause further irritation. “Its prebiotic oat and feverfew provide a calming, cooling effect that hydrates without clogging pores,” says William Shipman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California.

You can tell it’s gel-based by how easily it spreads—it has a pillowy texture that melts into skin effortlessly. A dime-size amount covered my entire arm, leaving it velvety smooth with a noticeable cooling effect. And even when my legs were so dry they were starting to flake, this lotion took care of it instantly. I also appreciate that although it’s fragrance-free, it still smells pleasantly fresh—not at all medicinal or clinical.

Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat, feverfew, aloe vera / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 12 oz.

What we love: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; noncomedogenic; a little bit goes a long way; ultra-hydratingWhat could improve: Finish feels a little slick at firstBest for Sunburn: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Healing OintmentOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Healing Ointment

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La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Healing Ointment

Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skin care brand Btwn, recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm because it’s incredibly effective at both hydrating and reducing inflammation in the skin after sun exposure.

We like that it’s very gentle and nonirritating, but also that it’s ultra-moisturizing since it’s an ointment and has a higher concentration of oil and a lower concentration of water. Still, reviewers say it doesn’t feel as greasy or oily on skin as your typical ointment. Instead, it absorbs quickly and leaves no lingering scent.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin B5, madecassoside / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 1.35 oz.

What we love: Highly moisturizing; absorbs quickly for an ointment; fragrance-freeWhat could improve: Takes longer to work into skinBest Cooling for Irritated Skin: Banana Boat Aloe After-Sun GelOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Banana Boat Aloe After-Sun Gel

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Banana Boat Aloe After-Sun Gel

This may be a no-frills drugstore product, but there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. The texture is almost watery, which makes it incredibly easy to spread. And unlike many after-sun gels, it’s not the slightest bit sticky, either while drying or once fully absorbed.

It does take a few minutes to dry down completely, but that lingering coolness is part of the appeal, especially on sunburned or overheated skin. (Pro tip: Pop it in the fridge for an extra-refreshing boost.) While it’s not the most hydrating option in our lineup, it’s a fast, effective fix for calming sunburned skin—whether on your body or your face.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera extract, glycerin / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 16.2 oz.

What we love: Soothes sunburn fast; affordable and easy to find; can be refrigerated for even more cooling propertiesWhat could improve: Takes a few minutes to fully absorbBest Nongreasy: Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun LotionOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion

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Eucerin Advanced Hydration After Sun Lotion

Dr. Green’s go-to sun soother 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.

We like that this product is widely available in drugstores and that it’s hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including the more sensitive and acne-prone. Unfortunately, it does contain some fragrance, which could be a potential irritant.

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

What we love: Hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula is great for people with sensitive or acne-prone skinWhat could improve: Contains fragrance, which is a skin irritantBest Lightweight Lotion: Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion With Aloe Vera and Mint ExtractOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion With Aloe Vera and Mint Extract

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Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion With Aloe Vera and Mint Extract

This highly rated body lotion was recommended by not one but two dermatologists we spoke to—and it’s easy to see why. The lightweight, silky formula glides on effortlessly, so a little goes a long way. In testing, my skin felt noticeably smoother, and I experienced an instant cooling effect that lingered for several minutes or more. It’s especially satisfying post-sun, when skin feels dry, irritated, or even a little sunburnt.

Unlike many aloe-based gels, this lotion absorbs completely without leaving behind any sticky residue—just extra-smooth skin. The fresh, clean scent was also a pleasant surprise. If you ask me, it’s exactly what you’d want to smell like fresh out of the shower.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, mint extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6.7 oz.

What we love: Cooling on contact; hydrating; fast-absorbing; smells greatWhat could improve: Some users say they’d prefer a pump formatBest Scent: Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter with Coconut OilOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter with Coconut Oil

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Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter with Coconut Oil

This rich, velvety moisturizer includes a blend of botanical hydrators like shea butter, mango seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive extract—all of which work to seal in moisture and smooth the skin’s surface, says Dr. Humphrey. It also contains aloe, which is known for its soothing properties. On the downside, says Dr. Humphrey, it does contain fragrance and preservatives, both of which “carry a low potential for irritation in sensitive skin.”

Dr. Humphrey also says this body butter’s thick, nourishing texture may be ideal for those with drier skin types, which was spot on in my evaluations. My dry, slightly sunburnt skin soaked it right up and stayed soft for hours. But the whipped texture meant it wasn’t at all greasy—just silky. And don’t even get me started on that dreamy coconut scent. I feel like I’m back on vacation when I wear this.

Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut butter, mango seed butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive extract, aloe / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 8 oz.

What we love: Silky whipped texture; both moisturizing and soothing; no residue; great scentWhat could improve: Does contain fragrances and preservatives that could be irritating to sensitive skin typesBest for Stinging: Dune The Lifeguard Cooling Aloe GelOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Dune The Lifeguard Cooling Aloe Gel

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Dune The Lifeguard Cooling Aloe Gel

“This after-sun lotion has a gel-cream texture that is great for applying right after a cool shower,” says Dr. Chin. “It has a natural, minty scent that assists with the cooling effect, while aloe, bisabolol, sea buckthorn, and a blend of natural oils add moisture back to the skin.”

Reviewers are quick to praise the lightweight gel texture, noting it applies like a dream and absorbs super quickly without any stickiness whatsoever. Even those with more sensitive skin say they haven’t experienced any issues, thanks to the gentle formula’s lack of fragrance.

Key ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Fragrance-free / Size: 8.4 oz.

What we love: Lightweight gel texture; instantly cools skin; fragrance-freeWhat could improve: Some say the menthol-esque scent is a bit strongBest Aloe Vera Spray: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera SprayOriginal photo from Brigitt Earley testing Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray

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Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray

Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Spray earns top marks for its ultra-fine mist, which distributes product evenly without the need to rub it in—ideal when skin feels tender and sun-stressed. And while it doesn’t deliver the same immediate cooling effect as some other formulas we tested, ingredients like aloe, vitamin E, and cucumber extract help hydrate and calm irritation. In testing, skin felt noticeably softer and more comfortable for hours after application.

The finish is slightly oily—similar to a dry body oil—which some users appreciate for its added moisture, though others may not love the slick texture. Still, it stands out as a convenient, no-mess option for soothing post-sun skin without the hassle of slathering on a thick gel or lotion.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, vitamin E / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 6 oz.

What we love: Convenient hands-free application; fine mist applies evenly; refreshing scent; moisturization lasts for a long timeWhat could improve: Feels a bit oily on the skin; not instantly coolingBest for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Mist

Courtesy of brand

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Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Mist

In addition to being plant-based, this mist from Babo Botanicals stands out for its unique, lotion-like texture. Unlike finer sprays—like the one we tested from Sun Bum—it requires rubbing in, but the formula is soft, silky, and easy to apply. Once absorbed, it feels lightweight yet delivers lasting hydration.

Free from fragrance, alcohol, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, it’s an excellent option for sensitive skin, those avoiding potentially irritating additives, or families with young kids. It’s one of the gentlest, simplest, and most effective after-sun formulas we tested.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, cucumber extract, green tea leaf extract, witch hazel / Fragrance: Yes / Size: 5.5 oz.

What we love: Plant-based formula; suitable for all skin types, including children; lightweight texture that spreads easily and is deeply hydratingWhat could improve: Mist isn’t as fine as some others; not instantly coolingBest to Keep Tan: Maui Babe After Browning Lotion

Courtesy of brand

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Maui Babe After Browning Lotion

This lightweight lotion has a silky, slippery texture that spreads effortlessly and soaks in quickly, so you can get dressed right away without any stickiness. The scent is soft and refreshing—subtle enough to please without overpowering—and the formula leaves newly tanned skin feeling smooth and hydrated, not tight or dry.

After a day in the sun, it’s exactly what you want to reach for. Since I started using it, my tan has looked fresh and glowing—not dry or flaky—and it’s quickly become my go-to for keeping skin nourished long after pool or beach time. It’s also gained a cult following on TikTok, where fans rave about its smoothing, moisturizing effects.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera gel; macadamia nut oil; vitamins A, C, E; glycerin / Fragrance: No / Size: 8 oz.

What we love: Lightweight, silky texture; spreads easily and absorbs quickly; soft and refreshing scentWhat could improve: May not be ideal for sensitive skin, since it contains fragranceMeet the expertsMichele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York CityConnie Yang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York CityVivina Chin, MD, founder of Koru Wellness Aesthetics in New York CityDavid Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York CityGeeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet DermatologyBrooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skin care brand BtwnShannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in VancouverWilliam Shipman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Pasadena, California