17 best aftersun lotions to cool and hydrate sunburnt skin
Let's be real: aftersun lotions are just as important a part of your beauty arsenal as your go-to face SPFs and sun creams. While everyone loves to spend a day on the sun lounger, running the risk of sore shoulders and sunburnt skin isn't exactly the most pleasant side effect.
Sure, prevention is better than the cure. Ideally, we should all be dutifully applying a healthy helping of sunscreens and/or face SPF before we step outside into the sun. And minimising the number of times we actually do. But if you happen to get a sunburn, an aftersun lotion can be your saviour by soothing your skin and preventing it from peeling.
Best aftersun lotions at a glance – our top picks:
- Best aftersun lotion overall: Ultrasun Aftersun, WAS £20 NOW £13.40, LookFantastic
- Best aftersun lotion for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Posthelios Soothing After Sun Melt-in Gel, £15.50, LookFantastic
- Best affordable aftersun lotion: Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydrating Soothing After Sun Lotion, WAS £6.50 NOW £5, Boots
- Best aftersun lotion for your face: Shiseido Sustainable After Sun For Face, £26, Cult Beauty
As well as calming sore skin, aftersun lotions can help to replenish lost moisture, alleviate redness and irritation as well as promote your body's natural healing process. The key is reading the packaging and choosing your ingredients wisely. Opt for one that's packed with antioxidants and other actives such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E and green tea, all of which improve hydration and prevent further sun damage by neutralising the free radicals on our skin. To really up the ante and make the most of the skin-soothing action that aftersun product can provide, pop them in the fridge before slathering on to amp up the cooling effect.
To help you make the right choice, we've put together an extensive guide on all the best aftersun lotions. We've also made sure to include a variety of options such as creams, gels, body butters, shower gels and mists to help your skin recover after a prolonged tanning session. Plus, you'll find something that suits everyone, regardless of budget or personal taste.
Note: aftersun lotions are not alternatives to sun tan lotions and sun creams. Make sure to protect your skin from irreparable damage by applying sunscreen before exposing it to the sun.
Looking to stock up on sun protection and after sun care products? Check out our guide to SPF, as well as our edits of the best sun creams for your body, the best SPF makeup and scalp sunburn treatments. Plus, be sure to take a look at the best fake tan products too. For more shoppable makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll down to see our list of all the best aftersun lotions to soothe that pesky sunburn…
Best aftersun lotion overall
Ultrasun Aftersun, WAS £20 NOW £13.40, LookFantastic
Why we love it: If you've suffered sun damage, there's nothing better than this product. This aftersun lotion is formulated to help your skin's natural repair system, which encourages it to heal quicker. Plus, it's free from oils and emulsifiers too.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Posthelios Soothing After Sun Melt-in Gel, £15.50, LookFantastic
Why we love it: There's nothing worse for people with sensitive skin than a sunburn. Thankfully, this nourishing and refreshing aftersun gel is perfect for soothing irritation and reducing the chance of peeling. The best part is that it has a very gentle formula that's hypoallergenic and free from parabens.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for a better tan
Institut Esthederm Tan Prolonging Body Lotion, £48, Space NK
Why we love it: Not all aftersun lotions are necessarily for treating burns. For instance, this premium product is designed to help your tan develop better and stay on longer, giving you a radiant, sun-kissed glow that'll make everyone jealous.
Best aftersun lotion with a non-sticky formula
Caudalie Vinosun Tan Prolonging After-sun Lotion, £30, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Keen on keeping your tan for longer? Us too. This aftersun lotion from Caudalie makes this possible, thanks to a hydrating formulation that contains ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera and organic grape water.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best aftersun lotions using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for face and body
NUXE SUN Refreshing After-Sun Lotion for Face and Body, £21, Sephora
Why we love it: While you technically can use aftersun lotions for your body on your face, it's not really recommended to do so. Luckily, this refreshing product is perfect for just that. Great for restoring your skin's natural balance after prolonged sun exposure and even extending your tan by up to two weeks.
Make sure to check out our Sephora discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for preventing peeling
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion, WAS £35 NOW £26.25, LookFantastic
Why we love it: There's nothing more embarrassing than ending up with a dreadful peel instead of a luxurious tan. With this aftersun lotion, you can minimise the chances of that happening. It contains a repairing complex that provides an intense dose of moisture to leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best aftersun gel
Dr Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel, £50, Dr Barbara Sturm
Why we love it: This aftersun gel is made with natural aloe vera, which gives it its intensive soothing and cooling properties. Ideal for daily use and for promoting skin regeneration, reducing the appearance of irritation.
Best aftersun shower gel
The Ritual of Karma After Sun Shower Gel, £9.50, Rituals
Why we love it: A good, refreshing shower can also help fight against sun damage and dry skin. This shower gel has a mild formulation, which refreshes your skin and cools it down following a prolonged tanning session. Perfect for holidays.
Best aftersun balm
Dior Bronze After Sun Hydration Intense Ultra Fresh Monoï Balm, £31, Sephora
Why we love it: This ultra-lightweight balm is designed to help you keep your tan for longer while also rehydrating your skin and compensating for moisture lost during tanning. The best part? It also gives your skin a subtle and luminous pearly finish. *chef's kiss*
Make sure to check out our Sephora discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for the whole family
Avène Thermal Spring Water After-Sun Repair Lotion, £15, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Give your skin the TLC it deserves with this spring water-infused aftersun lotion, which offers up to 48 hours of hydration. It features a blend of antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental aggressors, as well as jojoba oil, which delivers a healthy dose of nourishment. Suitable for all skin types, making it great for the whole family.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best aftersun lotion for your face
Shiseido Sustainable After Sun For Face, £26, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Created at the edge of Japanese beauty innovation, this sustainable aftersun lotion is ideal for your gentle facial skin and is formulated without the use of silicone, SLS, parabens or microplastics. Great for the environment and your skin.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best aftersun lotions using these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best aftersun body milk
Bioderma Photoderm After-Sun Soothing Cream, £13, LookFantastic
Why we love it: A milky after sun cream that melts into your skin with ease? Sign us up. Formulated with Bioderma's Cellular Bioprotection Complex, this product soothes irritation and protect your skin against the damage caused by UV radiation. Plus, it helps prolong your tan and leaves your skin feeling calm and comfortable. A great soother for irritated skin.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best vegan aftersun lotion
Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Lotion, WAS £17.99 NOW £15.54, Sephora
Why we love it: Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, this skincare product provides a nice cooling effect while also restoring your skin's natural balance. This soothing lotion has a pleasant, non-greasy formula, which absorbs quickly and effectively.
Make sure to check out our Sephora discount codes.
Best affordable aftersun lotion
Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydrating Soothing After Sun Lotion, WAS £6.50 NOW £5, Boots
Why we love it: Taking good care of your skin shouldn't have to cost a fortune. Thankfully, this aftersun lotion from Garnier is incredibly affordable and great for rehydrating your skin for up to 24 hours.
Best aftersun body butter
Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter Exotic Coconut, £11.49, Boots
Why we love it: Featuring a delicious blend of coconut oil, shea butter and avocado oil, this aftersun body butter is definitely something your skin will love. Apply it to your body generously after a bath or shower and watch it work its magic.
Best aftersun mist
Piz Buin After Sun Instant Relief Mist Spray, £13, LookFantastic
Why we love it: While lotions, creams and gels certainly do the job, there's nothing quite as refreshing as dousing yourself in a cool, hydrating mist. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this instant relief spray is non-greasy and non-sticky, making it perfect for giving yourself a good dose of hydration without any hassle.
Save more on the best aftersun lotions using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best aftersun spray
Nivea Sun After Sun Moisturising Soothing Spray, £11.22, Amazon
Why we love it: This fast-absorbing aftersun spray contains a dermatologist-approved formula that uses aloe vera and hyaluron, both of which help maintain your skin's elasticity. Great for taking with you on a holiday abroad to keep your skin from peeling or flaking.
