These dermatologist-approved lotions will help soothe a painful sunburn
Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Sunburns ... well ... burn.
Try as we might to lather on sunscreen and keep our fun in the sun to a minimum, most people have experienced the painful, hot sensation of a sunburn at one point or another.
It can feel like there’s no end to the itching and burning, but relief does exist — and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
You may have seen the menthol shaving cream trick trending on Facebook, but the dermatologists we reached out to said that's probably not the best solution.
So, we consulted with the pros to find out what actually works.
Try one (or more) of these options and your skin just might find sweet relief in no time.
1. Amara Organics Aloe Vera
Amara Organics Aloe Vera
“This is a great product for relief of mild to moderate sunburns. It has a lightweight formulation and absorbs easily. It's formulated without added alcohol, color or fragrances, so it's especially helpful for those with sensitive skin,” said Dr. Bobby Y. Reddy, an instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment $13.74 at Amazon
Aquaphor Healing Ointment $13.74 at Walmart
Aquaphor Healing Ointment $14.49 at Rite Aid
“When someone gets a bad sunburn, I usually recommend staying out of the sun completely to let it heal,” said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, who runs BAXT CosMedical in Bergen County, New Jersey. “If you start to blister, Aquaphor is a great option.”
3. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $12.96 at Amazon
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $6.92 at Walmart
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion $8.99 at Walgreens
“The aloe in this after-sun lotion helps soothe and cool down the body. It also has shea butter to moisturize and hydrate the skin after you’ve been out in the sun for an extended period of time,” said Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified New York City dermatologist and author of the book “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist."
4. Avène Thermal Spring Water
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Avène Thermal Spring Water $18.50 at Amazon
Avène Thermal Spring Water $21.18 at Walmart
Avène Thermal Spring Water $18.50 at Dermstore
“The light, cool mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water soothes sunburned skin. It helps to ease the hot sensation that results from a burn, and contains trace minerals that can decrease irritation,” said Dr. Allison Arthur, board-certified dermatologist at the Sand Lake Dermatology Center in Orlando, Florida. “It can be used as often as needed, and should be followed by application of a moisturizer.”
5. Burt's Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Burt's Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Burt's Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.70 at Amazon
Burt's Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.70 at Walmart
Burt's Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother $7.69 at Walgreens
“The Burt's Bees after-sun soother is fast to absorb and very hydrating, which is ideal for parched, burned skin,” said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist based in the Boston area.
6. Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel $19.95 at Amazon
"Aloe Vera and cucumber are great natural sunburn treatments, and this aloe gel is one of my favorites. It can be used on skin or hair, but must be refrigerated. Believe it or not, the aloe actually feels even more soothing when the gel is cool," said Edyta Jarosz, lead esthetician at PFRANKMD Skin Salon.
7. Dr. Dan's Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion
Dr. Dan's Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion
Dr. Dan's Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion $7.99 at Amazon
Dr. Dan's Hydrocortisone Hand and Body Lotion $10.27 at Walmart
“This hand and body lotion has hydrocortisone, which decreases the inflammation associated with sunburn. I like it because the urea in it is intensely hydrating and it also contains antioxidants like Vitamin A and C, which help sunburned skin return to normal,” said Dr. Maral Skelsey, director of The Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington and clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University.
8. Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $8.89 at Amazon
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $8.92 at Walmart
Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil $9.74 at Ulta
“Sunburned skin, if not treated properly, can lead to dry skin and pronounced lines and wrinkles. Therefore, it’s important to treat the sunburn with products that have ingredients like vitamin E, which helps the skin heal and neutralize free radicals,” said Dr. Dendy Engelman, dermatologic surgeon at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York. “Bio-Oil Multiuse Skincare Oil is packed with vitamins A and E — which work with the skin to promote cell regeneration — and lavender oil, chamomile oil, calendula oil and rosemary oil, which invigorate and condition the skin.”
9. Weleda Calendula Body Lotion
Weleda Calendula Body Lotion
Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $17.24 at Amazon
Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $11.87 at Walmart
Weleda Calendula Body Lotion $13.99 at Dermstore
Skelsey also recommended this sensitive skin lotion. "This body lotion contains calendula, which is a healing ingredient that's great for superficial burns," Skelsey said.
10. Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel
Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel $14.99 at Amazon
Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel $4.97 at Walmart
Hirsch also recommended this soothing gel. "Aloe Vera is the OG after-sun ingredient. This inexpensive gel is a great one to keep around," Hirsch said.
To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!
