Natural After Sun Care Essentials for Healthy, Hydrated Skin

Sunburn is sometimes unavoidable, especially when you like spending as much time outside as possible. 

And for those with sensitive skin, a sunburn can be easily aggravated by harsh ingredients, toxic after skin care lotions, or questionable fragrances. 

That’s why I created this list of the best natural after sun care products!

From lotions to sprays, these options will soothe your dehydrated and sunburnt skin without potentially angering your already irritated and inflamed skin. 

Let’s dive right into it so you can snag your new go to non-toxic after sun care product for the season. 

What’s On Deck

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4 Best Natural After Sun Care Lotions

I prefer a good natural after-sun care lotion over a gel. Lotions not only relieve pain and discomfort from sunburns, but they also help prolong your tan, moisturize your skin, and provide essential nutrients for faster healing.

Each of the following natural after-sun care lotions is free from Propylene Glycol, a universal solvent named the 2017 Allergen of the Year. As someone who’s highly allergic to Propylene Glycol, I prioritize finding high-quality, natural products that are less likely to irritate the skin.

1. Project Reef: Cooling Lotion

Cooling Lotion by Project Reef is a soothing after-sun care product designed to provide immediate relief from sunburns while promoting skin health. Formulated with natural ingredients, this lotion helps to cool and hydrate the skin, reducing redness and discomfort. Its nourishing blend supports the skin’s healing process and helps to maintain a lasting tan. 

Free from harmful ingredients, this Cooling Lotion is an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle, effective solution for sunburn care that is less likely to cause irritation.

“A friend recommended this product to me and I was really impressed. It was immediately cooling and left my skin feeling much better after too much time in the sun. I love the light scent and that it is made with natural products. Highly recommend!”

Ester

Features & benefits 

• Powered by Natural Ingredients: Organic aloe vera and peppermint soothe and hydrate skin, providing relief from sunburn
• Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Safe for daily use, sensitive skin, and all ages
• Sustainable Packaging: Made from ocean-bound and post-consumer recycled plastic, aluminum, and rapidly biodegradable plastic
• Travel-Sized: Meets TSA carry-on requirements for travel-size liquids
• Supports Ocean Clean-up: Each purchase removes 1lb of plastic from oceans; B-Corp Certified, climate neutral, and a Coral Reef Alliance partner

2. Absolutely Natural: After Sun Lotion 

Absolutely Natural’s After Sun Lotion is a premium skincare product designed to provide soothing relief and nourishment to sun-exposed skin. Infused with natural ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract, this lotion helps to cool, hydrate, and heal sunburned skin. Its rich, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

Free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, Absolutely Natural’s After Sun Lotion is gentle enough for all skin types and is committed to environmentally-friendly practices, making it a great choice for conscious consumers. 

“I use this to extend my tan and keep my skin moisturized. It smells AMAZING and is very refreshing.”

Abigail

Features & benefits 

• Soothing After Sun Care: Repairs and revitalizes sun-damaged skin, preventing discomfort and itchiness
• Rose Hip Oil for Skin Elasticity: Combines Aloe, Rose Hip Oil, and Vitamin E to reduce inflammation, support collagen health, and combat free radicals
• Lasting Sun-Kissed Glow: Enhances and extends your tan while providing post-sun care
• Thoughtfully Formulated: Uses natural, reef-safe, and cruelty-free ingredients for ethical and environmental skincare
• Relief for All Skin Types: Offers universal soothing and nourishment, leaving skin soft and radiant

3. Sun Bum: Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion

Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion is a refreshing and hydrating solution designed to provide immediate relief to sunburned skin. Infused with natural aloe vera and vitamin E, this lotion soothes and moisturizes, helping to alleviate redness and discomfort while promoting the skin’s healing process.

I discovered the Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion a couple of years ago and it’s been my go to ever since! Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling cool and revitalized. 

Free from parabens and gluten, and dermatologist-tested, Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion is gentle enough for all skin types and perfect for daily after-sun care.

“This worked very well to cool a sunburn and was not sticky at all! Highly recommend.”

Rebecca

Features & benefits 

• Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion: Soothes and prevents peeling of sun-damaged skin with dermatologist-approved, natural ingredients
• Moisturizing Sun Protection: Non-comedogenic SPF 30 facial sunscreen spray offers UVA/UVB protection, is oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly
• Protect Your Skin: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free for safe sun care
• Trust the Bum: Created by beachgoers for effective protection on intense sunny days, prioritizing high-quality products for loved ones

4. Honey Girl Organics: After Sun Face & Body Lotion

After Sun Face & Body Lotion by Honey Girl Organics is the perfect solution for rejuvenating your skin after a day in the sun. Beloved by lifeguards, ocean athletes, and sun-lovers, this lotion provides cooling refreshment and much-needed hydration. 

It features a blend of natural ingredients, including organic aloe gel, raw Hawaiian honey, beeswax, and essential oils like fir balsam, lemongrass, clove, patchouli, jasmine, and vanilla. This organic formula helps repair skin at the cellular level, leaving it refreshed and renewed. 

“This is the perfect lotion when my skin has been in the sun. It is luxurious, smells great and absorbs quickly. Love it.”

Debra

Features & benefits 

• Ideal After-Sun Care: Provides cooling refreshment and hydration, perfect for sun-exposed skin
• Natural Ingredients: Includes organic aloe gel, raw Hawaiian honey, beeswax, and essential oils like fir balsam, lemongrass, clove, patchouli, jasmine, and vanilla
• Beloved by Sun-Lovers: Trusted by lifeguards, ocean athletes, and sun enthusiasts for its effective skin rejuvenation
• Skin Repair: Organic formula helps repair skin at the cellular level, leaving it refreshed and renewed
• Quality Components: Made with organic extra virgin olive oil, purified water, and naturally beneficial ingredients containing pollen, propolis, and royal jelly 

3 Non Toxic After Sun Care Sprays 

Explore three non-toxic after sun care sprays that provide soothing relief and hydration for sun-kissed skin. These products are crafted with natural ingredients to nurture and rejuvenate your skin after a day outdoors, ensuring a gentle and effective post-sun skincare routine.

Rowe Casa Organics: After Sun Spray

Rowe Casa Organics’ After Sun Spray is a revitalizing and soothing solution designed to calm and hydrate sun-exposed skin. Crafted with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, lavender essential oil, and witch hazel, this spray provides immediate relief from sunburn while promoting skin healing. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving a cooling sensation that refreshes and rejuvenates. 

Rowe Casa Organics’ After Sun Spray is a go-to choice for gentle, effective after-sun care that supports skin health naturally.

“My daughter and I both got a little sunburned at our recent trip at the beach and with one application it’s like we didn’t have a sunburn at all! Absolutely love this stuff it is amazing!”

Sherrie

Features & benefits 

• After Sun Relief: Provides quick relief for sunburned and chapped skin, calming sting and heat
• Moisture Lock: Locks in moisture and soothes irritated skin, minimizing itching and peeling
• Multi-Purpose Use: Also effective for burns from ovens, curling irons, and provides relief for blisters
• Touch-Free Application: Convenient spray for easy, mess-free application after sun exposure

Project Reef: Aloe Cooling Mist (Non-Aerosol)

Project Reef’s Aloe Cooling Mist (Non-Aerosol) offers instant relief and hydration for sun-exposed skin. Infused with soothing aloe vera and enriched with antioxidants, this mist provides a cooling sensation that calms and refreshes the skin. 

Designed for easy application without aerosols, it promotes a gentle and environmentally friendly approach to natural after-sun care. Perfect for all skin types, Project Reef’s Aloe Cooling Mist is a convenient choice to soothe and revitalize your skin after a day outdoors.

“Used this as a cooldown moment at a recent pool party – LOVED IT. Super refreshing! Smells great!”

Lexi

Features & benefits 

• Refreshing & Rejuvenating: Provides a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for sun-exposed skin.
• Non-Aerosol Formula: Contains organic aloe vera, lavender, and peppermint essential oils for soothing hydration.
• Easy Application: Press-button mist delivers cooling relief, ideal for daily use or as needed.
• Gentle and Effective: Offers a sensory refresh with natural ingredients, free from aerosols

Beauty by Earth: After Sun Cooling Aloe Vera Spray

Beauty by Earth’s After Sun Cooling Aloe Vera Spray is a revitalizing solution designed to soothe and hydrate sun-damaged skin. Infused with organic aloe vera, cucumber extract, and lavender essential oil, this spray provides instant cooling relief to alleviate sunburn discomfort. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and moisturized. 

Perfect for all skin types, Beauty by Earth’s After Sun Cooling Aloe Vera Spray offers a natural and effective way to care for your skin after exposure to the sun.

“I bought this spray for a blister sunburn because I couldn’t touch my skin and it worked wonders within a couple days! I basically put it on every hour!”

Riley

Features & benefits 

• Spray-on Aloe Relief: Skip rubbing with our convenient after-sun gel spray — just spritz for instant cooling
• Cooling and Hydrating: Perfect for sunburn recovery or as a replacement for lotions and creams, this spray is dye-free and made with natural ingredients like aloe vera gel, glycerin, and organic cucumber
• Versatile Use: Use it as a sunburn spray, soothing cream, moisturizer, or after-tanning lotion for easy, effective application

Top 2 All Natural After Sun Care Gels

Natural after-sun care gels are essential when it comes to soothing and revitalizing sun-exposed skin. Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel and Absolutely Natural Pure Aloe Recovery Gel are among the top choices.

These gels harness the power of organic ingredients to provide immediate relief, hydration, and support for the skin’s healing process. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Seven Minerals: Organic Aloe Vera Gel

Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel is a top-tier after-sun care product renowned for its purity and effectiveness. Made from freshly cut, cold-pressed aloe vera leaves, this gel ensures maximum potency and freshness. 

Free from harmful additives, it provides soothing relief and deep hydration to sunburned or irritated skin, promoting faster healing. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. Suitable for all skin types, Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel is an essential addition to any natural skincare routine.

“Perfect after a long day in the sun to calm the skin. Even without sunburn it’s still ideal to use to give your skin the extra moisture you’ve lost…Great product!”

Gwen

Features & benefits 

• Highest Quality: Freshly grown in Southern Texas, NSF Organic & IASC Certified
• Pure and Strong: Made from real, freshly cut aloe leaves, not powder. Test on less sensitive areas first
• Rapid Absorption: Uses 100% natural thickener Agar for quick absorption with no sticky residue, leaving skin smooth and silky
• Versatile Uses: Soothes sunburn, treats cuts, clears rashes, relieves bites, and calms shaving burn
• Daily Repair: Slightly thinner gel perfect for daily treatment of face, skin, and hair, leaving skin soft and glowing

Absolutely Natural: Pure Aloe Recovery Gel

Absolutely Natural’s Pure Aloe Recovery Gel is an effective after-sun care product designed to provide immediate relief and rejuvenation for sun-exposed skin. Made with pure aloe vera, this gel delivers deep hydration and soothing properties to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. 

Its natural, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, ensuring that your skin feels refreshed and revitalized without any sticky residue. Ideal for all skin types, the Pure Aloe Recovery Gel supports the skin’s healing process, making it an essential addition to your after-sun care routine.

“This stuff is magic in a bottle. Especially for burns, sun burn and any kind of itchy rash. Makes it feel so much better and heals the area so much faster!”

Puja

Features & benefits 

• Premium Aloe Vera Gel: Made with 100% pure aloe vera for optimal skincare benefits
• Versatile Relief: Effective for sunburns, minor skin irritations, bug bites, jellyfish stings, and kitchen burns
• Repairs and Protects: Soothes and protects damaged skin, promotes natural cell growth, and helps with dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis
• Soothing & Hydrating: Non-greasy, non-sticky gel that quickly absorbs to moisturize dry skin and soothe sunburns
• Absolutely Natural: Committed to using nature’s finest ingredients, proudly made in Florida since 1992

Conclusion

Natural after sun care products are essential for anyone with sensitive skin, prone to sunburns, or seeking to enhance their skincare routine. These products, made with pure, organic ingredients, provide soothing relief, deep hydration, and promote the healing of sun-exposed skin. 

By incorporating high-quality after sun gels, sprays, and lotions into your regimen, you can ensure your skin remains healthy, revitalized, and well-protected from the harsh effects of the sun. Choose natural options to experience the gentle, effective care your skin deserves.