Top 7 Best Lotions for Sunburn Relief This Summer
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When choosing any lotions for sunburn relief, look for products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, vitamin E, and coconut oil. Hydrating formulas that are free from harsh chemicals, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances are especially important for sensitive, sun-damaged skin.
As the summer sun shines brighter and outdoor adventures become a daily ritual, many of us end up spending more time under its rays than we realize. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, hiking in the hills, or just taking a walk in the park, the risk of sunburn increases significantly during the warmer months. Even with sunscreen, prolonged exposure can leave your skin red, tender, and dehydrated.
That’s where a good after-sun lotion comes in. Quick and effective after-sun care is essential—not just for comfort, but to help your skin heal faster and reduce the risk of long-term damage. The right lotion can calm inflammation, replenish moisture, and support the skin’s natural repair process.
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top 7 best lotions for sunburn relief this summer, covering their key ingredients, best uses, and why they stand out from the rest. Whether your skin needs intense hydration, gentle soothing, or all-natural care, you’ll find the perfect option on this list.
Top 7 Best Lotions for Sunburn Relief
1. Aloe Vera After Sun Gel by Banana Boat
2. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
3. Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
5. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
6. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
7. Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
1. Aloe Vera After Sun Gel by Banana Boat
If you’re looking for a tried-and-true solution to soothe sunburned skin, Banana Boat Aloe Vera After Sun Gel is a go-to favorite. Infused with aloe vera and vitamin E, this gel provides instant relief for sunburn, minor burns, and dry skin caused by sun exposure. The formula is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, leaving your skin feeling cool and refreshed without any sticky residue. Its light, transparent texture makes it easy to apply, even on sensitive or peeling skin. It’s also widely available at most drugstores and online retailers, making it a convenient option for quick sunburn relief. Whether you’re dealing with a mild sunburn or just want to rehydrate your skin after a day outdoors, this affordable and effective gel is a staple in many summer skincare routines.
Product Summary Table: Aloe Vera After Sun Gel by Banana Boat
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Classic aloe-based sunburn relief |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Vitamin E |
| Texture | Soothes, cools, hydrates, and helps skin repair |
| Skin Type | Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive |
| Benefits | $5 – USD 8 (depending on size and retailer) |
| Scent | Mild, fresh scent |
| Packaging | Squeeze bottle; available in various sizes |
| Average Price | $5 – $8 USD 8 (depending on size and retailer) |
2. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
If you have sensitive or sunburn-prone skin, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is one of the most dermatologist-recommended products for gentle, everyday hydration. Its star ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, is known for its ability to calm irritation, restore the skin barrier, and lock in moisture. Combined with glycerin, this lotion deeply hydrates dry or damaged skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven to improve skin health in just one day, making it ideal for those dealing with sun-damaged or peeling skin. Unlike gels, this lotion has a creamy texture that’s soothing on contact and ideal for all-over body use. Though not specifically marketed as an after-sun lotion, it excels at restoring skin affected by sun exposure, especially for those with eczema or sensitive skin. It’s widely available in India through online platforms like Amazon and Nykaa.
Product Summary Table: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Sensitive, dry, or sunburned skin |
| Key Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, non-greasy |
| Skin Type | Sensitive, normal to dry skin |
| Benefits | Hydrates, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Packaging | Pump bottle or flip-top; available in multiple sizes |
| Average Price | ₹850 – ₹1,200 INR (for 354 ml size, varies by retailer) |
3. Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
For those who prefer natural skincare with minimal synthetic ingredients, Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother is a perfect match. This lightweight lotion is enriched with aloe vera, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil—a combination that deeply hydrates and gently calms sun-exposed skin. It’s designed to nourish and repair your skin naturally, without the use of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or synthetic fragrances. The addition of coconut oil gives it a light tropical scent, making it feel like a mini vacation every time you apply it. While it doesn’t have the cooling effect of a gel, its creamy texture melts into the skin and is ideal for those who want a soothing, plant-based alternative to conventional after-sun products. Though not always widely available in local stores in India, it can be purchased online through platforms like Amazon and iHerb.
Product Summary Table: Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Natural/organic skincare lovers |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil |
| Texture | Lightweight lotion; smooth and creamy |
| Skin Type | Normal to dry, sensitive skin |
| Benefits | Soothes, hydrates, nourishes, plant-based formula |
| Scent | Mild tropical (natural coconut scent) |
| Packaging | Flip-top tube (177 ml / 6 oz) |
| Average Price | ₹1,200 – ₹1,500 INR (may vary depending on importer/seller) |
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
When your sunburned skin is extremely dry, peeling, or in need of intensive repair, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a trusted choice recommended by dermatologists worldwide. This rich, fragrance-free cream is packed with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help to restore the skin’s protective barrier and lock in long-lasting hydration. What sets CeraVe apart is its patented MVE technology, which delivers moisturizing ingredients gradually over time, ensuring all-day comfort and healing. Though it’s not a traditional after-sun product, it’s incredibly effective at calming sun-damaged, irritated, or sensitive skin, especially during the recovery phase. Its thick, non-greasy formula is suitable for both the face and body, making it a versatile staple in any skincare routine. CeraVe is now available in India through leading e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Nykaa, and Apollo Pharmacy.
Product Summary Table: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Deep hydration, skin repair, sensitive or peeling sunburned skin |
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin |
| Texture | Thick cream; rich but non-greasy |
| Skin Type | Dry, very dry, sensitive skin |
| Benefits | Restores skin barrier, provides 24-hour hydration, fragrance-free |
| Scent | Unscented (fragrance-free) |
| Packaging | Jar or tube (available in 177 ml, 340 g, and other sizes) |
| Average Price | ₹1,500 – ₹2,200 INR (varies by size and seller) |
5. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
If you love after-sun care that hydrates deeply and smells amazing, then Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion is a tropical treat for your skin. This unique lotion blends soothing aloe vera with rich shea butter, delivering up to 24 hours of continuous hydration—perfect for dry, sun-exposed skin. The dual-ribbon formula combines cooling gel and moisturizing lotion in one, giving you both instant relief and lasting nourishment. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it easy to apply all over the body, while the coconut fragrance adds a refreshing beachy scent that lingers without being overpowering. This product is ideal for those who want more than just relief—it’s for anyone who enjoys a luxurious, skin-loving experience after sun exposure. Though it’s an imported product in India, it’s available through major online platforms.
Product Summary Table: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Moisture-rich care with a pleasant fragrance |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Shea Butter |
| Texture | Dual-ribbon gel-lotion; lightweight and non-greasy |
| Skin Type | Normal to dry skin |
| Benefits | 24-hour hydration, cooling relief, tropical scent |
| Scent | Light coconut fragrance |
| Packaging | Pump bottle or squeeze bottle (180 ml / 6 oz standard size) |
| Average Price | ₹1,000 – ₹1,400 INR (depending on retailer and size) |
6. Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
For extremely dry, peeling, or flaky skin caused by sunburn, Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion offers a powerful combination of intensive hydration and gentle exfoliation. Formulated with urea (a natural moisturizing factor) and ceramides, this lotion works to repair the skin’s barrier while also sloughing off dead, flaky skin without irritation. It provides long-lasting moisture and is especially effective during the peeling stage of sunburn recovery, when your skin needs both soothing care and renewal. The formula is fragrance-free, dye-free, and non-greasy, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. While it’s more common in Western markets, Eucerin products are now becoming more accessible in India through online health and skincare retailers.
Product Summary Table: Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Severely dry, flaky, or peeling skin due to sunburn |
| Key Ingredients | Urea, Ceramides, Glycerin |
| Texture | Smooth lotion; fast-absorbing and non-greasy |
| Skin Type | Very dry, sensitive, sun-damaged skin |
| Benefits | Deep hydration, gentle exfoliation restore the skin barrier |
| Scent | Fragrance-free |
| Packaging | Pump bottle or squeeze tube (250 ml, 500 ml options) |
| Average Price | ₹1,400 – ₹2,000 INR (varies by size and seller) |
7. Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion is an excellent choice for those who want a cooling, calming, and clean after-sun experience. Made with aloe vera, vitamin E, and cocoa butter, this lotion provides instant relief from sunburn while also deeply nourishing and hydrating the skin. It’s known for its lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and refreshed. What sets this product apart is its commitment to clean beauty standards: it’s vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, and free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. Whether you’ve spent a day at the beach or simply gotten too much sun, this lotion delivers a cooling effect that eases discomfort while helping your skin recover. Though it’s an imported product, it’s available online in India through Amazon and select skincare retailers.
Product Summary Table: Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | Cooling relief with clean, natural ingredients |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Cocoa Butter |
| Texture | Lightweight lotion; fast-absorbing, non-greasy |
| Skin Type | All skin types, especially sunburned or irritated skin |
| Benefits | Soothes, cools, hydrates, and promotes skin healing |
| Scent | Light tropical scent (natural, not overpowering) |
| Packaging | Squeeze tube or bottle (177 ml / 6 oz standard size) |
| Average Price | ₹1,200 – ₹1,600 INR (depending on seller and size) |
Tips for Using Sunburn Lotions Effectively
Taking care of sunburned skin requires a gentle and consistent approach to help soothe discomfort and promote healing. Here are some essential tips to get the most out of your sunburn lotion:
- Apply Gently—Don’t Rub!
Sunburned skin is sensitive and delicate. Instead of rubbing, gently pat or lightly spread the lotion over the affected area to avoid further irritation. - Store in the Fridge for Extra Cooling
Keeping your sunburn lotion chilled can provide an immediate cooling sensation when applied, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe heat. - Stay Hydrated and Out of the Sun
Healing sunburn requires more than topical care—drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within and avoid additional sun exposure until your skin recovers. - Use Regularly Until Skin is Fully Healed
Apply the lotion several times a day, especially after bathing or whenever the skin feels tight or dry. Consistent moisturizing helps repair the skin barrier and speeds up recovery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lotion for sunburn relief depends largely on your skin type and specific needs. For classic aloe-based soothing, Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel is a reliable option. Those with sensitive skin may prefer the gentle, fragrance-free care of Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. If you love natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil Soother offers nourishing plant-based relief. For deep hydration and skin repair, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion stand out, especially for dry, peeling skin. Meanwhile, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion brings a tropical scent and long-lasting moisture, and Sun Bum Cool Down Lotion is perfect for those seeking a lightweight, vegan, and reef-friendly formula.
No matter which lotion you choose, remember the best way to protect your skin is prevention—always apply a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen before heading outdoors.