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Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of sun-filled days spent lounging on the beach or enjoying outdoor adventures. However, as much as we love soaking up the sun’s warm rays, it’s all too easy to get carried away and end up with a painful, red sunburn.

If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of a sunburn, you know how it can put a damper on your summer fun. Your skin feels hot, tight, and sensitive to the touch, making even the simplest tasks uncomfortable.

But don’t let a sunburn ruin your summer plans! With the right products and a little TLC, you can soothe your sun-scorched skin and speed up the healing process.

Best Zero Waste Cleaning Swaps, in a nutshell…

Organic after sun lotion is a special kind of moisturizer made with natural and organic ingredients. Its main purpose is to soothe and hydrate your skin after spending time in the sun. 

These lotions or balms often include ingredients that are beneficial for your skin, like:

  • Aloe vera
  • Shea butter
  • Coconut oil
  • Calendula oil

These natural ingredients are known for their healing properties and ability to reduce inflammation. By using organic ingredients, these lotions are free from harmful synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and artificial fragrances that are less likely to aggravate your inflamed skin. 

What to look for in an organic after sun lotion?

Be sure to always take a look at labels closely since even natural ingredients can sometimes cause irritation for certain individuals. 

Hydrating Ingredients

Sun exposure can significantly dehydrate the skin, so you’ll want to look for an after sun lotion that is rich in hydrating ingredients. Good hydrating ingredients to look for include jojoba oil, shea butter, or coconut oil. These ingredients will help to lock in moisture and restore the hydration lost while you were in the sun.

Soothing Properties

Sunburn leads to irritation and inflammation that causes discomfort and redness. To alleviate these symptoms, seek out organic after sun lotions with ingredients that help to clam the skin and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera, calendula extract, and chamomile are great ingredients to look for. 

Aloe vera, in particular, has great anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and irritation of a sunburn.

Skin Type

When choosing an organic after sun lotion, it’s a good idea to consider your specific skin type. 

If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight lotion or gel that won’t clog your pores or leave a greasy residue. But, if you have drier skin, you may benefit from thicker creams or balms that provide intense hydration and nourishment. 

Some organic after sun lotions are even formulated to cater to specific concerns, such as sensitive skin or eczema.

Top Non Toxic After Sun Lotions 

Best For | Super Hydrating After Sun

If you’re looking for a luxurious and effective after sun care product, look no further than this Coconut Delight Body Balm from Chagrin Valley.

Formulated with a blend of organic virgin coconut oil, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil, this concentrated balm is the perfect remedy for sun-exposed skin.

The star ingredient, virgin coconut oil, is extracted from freshly cut coconuts and is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It easily penetrates the skin, providing deep nourishment, hydration, and protection. 

Sunflower seed oil, one of the most moisturizing vegetable oils, not only hydrates the skin but also helps it retain moisture.

Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm and heal irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote a smoother complexion.

The concentrated formula melts effortlessly into the skin, providing instant relief and long-lasting hydration.

Price

$15.50

certifications

USDA Certified Organic | Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny | Certified Organic by OEFFA

key ingredients

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil | Organic Jojoba Oil | Organic Sunflower Oil

Best for | Serious sun burns

When it comes to caring for your skin after a day in the sun, you want a product that is gentle, nourishing, and free from potentially harmful ingredients.

The Organic Skin & Scar Balm from Earth Mama Organics is a soothing choice if you’ve stayed out in the sun for far too long.

It’s formulated with USDA Organic herbs and oils traditionally used to soothe and support the healing of minor wounds, existing scars, and stretch marks but work equally well for serious sunburns (2nd degree burns as well).

This balm is great for both kids and adults and is a must-have in your family’s medicine cabinet.

It contains calendula, widely used for calming inflamed skin. While shea butter and cocoa butter help to hydrate and soften sunburned skin, to promote healing, and prevent peeling.

In addition to its soothing and moisturizing properties, the Organic Skin and Scar Balm also contains sea buckthorn oil, which is rich in vitamins A and E. These vitamins may promote skin cell regeneration and healing.

Price

$24.99

certifications

USDA Organic Certification | Oregon Tilth Certification | Non-GMO Project Verified 

key ingredients

Olive Oil | Beeswax | Jojoba Oil | Tamanu Oil | Sea Buckthorn Oil

Best For | Cooling After Sun Aloe Gel

The All Good Soothing Aloe Gel is a great, budget-friendly option for a clean, natural way to soothe and hydrate your skin.

It’s made with only organic botanical ingredients, and provides instant sunburn relief and long-lasting moisture.

The key ingredient is organic aloe vera, which soothes and cools the skin. (During the summer months we like to keep it in the fridge for extra cooling.)

Beyond aloe, the formula also contains plant-based hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) to improve skin resilience and softness.

What you won’t find in this lotion are any harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.

All Good uses only good-for-you botanicals like calendula, olive oil, and apple extract. This product is also vegan and cruelty-free for those animal lovers out there.

Price

$9.00

certifications

Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny | B Corporation Certified | Climate Neutral Certified Brand

key ingredients

Organic Aloe Vera | Apple Extract | Calendula | Olive Oil

Attention fitness enthusiasts and active individuals! It’s time to upgrade your post-workout skincare routine with the Thinksport After Sport Lotion.

This after sun lotion is packed with cooling ingredients to help your skin recover after you’ve been out in the sun. 

Thinksport has been a trailblazer in creating safe and sustainable products since 2006, and their After Sport Lotion is no exception.

While It won’t transform you into a supermodel, burn calories, or magically make others re-rack their weights (although that would be nice), that this lotion will do is provide your skin with the best ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals. 

All of Thinksport’s are EWG Verified, meaning they meet the strictest standards for safety and sustainability.

With a team of physicians and scientists behind the brand, you can trust that you’re getting the best possible product for your active lifestyle.

Price

$8.99

certifications

EWG Verified | Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny

key ingredients

Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera | Jojoba Oil

When that intense, prickly sunburn pain starts, ATTITUDE’s After Sun Melt-In Gel is a lifesaver.

Within seconds, a cool wave washes over your skin, thanks to the refreshing blend of mint and cucumber.

The lightweight formula glides on smoothly, which is a godsend when you don’t want to aggravate sore skin any further.

Besides the calming calendula extract, the gel boasts other soothing organic ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile. The spa-like scent is light and clean and fades after a while without being too overpowering.  

We love that this product is EWG verified which is as good as gold in our book. 

Price

$17.95

certifications

EWG Verified | ECOLOGO | Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA

key ingredients

Aloe Vera | Coconut Oil | Oatmeal | Witch Hazel

Earth’s Daughter 99.75% Organic Aloe Vera Gel is made from cold-pressed, pure aloe vera gel.

It’s free from harmful additives, dyes, perfumes, and alcohol, making it the best for soothing and moisturizing sunburned or irritated skin.

This fragrance free after sun gel is a nutrient-rich formula packed with minerals and amino acids and provides instant relief from sunburn while also promoting healing and hydration.

We love that we can use this spray gel almost anywhere – face, body, and even your scalp. It’s gentle enough for daily use. Even if you don’t have a sunburn you can use it to help alleviate dryness, itching, and redness.

Earth’s Daughter’s commitment to using almost 100% organic aloe vera ensures that you’re getting a pure, high-quality product that’s as close to nature as possible.

We love this EWG aloe vera product since you’re also supporting a company that donates a portion of its profits to charity. Its a feel-good choice for both your skin and your conscience.

Price

$12.50

certifications

USDA Organic Certification| B Corp Certified | Non-GMO Project Verified

key ingredients

99.75% aloe Vera

We love the Coconut After Sun Balm for soothing and nourishing sun-burned skin.

The unique blend of organic and fair trade ingredients, including coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, sunflower oil, and beeswax, deeply moisturizes to help rebalance your skin after sun exposure.

In addition to its hydrating properties, this organic aftersun balm also contains restorative ingredients like blue tansy, lavender, and ylang-ylang.

Not only do they soothe burned skin they also make this balm smell like you’re on an instant vacation.

Badger Balm is created only using pure, organic, and GMO-free ingredients. Their products don’t contain any harmful additives like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, or dyes. 

They use packaging that is eco-friendly, with an infinitely recyclable tin and an FSC-certified cardboard sleeve.

Price

$14.99

certifications

USDA Organic Certification| B Corp Certified | Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny | Fair Trade Certified 

ingredients

Coconut Oil | Sunflower Oil | Beeswax | Cocoa Butter | Shea Butter

While certainly on the pricier side, this After Sun Lotion from Dr. Hauschka is an indulgent treat for when your skin has been overexposed to the sun’s harsh rays. 

Dr. Hauschka is committed to using natural and organic ingredients whenever possible.

They source their ingredients from controlled organic or biodynamic farms, with over 80% of their plant-based raw materials being organically cultivated.

Ingredients, like anthyllis and ice plant extracts, help soothe and cool the skin, while almond oil and rose wax deeply nourish and promote your skin’s natural moisture barrier and helps to prevent peeling. 

Their sun lotion is free from any synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, mineral oils, silicone, and PEG so you can trust you are giving your skin the best. 

Price

€23.00 (Germany)

certifications

NATRUE | ISO 14001| EMAS

key ingredients

Almond Oil | Shea Butter | Rose Wax

With 97% natural ingredients, the Bee Sun Safe cream is a must-have for anyone who loves to spend time in the sun and is selective about what they put on their skin. 

This lightweight, cream-to-gel moisturizer instantly cools, soothes, and hydrates sun-exposed skin, thanks to its blend of sea lavender, aloe, fig, and cucumber extract.

The patented propolis extract provides inflamed skin with much-needed antioxidant protection, which helps to prevent premature aging caused by UV rays. 

The gel-cream’s delightful summer scent and versatility make it perfect for daily use all over including your face throughout the summer months.

Price

€16.00 (Greece)

certifications

USDA Organic Certification| B Corp Certified | 1% for the Planet Certification | Certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny

key ingredients

Aloe | Propolis Extract | Fig | Lavender | Cucumber

 5 Easy DIY After Sun Lotion Recipes

Making your own organic after sun lotion is a great way to customize the ingredients in your skincare to suit your specific needs, especially if you have sensitive skin. 

These DIY recipes often use affordable, readily available ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option. And, by making your own lotion, you know exactly what is in it. You can control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.

Opting to make your own after sun lotion is also a more sustainable choice, since it reduces unnecessary packaging waste.

When in doubt if you have an Aloe Vera plant available you can just break off a leaf and extract its natural gel to rub on your burn!

An important note about essential oils: 

For each of these recipes please keep in mind that the essential oils are optional. You can leave the essential oils out and these DIY lotions will be just as effective for soothing your sunburn. 

If you plan to use essential oils, please patch test with the essential oils you plan to use to make sure you don’t have any allergies or sensitivities. 

Be sure to avoid the use of citrus oils in your after sun lotion (orange, lemon, grapefruit, etc.) as these oils can be irritating to sunburned skin. Sunburned skin is already inflamed and sensitive, and the acidic properties of citrus oils can further aggravate it, causing stinging, redness, or itchiness.

1. Soothing Aloe Vera After Sun

Aloe vera is known for its soothing and cooling properties, making it ideal for calming sunburned skin. It helps reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and promote healing

Ingredients: 1/2 cup pure aloe vera gel, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp shea butter, 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional).

Instructions: Melt the coconut oil and shea butter, mix with aloe vera gel, add lavender oil, blend well, and store in a jar.

2. Calming Coconut Oil After Sun Lotion

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help moisturize and nourish the skin. It can aid in reducing redness and inflammation caused by sunburn, promoting skin repair and hydration.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup cocoa butter, 10 drops chamomile essential oil.

Instructions: Melt coconut oil and cocoa butter, let cool slightly, add chamomile oil, whip until creamy, and transfer to a container.

3. Hydrating Shea Butter After Sun Lotion

Shea butter is deeply moisturizing and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier. It can soothe sunburned skin, reduce peeling, and provide long-lasting hydration to promote healing

Ingredients: 1/2 cup shea butter, 1/4 cup almond oil, 10 drops peppermint essential oil.

Instructions: Melt shea butter, mix with almond oil, add peppermint oil, whip until fluffy, and store in a jar.

4. Nourishing Vitamin E After Sun

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and UV damage. It aids in repairing sun-damaged skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin regeneration.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup beeswax, 1/4 cup almond oil, 1 tbsp vitamin E oil, 5 drops geranium essential oil.

Instructions: Melt beeswax and almond oil, add vitamin E oil and geranium oil, stir well, pour into a container, and let it set.

5. Refreshing Green Tea After Sun

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help combat skin damage caused by UV exposure. It can reduce inflammation, soothe sunburned skin, and promote skin repair and rejuvenation.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup green tea-infused water, 1/4 cup grapeseed oil, 2 tbsp mango butter, 5 drops tea tree essential oil.

Instructions: Mix green tea water with grapeseed oil, melt mango butter, combine, add tea tree oil, blend thoroughly, and pour into a bottle.

Additional tips for caring for sunburned skin

  1. Get out of the sun immediately and cool the skin. 
  2. Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool, damp compresses to the affected areas. Avoid very cold water or ice, as this can further damage the skin.
  3. Moisturize the skin while it’s still damp.
  4. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
  5. Reduce inflammation by taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. 
  6. Avoid breaking any blisters that form, as this can lead to infection. 
  7. If blisters do burst on their own, gently clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment.
  8. Drink extra fluids to stay hydrated, as sunburns can cause fluid loss. 
  9. Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing to avoid further irritation to the skin. 
  10. Protect the sunburned skin from further sun exposure until it has fully healed. 
  11. See a doctor if you experience severe symptoms like fever, chills, blistering over a large area, or signs of dehydration. 

And remember to always, always, always wear your sunscreen! If you’re looking for great, organic sunscreen recommendations check out this article on our sister site Sustainably Kind Living. 

And there you have it! Our full guide to organic after sun lotions to soothe your skin.

Whether you choose to pamper yourself with one of our top picks or get creative with a DIY recipe, your skin will thank you for the extra TLC.

Remember, while it’s always best to prevent sunburn by using sunscreen and practicing sun safety, we all know that sometimes, despite our best efforts, a little too much sun can sneak up on us. When that happens, having a trusty organic after sun lotion on hand can make all the difference in your skin’s recovery process.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling the burn, reach for a natural, nourishing after sun lotion and let the healing begin. Your skin will be back to its glowing, radiant self in no time, ready for more fun in the sun (with proper protection, of course!).

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