The top pick proved incredibly useful on my trip to Florida.

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Travel + Leisure

We all know the importance of SPF, yet sunburns can still sneak up on us—and the fallout isn't fun. To soothe sun-exposed skin, it's a good idea to have an after-sun lotion on hand.

When shopping for after-sun lotion, New York City-based dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., suggests looking for after-sun lotions with ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, as they are particularly effective. She explained that they "work to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated, red skin." For sensitive skin, she advises avoiding products with alcohol, fragrances, dyes, formaldehyde, or parabens, which are "known skin irritants" that can "lead to increased redness, inflammation, irritation, and peeling." Dr. Green also warns against using products with retinol, retinoids, or exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid, as they "can increase skin irritation and inflammation."

As someone with sensitive skin who burns easily, I'm always searching for soothing after-sun products. But I wasn’t the only one on the case: to find out which formulas actually deliver, the Travel + Leisure team tried 12 lotions on sun-exposed skin over several weeks, rating consistency, scent, absorption, and how their skin felt hours later. Here’s what stood out.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Key West Aloe Save a Tan at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Hydration: Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Body Butter: SALE Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter at Amazon $13 $11 Jump to Review Best Gel: Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Gel at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: SALE Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion at Amazon $18 $15 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Freaks of Nature Deeper Dive Hydrator at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Value: Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Most Luxurious: Dior Solar The After-sun Balm at Dior.com Jump to Review Best Face Lotion: Exoceuticals Exo Sun After-Sun Treatment at Amazon $73 Jump to Review Best Scent: Vacation After Sun Gel at Nordstrom $14 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Key West Aloe Save a Tan

Credit: Amazon $35 at Amazon View on Keywestaloe.com Why We Love It

• This creamy lotion has hydrating properties, a subtle tropical scent, and is the bottle I reach for most.

What to Consider

• It takes a good 30 to 60 seconds to fully absorb without any white cast. 

Upon applying the creamy lotion to my sunburnt skin on a trip to Florida, I was instantly impressed by its soothing properties. I also noticed that my sunburn never peeled; instead, it’s remained tan for two weeks and counting, which, frankly, has never happened before. The nourishing lotion is powered by 80 percent aloe, which is known to reduce inflammation and redness. I especially appreciated its unique texture—it wasn’t too lightweight or heavy. Instead, it struck the perfect balance for my sensitive skin, which tends to feel dry and tight after sun exposure. It felt rich and nourishing, yet absorbed easily within 30 to 60 seconds, leaving no greasiness or oily residue behind. The refreshing key lime-coconut scent feels like a whiff of vacation in a bottle.

The Details: 15.5 ounces | Aloe | Key lime-coconut scent

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Best Hydration

Coola Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion

Credit: Coola $32 $31 at Amazon $39 at Nordstrom $32 at Ulta Why We Love It

• This rich, botanical-packed formula is hydrating without feeling greasy.

What to Consider

• Due to its thick consistency, it can take longer to absorb.

Whether you’re recovering from a day in the sun or need extra hydration, this ultra-moisturizing after-sun lotion is ideal for dry, dehydrated, and sunburned skin. Our tester, who applied it after an hours-long gardening session in her Brooklyn backyard, was especially impressed with its thick, creamy texture, which «moisturizes well» without «leave[ing] my skin feeling greasy,» they shared. Its cooling and conditioning formula is packed with fatty acid-rich staples like shea butter to help reduce inflammation, coconut oil for soothing hydration, and glycerin to lock in moisture. Moreover, it’s 99 percent naturally derived, harnessing the power of potent anti-inflammatory ingredients like organic agave, aloe, and rosemary extract. As our tester put it, «You truly don’t need a lot of it for total coverage.»

The Details: 5 ounces | Agave, aloe, shea butter, sunflower oil, coconut oil, rosemary extract | Essential oil scent

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Best Body Butter

Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Body Butter

Credit: Amazon $13 $11 at Amazon View on Hawaiiantropic.com View on CVS Why We Love It

• This conditioning body butter is perfect for everyday use.

What to Consider

• Some may consider the coconut scent too strong.

Body butters are beloved for their rich, deeply nourishing texture, and this one, specially formulated for after-sun application, goes the extra mile to soothe and replenish sun-kissed skin. Its fully vegan formula is spiked with shea and cocoa butters, aloe, and coconut oil, plus moisture-replenishing mango seed butter and hydrating panthenol (aka vitamin B5). According to the brand, it provides up to 12 hours of moisture, keeping skin soft, supple, and smooth—and our tester confirmed that it lives up to the claim. They described it as «smooth, silky, and cool at first application,» noting that the consistency is definitely that of a body butter, albeit «a little lighter with a cooling element.» They applied it to her arms, legs, shoulders, neck, and face—only later realizing it wasn’t technically intended for facial use—but reported no irritation. The tester was also quick to call out the «lovely coconut smell,” which they described as «strong but not overpowering.»

The Details: 8 ounces | Shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, mango seed butter, avocado oil | Coconut scent

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Best Gel

Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Gel

Credit: Macy’s $12 $11 at Amazon View on Dicks Sporting Goods $12 at Macy’s Why We Love It

• The formula dries quickly and completely, without leaving a trace behind. 

What to Consider

• For optimal results, you’ll want to reapply multiple times per day.

There’s lots to love about this Sun Bum after-sun gel, starting with the fact that, well, it’s a gel. Its weightless, serum-like consistency means it’s designed to absorb fast and won’t leave behind any sticky residue—a standout quality highlighted by our tester, who said it “dries to the point where it's like you never put it on.”

That said, don’t be fooled by how lightweight it feels. Its formula is packed with reparative ingredients to help bring sun-baked skin back to life, including vitamin E, known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, and aloe to calm and soothe. Take it from our tester, who suffers from frequent sunburns and sun-triggered hives—they shared that the gel “alleviated any irritation from the burn after one use” and left her skin feeling soothed and cool.” For optimal relief, they shared that applying it to sunburned skin two to three times a day was helpful.

The Details: 8 ounces | Vitamin E, aloe | Tea tree oil scent

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Best for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion

Credit: Amazon $18 $15 at Amazon View on Neutrogena.com View on Walgreens Why We Love It

• Free from sulfates, parabens, and dyes, we found this after-sun lotion to be incredibly gentle. 

What to Consider

• While the mint extract has potent anti-inflammatory properties, it has an equally powerful scent.

Sensitive-skinned folks (myself included) often have trouble finding products that don't irritate. Fortunately, Neutrogena's Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion is a gentle option that works for many. Its sulfate-, paraben-, and dye-free formula helps reduce the risk of potential allergens. Our tester, who described their skin as sensitive to heat and sun—especially on the neck and face—shared that the lotion "feels great on my skin" and, even after prolonged sun exposure from activities like golfing, doing yardwork for several hours, or hanging by the pool, “doesn't irritate my skin in any way.”

Designed to deliver 24-hour hydration, the lotion also helps prevent peeling and maintain healthy-looking skin thanks to a soothing combination of aloe vera, vitamin E, and inflammation-calming mint extract. Our tester appreciated the fact that the lightweight texture is fast-absorbing and non-sticky, leaving the skin «very well moisturized but not oily.» That’s thanks to ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, which help lock in hydration without clogging pores, making this a solid choice for sensitive skin.

The Details: 6.7 ounces | Aloe, mint extract, vitamin E | Mint extract scent

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Best for Dry Skin

Freaks of Nature Deeper Dive Hydrator

Credit: Amazon $48 at Amazon View on Freaksofnature.com View on Thefeed.com Why We Love It

• This innovative, multitasking skincare product doubles as an after-sun hydrator, which is ideal for those with dry and flaky skin.

What to Consider

• The formula might be too greasy for those with oily or combination skin.

This versatile, multitasking serum promises to deliver long-lasting hydration and works overtime to restore and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier. We found that it absorbed quickly and provided lasting moisture, particularly on rough, dehydrated areas such as hands and heels. The consistency is just right: it's rich enough to be effective but not greasy. However, those with oily skin may find that it doesn't aid in preventing shiny skin. Even hours after application, the moisturizing effects held up, with skin feeling “smooth, calm, and comfortably hydrated” all day long, according to our tester. 

Formula highlights include anti-inflammatory squalane to help calm irritation, acne-fighting jojoba seed oil to help regulate sebum production, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to defend against environmental stressors. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, and crafted with 100 percent naturally derived ingredients. 

The Details: 1.7 ounces | Squalane, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E | Natural scent

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Best Value

Banana Boat Soothing Aloe After Sun Gel

Credit: Amazon $7 $6 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Walgreens Why We Love It

• At under $10 for a 16-ounce bottle, it's hard to beat the value.

What to Consider

• It takes a while for the gel to dry and not be sticky.

This Banana Boat after-sun gel is one of the most affordable options on the market, with a 16-ounce bottle priced under $10. Infused with aloe vera, it promises to soothe and hydrate sun-parched skin, while its cooling sensation can deliver instant relief.  T+L associate editor Anna Popp described the texture as thick but soothing—like «taking a bath in aloe vera»—and noted that it “coats the skin beautifully, offering instant relief.” While the texture of this gel can feel slightly sticky, especially when over-applied, it’s a minor tradeoff for a budget-friendly product that lasts a while. 

Popp also noted how little product was needed for full-body application. After three weeks of use, she had "hardly made a dent" in the bottle, adding, "This bottle will last through the summer or longer, and it's such a steal of a deal. Everyone should have this in their medicine cabinet."

The Details: 16 ounces | Aloe and glycerin | Aloe scent

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Most Luxurious

Dior Solar The After-sun Balm

Credit: Sephora View on Dior.com Why We Love It

• This silky balm has a subtle glow, and it’s gentle on sensitive skin. 

What to Consider

• We wish it came in a travel-size bottle to bring with us everywhere.

If your budget allows, Dior's Solar The After-sun Balm offers a luxurious approach to post-sun care. Part of the Dior Solar collection, the formula is crafted with 94 percent natural-origin ingredients, including shea butter and coconut oil, and is designed to melt into the skin on contact. Our tester with sensitive, eczema-prone skin praised its "rich and creamy consistency" that absorbs quickly and "feels light on the skin." They also noted the balm's satin finish, which leaves behind an "incredibly subtle gold sparkle" that catches the light beautifully. Meanwhile, the scent was described as "fresh and warm but not heavy," with delicate notes of spices and flowers. 

Our tester put the balm to the test over the course of a week and a half, partaking in outdoor activities across the globe—including sightseeing in Croatia, biking around Amsterdam, and running errands in New York City. While it doesn’t deliver much in the way of cooling, they found it deeply hydrating: “My skin never felt dry or tight when using this, and it was incredibly soothing.” The nourishing effect, they added, “lasted overnight into the next day,” though they often reapplied it simply “because of how nice it made my skin feel.”

The Details: 5 ounces | Shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin | Monoi scent

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Best Face Lotion

Exoceuticals Exo Sun After-Sun Treatment

Credit: Amazon $73 $66 at Amazon $70 at Nordstrom View on Exoceuticals.com Why We Love It

• The lightweight formula has a cooling effect, and it blends well into the skin for everyday use. 

What to Consider

• At .34 ounces per bottle, it’s easy to go through an entire one.

Available in a set of four travel-sized bottles, this after-sun face lotion blends soothing aloe with exosomes—tiny vesicles known to help reduce UV damage and diminish visible signs of aging. Hydrating coconut oil, glycerin, and antioxidant-rich marine botanicals like sea kelp and Irish sea moss round out the formula. The lightweight, gel-like texture—described by Popp as a “milky glaze”—absorbs quickly, layers seamlessly under sunscreen or tinted moisturizer, and delivers “immediate relief and cooling” after time spent outdoors, whether skiing in France or lounging poolside in New York City. She also praised its fragrance-free formula, portable design, and noticeable results, adding that it made her skin look visibly rehydrated and brighter. 

The Details: .34 ounces (x4) | Aloe, exosomes, coconut oil, glycerin | Unscented

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Best Scent

Vacation After Sun Gel

Credit: Vacation $14 at Nordstrom View on Vacation.inc View on Urban Outfitters Why We Love It

• Its signature scent instantly transports you to a warm, tropical oasis. 

What to Consider

• While the fragrance is delightful, it's very subtle and doesn't linger long.

Vacation’s After Sun Gel puts a modern spin on the classic aloe vera treatment with fun, retro branding and a lightweight, alcohol-free formula that absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky residue or white cast. In addition to wrinkle-reducing niacinamide and anti-inflammatory bisabolol, it also contains hyaluronic acid, which, per Dr. Green, is «used to attract and trap moisture into the skin to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier.»

The bespoke scent—featuring subtle notes of aloe, cucumber, and citrus—is fresh without being overpowering. T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker described it as «subtle» and appreciated that it lacked the «intense artificial smell» common in many sun care products. She also appreciated the gel’s cooling properties, especially after long walks in the city or sun-filled afternoons at the beach. All in all, she said, «I love the smell and also how the gel feels, especially when applied straight out of the fridge—it’s cool and not at all sticky.»

The Details: 6 ounces | Aloe, vitamin E, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol,  | Aloe, cucumber, and citrus scent

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Other After-sun Lotions We Liked

The following after-sun lotions didn’t quite make our final list, but they’re still well worth considering.

Burt’s Bees After Sun Soothe: This after-sun lotion stood out for its fresh scent, moisturizing benefits, and budget-friendly price point. However, its runny consistency made it a bit trickier to work into the skin, and it took longer to absorb than other formulas that made our final list.

Korres Mini Greek Yoghurt Cooling After-sun Gel Face & Body: While this mini Greek yogurt–infused after-sun gel delivered noticeable soothing relief, it was slightly sticky and had a yogurt-like scent that some may find too strong.

Our Testing Process

To put these after-sun lotions to the test, our team was tasked with using each product at least twice a week for two weeks, applying them after time spent outdoors—even when they weren't visibly burned. They took note of everything from texture and scent to how easily the product spread and absorbed, as well as how their skin felt immediately after application and several hours later.

When it came time to narrow down our top picks, we considered all the details that matter in real-life use: consistency (ranging from airy gels to rich creams), absorption speed, residue (or lack thereof), hydration levels, and any cooling or soothing effects. Our testers also evaluated the user-friendliness of the packaging, the formula's performance on sensitive or sunburned skin, and whether a single application provided lasting comfort. 

While initial impressions informed this roundup, several testers will continue to use the products in the months ahead to offer deeper insight into their long-term performance.

Tips for Buying After-sun Lotion

Consider your skin type and needs 

“When shopping for after-sun lotion, it's important to keep your skin type in mind,” Dr. Green shared. “Individuals with acne-prone or oily skin should look for products labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they will not clog your pores.” Meanwhile, she explained, those with dry skin may benefit from heavier lotions with an emphasis on hydrating and nourishing ingredients.

It’s also important to consider texture and scent to ensure the lotion is compatible with your skin, whether on the face or body. Some folks may prefer a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture, whereas others might favor a richer, more emollient formula. Similarly, those prone to allergies may opt for a fragrance-free option, while others might think a tropical scent adds a nice touch.

Look at the size of the bottle

As any frequent flier will tell you, size matters when it comes to toiletries. The acceptable carry-on size for liquids is 3.4 ounces; however, travelers can bring full-size bottles in a checked bag. If that’s not an option, consider using a travel-sized bottle to bring a smaller amount of lotion on your trip, as buying larger bottles just for travel may not be the most cost-effective choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, travel and beauty writer Lauren Dana Ellman tested her knowledge—and skin—by trying the Key West Aloe Save a Tan lotion after getting sunburned in warm-weather destinations like Florida and Puerto Rico. To summarize why each lotion earned a spot on our list, she pored over our testing notes, analyzed ingredient lists, and consulted professionals, including a board-certified dermatologist.

Lauren consulted New York City-based dermatologist Michele Green, M.D. to get expert recommendations for buying after-sun lotions. 

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