Whether you’ve slightly overdone it on holiday or want to keep your skin comfortable after a day of exploring in the heat, the best aftersun is designed to help restore hydration levels and support recovery – and I’ve been testing the standout options.
I’m a beauty writer with close to 15 years’ experience covering skincare, so I know just how much aftersun formulas can vary. Some are designed to deliver instant cooling relief, others focus on prolonging a tan or adding a subtle glow, while newer launches are increasingly formulated with barrier-supporting ingredients to help skin recover after UV exposure.
Of course, prevention is always the priority. Using one of the best broad-spectrum sunscreens on both your face and body and reapplying regularly, especially after swimming or sweating, remains the most effective way to protect your skin from sun damage in the first place. As consultant dermatologist Dr Aiza Jamil explains: “Damage to the skin presents itself in a number of ways. The way most of us know is sunburn, but a lot of the damage is not immediately visible, you cannot always see the damage the sun is doing to your skin.” Dr Jamiil adds: “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in the winter.”
What ingredients should you look for in an aftersun?
Hydrating and soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol (vitamin B5), as well as barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides are best.
Antioxidants, including vitamin C, can also help mitigate free radical damage. Dr Jamil advises avoiding heavily fragranced formulas or those high in alcohol, as they can make irritation worse.
If your skin does end up feeling warm, tight or dehydrated after spending time in the sun, the best aftersun really can make a noticeable difference. Although aftersun cannot actually repair sun damage, as Dr Jamil points out, it is used for “soothing the irritated skin and to add moisture to rebuild the broken skin barrier”. Ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E help replenish moisture and calm discomfort, while some formulas are designed to support longer-term skin recovery rather than just providing a temporary cooling effect.
To help narrow down the options, I tested a range of aftersun products across different textures, budgets and skin needs to find the formulas worth adding to your summer stash.
Read more: Best face moisturisers with SPF that make daily sun protection simple
The best aftersuns for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Bioderma photoderm after sun gel cream: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Garnier Ambre Solaire hydrating after sun: £8, Amazon.co.uk
- Best refreshing gel – Clarins refreshing after sun gel: £29, Selfridges.com
- Best for sensitive skin – La Roche-Posay athelios post-UV exposure aftersun lotion: £19, Lookfantastic.com
- Best for skin healing – Ultrasun after sun: £17.60, Lookfantastic.com
Read more: 13 best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that protect without causing breakouts
Bioderma photoderm after sun gel cream
Best: Aftersun overall
Key ingredients: Glycerin, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, allantoin
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Soothing
- Non-greasy
Take note
- Dry skin types may need to apply more
- Slightly fragranced
Bioderma’s photoderm after sun gel cream is the best aftersun I’ve tested. Packed with a hardworking blend of refreshing hydration and soothing botanicals, the gel-cream texture is immediately cooling and satisfying. I found it absorbed into skin quickly and didn’t leave a greasy residue in its wake, nor did it have a white cast. I appreciated the added calming ingredients, such as allantoin and ginkgo biloba leaf extract, which helps to reduce inflammation and support skin’s recovery after sun exposure.
It does have a slight fragrance, which I liked, but it’s something to be aware of if you have super sensitive skin. I also liked the lightweight texture, but those with extremely dry skin might find they need to apply more often. However, the balance of efficacy, texture and kind-to-skin ingredients make this a great all-rounder.
Buy now £16, Lookfantastic.com
Garnier Ambre Solaire hydrating after sun
Best: Budget aftersun
Key ingredients: Cactus extract, glycerin, bisabolol
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to apply
Take note
- Fragranced formula
- Might not be hydrating enough for some
Garnier’s Ambre Solaire hydrating after sun is the best budget aftersun I’ve put to the test. It’s a supremely lightweight lotion that provides an instantly cooling, soothing sensation on the skin. Infused with a hint of cactus extract, known and loved for its calming and soothing properties, it helped to effectively alleviate that annoying sun-induced tightness that sunburnt skin can often have. Plus, it absorbed incredibly quickly – it was almost like applying water onto the skin – and it didn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue. It’s the ideal formula for quick reapplication, if needed.
It’s worth noting some burns, or drier skin types, might benefit from a thicker, more hydrating aftersun, and this Garnier formula contains fragrance, which may not be for you if you have sensitive skin. However, the price point makes this a standout favourite, especially since it delivers reliable hydration and comfort. Just remember it might be best layered with a more nourishing moisturiser, depending on your skin type.
Buy now £8.56, Amazon.co.uk
Caudalie Vinosun protect aftersun repairing lotion
Best: Aftersun for hydration
Key ingredients: Aloe vera extract, organic grape water, coconut oil
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: Vegan, cruelty-free not specified
Why we love it
- Soothing
- Refreshing
- Non-greasy
A standout favourite, Caudalie’s aftersun really hydrates skin, thanks to its soothing, moisture-rich formula. Infused with aloe vera extract to soothe, organic grape water to replenish, and coconut oil to nourish dryness, the light, milky lotion provides an instant burst of moisture that really refreshes skin. It absorbs quickly, and any feelings of tightness are instantly relieved after just one use.
The texture is lightweight but incredibly effective, and I especially liked that it layers well underneath clothing, without feeling sticky or heavy. It does have a subtle monoi-coconut fragrance that most, if not all, Caudalie products have, which I like. However, if your skin is super sensitive, it’s always worth doing a small patch test first to check your tolerance levels of new products.
Overall, this is a lovely aftersun that’s cooling, calming and hydrating, and it feels incredibly luxurious. Though £20 is a lot for 200ml, it’s less expensive than the other other luxury aftersuns I tried.
Buy now £20, Boots.com
Clarins refreshing after sun gel
Best: refreshing gel aftersun
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, allantoin, glycerin
Size: 150ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Nourishing gel texture
- Cooling on skin
Take note
- Floral fragrance that might not be to everybody’s taste
From the second Clarins’s refreshing after sun gel glides onto warm skin, it cocoons it in a hit of much-needed hydration. Its ultra-light texture absorbs almost instantly, and it’s packed with finely milled aloe vera and sweet almond extract to calm sun-damaged skin, working quickly and effectively to diminish tightness and add comfort.
It is quite heavily fragranced, with a blend of citrussy, floral, spa-like notes, which might not be to everybody’s taste – I found it to be quite overwhelming at first, but once it had absorbed into the skin, I found it much nicer.
However, in terms of texture and effectiveness, Clarins’ gel delivers an elevated experience that feels distinctly luxurious compared with some other offerings. If you’re looking for an indulgent, post-sun treat for your skin, this product is worth the splurge, but it’s the most expensive aftersun I tested.
Buy now £29, Selfridges.com
La Roche-Posay athelios post-UV exposure aftersun lotion
Best: Aftersun for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Nourishing
- Calming
- Fragrance-free
Take note
- The thick formula may take a while to absorb
Staying true to the La Roche-Posay ethos, the athelios post-UV exposure aftersun lotion provides sun-damaged skin with maximal comfort and minimal irritation, making it the best aftersun for sensitive skin. Formulated with a blend of skin-calming ingredients, including glycerin and niacinamide, it works to soothe redness and discomfort, without being too much for reactive skin types.
Upon application, I found it to be quite a thick formula and soon learnt it was better to apply in smaller stages – it doesn’t absorb super quickly and does require some rubbing in – but it is non-greasy and feels comfortable on the skin. I also liked that it doesn’t have any fragrance or alcohol in it, meaning there shouldn’t be any stinging or sensory overload even for the most sensitive of skin types.
Overall, I’m a big fan of this lotion, thanks to the ease of use, the blend of gentle ingredients and, as always, the brand’s commitment to sensitive skin. So, if you’re looking for a product that’ll deliver hydration to sun-parched skin without irritation, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.
Buy now £18, Cultbeauty.co.uk
E45 sensitive aftersun gel
Best: Cooling aftersun
Key ingredients: Glycerin, pentylene glycol
Size: 150ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Instantly calming
- Soothing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Take note
- Formula can feel sticky
If you need rapid relief for over-exposed skin, this E45 gel might just be the product you need. It’s formulated with menthol-free emollients and soothing panthenol (vitamin B5), and it effectively cooled down my skin without the telltale sharp sting – I can also recommend keeping it in the fridge for an even more cooling feeling.
It did feel a bit sticky to the touch after application, so if that’s something that bothers you, I recommend layering another moisturiser over it, as that should help any tackiness quickly subside.
It’s worth noting it’s not the most hydrating of formulas, but its main use is to help cool and soothe skin, which it does very well. Plus, the gel is unscented, so if you want a hardworking, no-nonsense, refreshing hit, E45’s gel does deliver on all those levels. Overall, I was impressed with its effective, fast-acting yet gentle approach that works well to alleviate the heat in skin after a day in the sun.
Buy now £10.39, Boots.com
Institut Esthederm tan-prolonging shimmering body gel-cream
Best: Aftersun for a golden glow
Key ingredients: Glycerin, sunflower seed oil, copper gluconate
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: Yes
A hardworking aftersun that delivers a radiant, bronze sheen to skin, Institut Esthederm’s tan-prolonging shimmering body gel-cream is packed with clever innovations. Adaptasun helps to boost melanin, global cellular protection helps defend against photo‑ageing, and cellular water aids with lasting hydration, meaning that it works to support both glow and skin health.
The formula glides effortlessly onto skin, providing instant hydration, with a cooling sensation that helps to calm skin. Alongside all of that, it’s blended with shimmering pigments that impart a pearlescent sheen onto skin. One thing I did find was that the shimmer seemed to come from glitter particles, which were quite obvious in some lights, so be aware, especially if you prefer something a little subtler.
I’m also aware that the price may be a barrier for some people, but if you’re happy to splurge on a high-performance product that prolongs your sun-kissed glow while also helping to support overall skin health, this product is a good option.
Buy now £52, Johnlewis.com
Bondi Sands hydra aftersun aloe vera
Best: Skin-soothing aftersun
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin
Size: 192ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Fragrance-free
- Innovative foam texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Take note
- More about soothing than deeply nourishing
As innovative as it is hardworking, Bondi Sands’s foaming aftersun is a seriously fast-acting, fuss-free formula that instantly cools skin. It feels refreshing from the first application, and the lightweight formula glides on smoothly, absorbing in seconds, without leaving any greasy or sticky residue. On first use, I thought it was taking a while to sink into my skin, but it was just the cooling sensation left in its wake.
However, it doesn’t feel particularly nourishing or hydrating, compared with some thicker lotions, but we noticed that it still helped to calm redness and reduce tightness.
The formula itself is fragrance-free, making this a good option for sensitive skin, and while the aerosol foam is fun to use, it’s also really good for quick, even application. It’s a straightforward, highly effective skin-calmer that’s cooling and gentle – the ideal post-sun staple.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon.co.uk
Ultrasun after sun
Best: aftersun for skin healing
Key ingredients: Amino acids, liposomal SOD
Size: 150ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Lightly fragranced
- Lightweight, hydrating texture
- Ingredients support skin healing
Take note
- More functional than indulgent
Ultrasun is best known for its high-performance SPFs, so it’s reassuring to see the same skin-first approach applied to its aftersun. The gel aftersun is designed with sensitive and sun-stressed skin in mind. The formula is enriched with liposomal SOD, which aids your skin’s healing process, as well as restoring hydration levels and supporting the skin barrier, rather than just delivering a temporary cooling effect.
It sinks in quickly, layers easily with other skincare and is lightly fragranced, making it a particularly strong option if your skin tends to react after a day in the sun. If you, too, are already loyal to the brand’s sunscreens, this makes a natural companion product to keep in your holiday routine.
Buy now £17.6, Lookfantastic.com
Le Rub repairing face mask
Best: aftersun face treatment
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, tomato extract, cucumber water
Size: 50ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Intensely hydrating
- Calming on warm skin
- Layers well with evening skincare
Take note
- Premium price point
- Better suited to evening use than daytime layering
While most aftersun products are formulated with the body in mind, Le Rub’s repairing face mask takes a more targeted approach. It’s the best aftersun face treatment I tested – rather than just providing a quick fix, it delivers a noticeable boost of hydration overnight, which helps to restore a fresh, balanced look that can disappear after prolonged sun exposure
It works best applied in the evening after cleansing, when skin is most receptive to replenishing ingredients, and the texture feels incredibly comforting on warm or slightly tight skin. Consider it a must-have addition if you’re already diligent about facial SPF and want your aftercare to match.
Buy now £37, Space.nk
Lancaster golden tan maximiser
Best: aftersun for prolonging a tan
Key ingredients: Tan activator complex, buriti oil, glycerin
Size: 250ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Lightweight lotion texture
- Enhances skin radiance
- Absorbs easily
Take note
- Fragrance may not suit very sensitive skin
Lancaster has long been associated with holiday skincare, and its tan-maximising aftersun remains one of the brand’s most recognisable and iconic formulas. Designed to support your melanin production and help maintain colour for longer, it’s a great option if you to prolong your holiday glow without increased sun exposure.
I loved the lotion texture and enjoyed that it felt lightweight, while still being nourishing enough to keep skin comfortable after sun exposure. The subtle radiance boost left my limbs looking smoother and more even-toned than usual. It’s the kind of product that earns a permanent place in a summer washbag year after year.
Buy now £31, Spacenk.com
Dior solar the after-sun balm
Best: luxury after sun balm
Key ingredients: Monoi extract, shea butter, glycerin
Size: 150ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Rich, comforting balm texture
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Doubles as a body moisturiser
Take note
- Higher price point
- Richer texture may be too heavy for very hot or humid evenings
If you prefer your aftersun to feel like part of your skincare routine rather than a purely functional step, Dior’s Solar balm is the best luxury formula I tested. Everything from the packaging to the scent to the formula feels refined, while the texture sits somewhere between a lotion and a true balm. It helps to replenish moisture after a day outdoors, while ensuring skin remains feeling softer, more comfortable and less tight.
I found that it’s a formula that works particularly well after showering in the evening, when skin is still slightly warm and therefore more receptive to richer formulas. A treat, yes, but consider this the aftersun equivalent of upgrading your body moisturiser for summer.
Buy now £42, Sephora.co.uk
Your questions on aftersun answered
What is the best aftersun?
Overall, there is a product for everybody in this round-up. For something simple, nourishing and easy to use, Bioderma is a great option as the best aftersun I tested. If you’re on a budget, Garnier’s Ambre Solaire hydrating after sun is soothing and absorbs easily. La Roche-Posay’s athelios post-UV exposure aftersun lotion contains a combination of skin calming ingredients, but with no fragrance or drying alcohols, is the best aftersun I tested for sensitive skin.
How I tested aftersun
Although I’d never get a sunburn in the name of journalism, I suffered from a burn after a day at a local lido. As a result, I could test these formulas effectively. I also used these aftersuns in place of body lotion, post-shower, during a heatwave, to test the the following criteria:
How to avoid getting sunburnt
The first step to avoiding sunburn is to keep out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, which is 11am to 3pm in the UK, according to the NHS. SPF is crucial over your entire face and body, and be sure to cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses.
How to ease sunburn
According to the NHS, the first thing to do when you start to spot sunburn is to get out of the sun. If that’s not possible, cover any areas of skin with a piece of thick fabric, such as a towel. Cool down skin with a cold shower, bath or damp towel, but be mindful not to let young children or babies get too cold. As well as applying aftersun creams and sprays, staying hydrated is also key. “Drink water to support hydration and avoid further sun exposure,” advises Dr Jamil.
If symptoms go beyond mild redness or discomfort, it’s important to get medical advice. Dr Jamil recommends seeking help if you experience severe redness or blistering, fever, chills, nausea, swelling, signs of infection or any unusual or persistent skin changes.
What not to use on sunburn
Although it may be tempting, the NHS advises against using ice or icepacks on sunburn; always opt for cool water instead. According to the NHS, other no-go remedies include petroleum jelly (Vaseline), and you should avoid tight-fitting clothes. Do not pop blisters and do not peel or scratch burnt skin.
What actually happens to your skin after sun exposure?
Even without visible sunburn, UV rays can cause damage beneath the surface of the skin. “You cannot always see the damage the sun is doing to your skin,” says Dr Jamil, noting that exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to dryness, reduced elasticity and pigmentation changes over time.
Can aftersun repair sun damage?
In short, no. “Aftersun cannot actually repair any sun damage,” says Dr Jamil. Instead, these products are designed to soothe irritation and replenish lost moisture, helping to support the skin barrier after exposure.
“Some UV exposure can still get through, even if you have reapplied SPF throughout the day,” explains Dr Jamil. Aftersun helps rehydrate the skin and replace moisture lost during sun exposure, even if you don’t have any visible sunburn.
Can you use aftersun on your face?
You can, but it depends on the formula. “Aftersun can be used for the face and body, however sometimes they can be too fragranced for your face and can cause irritation,” says Dr Jamil. If you have sensitive skin, it’s often better to opt for a face-specific product.
Can aftersun help prolong a tan?
To a degree. “Hydrated skin sheds more slowly, so technically using aftersun can prolong a tan,” says Dr Jamil, though she says that maintaining hydration in general will have a similar effect.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Partington is an established beauty editor who has worked in the cosmetics industry for more than a decade. She keeps one eye on the latest skincare launches and innovations, and has reviewed the good, the great, and the overpriced, from the best face sunscreens to the best cleansing balms. She’s garnered experience speaking to dermatologists and knows the ingredients to seek out (and avoid) to keep your skin safe year-round.
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