As appealing as a long day in the sun might be, chances are your skin won’t enjoy it quite so much. Whether you’ve found yourself feeling a bit too relaxed while lounging on the beach or by the pool, or if you’re just looking to nourish and cool your skin after exploring a new city, the best aftersuns are here to help, and I’ve been looking for the best formulas.
I’m a beauty writer, and after a decade in the industry, I know skincare – the good, the bad, and the sticky. I know that finding effective formulas isn’t always as easy as it seems, with the shelves fit to burst with various aftersun from dozens of brands. Some promise to grant instant relief from redness and inflammation, others might work to extend your tan, add an instant glow, or provide skin with deep, long-lasting hydration.
Of course, the best way to protect your skin is to avoid sun damage in the first place. It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on both your face and body, and top it up every few hours, especially after swimming or sweating, to ensure you’re adequately protected from the sun’s damaging rays.
But if you get caught in the sun, the best aftersun can work wonders in helping to reduce discomfort. Ingredients to look out for include aloe vera, glycerin and vitamin E, all of which should get to work quickly, helping to target inflammation while simultaneously healing, soothing and re-hydrating your skin. To help you pick the best formula for you, I’ve tried and tested a range of different aftersun formulas for all budgets, to help you find the best solution for your skin’s post-sun needs.
How I tested
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 texture, absorption, and how hydrating and soothing they felt. My criteria were as follows:
- Skin-feel: I wanted aftersun that could soothe, cool and hydrate; these were some of the first skin effects I looked for. I also made a note of how lightweight or heavy the formula was, and whether it absorbed quickly or left any residual greasiness.
- Formula: I factored in skin suitability, including for sensitive skin types, and how quickly it soothed our angry skin. I also noted any key nourishing ingredients and their benefits.
- Scent: This can make or break a skincare product for some people, as some have sensitivities to fragrance and others straightforwardly dislike fragrance. We made a note of not just the fragrance or lack thereof, if it was fragrance-free, but also the scent’s potency.
- Value for money: We considered whether the amount of product, the quality of the formula and its effects were reflected in the price.
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 likes of Bioderma, Medik8, and so many more. She’s garnered experience speaking to dermatologists and knows the ingredients to seek out (and avoid) to keep your skin safe year-round.
The best aftersuns for 2025 are:
- Best aftersun overall – Bioderma photoderm after sun gel cream: £15.19, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget aftersun – Garnier Ambre Solaire hydrating after sun: £8.56, Amazon.co.uk
- Best luxury aftersun – Clarins refreshing after sun gel: £29, Selfridges.com
- Best aftersun for sensitive skin – La Roche-Posay athelios post-UV exposure aftersun lotion: £18, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Best body sunscreens to use this summer, tested by a beauty editor
16 face moisturisers with SPF that make daily sun protection simple
16 best sunscreens for kids to protect their sensitive skin
15 best sunscreens for acne-prone skin that protect without causing breakouts
13 best sunscreen sticks for effortless sun protection all day
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
Packed with a hardworking blend of refreshing hydration and soothing botanicals, the gel-cream texture of this product 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 £15.19, Amazon.co.uk
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
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 £20.00, Boots.com
Clarins refreshing after sun gel
Best: Luxury 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 this gel-cream 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 £29.00, Selfridges.com
Dr Hauschka aftersun
Best: Aftersun for prolonging a tan
Key ingredients: Apricot extract, carrot extract, anthyllis extract
Size: 150ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- Moisturising
- Alcohol-free
Take note
- May not be suitable for significant sunburn
An all-natural, alcohol-free formula, this aftersun lotion is fast absorbing and enriched with a blend of carrot and rosehip extract, quince seeds, calming marigold and anthyllis, to leave skin feeling silky smooth and seriously nourished.
While it has a semi-cooling feeling on skin, it wasn’t as noticeable as some of the others that I tested, but with continued use – and thanks to its ingredients – it should ensure skin is less likely to peel and flake, in turn helping it to maintain a natural-looking tan. It’s also not the most hydrating product I’ve tried, but the skin-friendly, natural ingredients are soothing, plus it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue in its wake.
While I liked its scent – it has a botanical, essential oil-infused, spa-like fragrance – it may not be to everybody’s taste. But for anybody wanting to treat their skin with a lightweight but effective, all-natural product that will prolong a sun-kissed glow, this delivers. However, it’s pretty expensive.
Buy now £27.00, Drhauschka.co.uk
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, this lotion provides sun-damaged skin with maximal comfort and minimal irritation, making it perfect for delicate 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 £18.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Rituals the ritual of karma aftersun cooling shower gel
Best: Multi-tasking aftersun
Key ingredients: Lotus blossom, aloe vera
Size: 200ml
Cruelty free: Yes
Why we love it
- Refreshes and cleanses skin
- Nice scent
Take note
- Soothes skin but may still need to apply moisturiser
Offering more than just a regular shower gel, this product doubles as a cooling body wash and an aftersun refresher. Infused with a blend of lotus blossom and rice milk to soothe sun-drenched skin. It has a tropical, holiday-inspired scent, and I found it really helped to replenish and revive skin.
I liked that it had a gentle foam to it, and enjoyed how it cleansed without stripping skin. It’s both cooling and nourishing, and I didn’t find I needed to use a specific aftersun after using this shower gel. Depending on how parched your skin feels, you may need something else to rehydrate any particularly dry areas.
While this product may sit on the more expensive side of shower gels, Rituals’ products always feel more expensive than they actually are, and this formula smells lovely and does an excellent job of refreshing and cleansing skin.
Buy now £10.90, Rituals.com
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 £12.99, 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, this 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 £52.00, 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, this 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
Collistar Doposole aftersun
Best: Value for money aftersun
Key ingredients: Aloe, calendula, glycerin
Size: 400ml
Cruelty free: No
Why we love it
- Creamy texture
- Absorbs quickly
Take note
- Vintage scent isn’t for everybody
A rich, creamy texture that’s formulated with a blend of soothing and hydrating ingredients, including aloe, calendula, glycerin and plant oils, this aftersun helps to soothe skin and lock in moisture without being greasy or taking ages to absorb. However, I have to mention the polarising scent. I’d say it’s reminiscent of an old-style ladies’ perfume. It’s definitely not going to be to everybody’s taste – it put me off, but others may find it wonderfully nostalgic.
That said, the overpowering scent did seem to subside after a while, and the formula itself was definitely both calming and nourishing. It looks expensive, but the generous 400ml bottle makes this a cost-effective option in comparison with some of the other products I tested.
Buy now £29.00, Lookfantastic.com
Your questions on aftersun answered
What is the best aftersun?
Overall, there is a product for everybody in this roundup. For something simple, nourishing and easy to use, Bioderma is a great option. If you prefer something a little fancier, Caudalie’s offering blends performance with a real luxury feel, as does the Rituals shower gel, while Institut Esthederm’s glow-giving formula really delivers. However, we are also big fans of the Bondi Sands foam – not just because it’s fun to use, but it’s also incredibly effective at cooling and calming skin.
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. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, take painkillers and apply aftersun creams and sprays.
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.
We tried the best eco-friendly sunscreens that protect your skin and the environment
