Looking for sunburn relief or healthy glowing summer skin? This soothing DIY after sun lotion is great for sun burn relief (or after any sun exposure), it is super moisturizing, helps heal bug bites, and smells amazing! I make this every summer and often apply it daily for healthy glowing skin!
This after sun lotion also makes a great gift for loved ones! I really enjoy making it for and sharing it with others.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. I will only recommend products that I regularly use and love!
I love getting outside and soaking up the vitamin D and warm sunshine! There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of the sun while also protecting your skin from over-exposure but sometimes our skin still needs a little extra moisture to stay healthy. This homemade lotion is wonderful for that!
This after sun lotion is super simple to make and it is so much fun. It allows you to get creative with your favorite essential oil aromas, while also saving money and controlling the ingredients that go on your skin. Our skin is the largest organ on our body and it absorbs the things we put on it. That’s why I love making my own lotions, salves, and more!
How these ingredients benefit our skin:
Aloe Vera Gel: The aloe plant has wonderful healing properties that can benefit our health and especially our skin! Aloe can reduce inflammation, heal wounds, and moisturize our skin. The cooling effect of the aloe vera is also very soothing to our skin after sun exposure or a sun burn.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is wonderful for our skin! It helps to reduce inflammation, moisturize, and heal wounds. It is antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar can help restore our skins’ natural PH levels which helps promote healing. It also provides a cooling effect on the skin which helps provide relief after too much sun exposure. Years ago I used to put cool compresses of vinegar and water on my sunburns. I was always impressed with how much relief and healing it provided.
Lavender Oil: Lavender essential oil is most known for its calming effect but it is also antimicrobial and anti inflammatory. Gentle on sensitive skin, lavender is a perfect addition in this after sun lotion.
Calendula Infused Oil: Calendula flowers are rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage and promote tissue growth to heal our skin more rapidly. The naturally occurring flavonoids in calendula pedals give it anti inflammatory properties which can help fight skin inflammation. It is wonderful for treating sunburns. Another awesome thing about calendula is that it is antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Those properties make it great for healing rashes, acne-causing bacteria, and insect bites. On top of all that, I have found calendula infused oil to be super moisturizing and gentle on my sensitive skin.
Ingredients in this After Sun Lotion:
- 1/2 cup Coconut Oil (Softened)
- 1/2 cup Pure Aloe Vera
- 3 tbsp Calendula Infused Jojoba Oil (optional- just jojoba oil)
- Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- Optional: 10-20 drops of Essential Oils of Choice (I love Helichrysum and Spruce or Peppermint)
I’ve been making this lotion for years, but would always just eyeball the quantities and adjust to get my desired consistency and aroma. To share this recipe with you, I took the time to measure out the quantities. These are rough measurements and so feel creative to adjust them to get your desired consistency and aroma. I usually store mine in the fridge so that will also thicken the consistency as it cools and sets up.
How to make this after sun lotion:
In a glass mixing bowl, begin by softening the coconut oil (do not melt). Aggressively stir or whip the coconut oil until it becomes creamy and airy.
Stir in the remaining ingredients to incorporate until they are well combined and you’ve reached a creamy texture.
Storing the After Sun Lotion:
It is best to store this after sun lotion in glass jars. Several years ago I had purchased jars like these but have since given lots away. So now I wash and re-purpose jars I have around the house or from other skin care products. I have actually been using and loving the jars that our toothpaste powder comes in, they seem to be a great size!
I prefer to store this after sun lotion in the fridge (or in a cooler while camping) for a nice refreshing and cooling effect on the skin. This after sun lotion can also be stored at room temperature. If it gets too hot, causing the coconut oil to melt, the ingredients can begin to separate. You can just stir it again and then cool it in the fridge.
FAQ, Tips, and Substitutions:
What if I don’t have calendula infused (jojoba) oil?
You can just use organic jojoba oil in its place. This is the Organic Jojoba Oil that I love!
I make my own calendula infused oil. If you are interested in that process I will have a post later this summer on growing, harvesting, and making calendula infused oil. It is a really simple process and calendula is a great companion plant for gardens as it attracts pollinators and helps with pest control
It is important to use a quality, pure aloe vera gel:
I would avoid the green-dyed chemical cocktails that only have a hint of aloe. Those are not healthy for our skin or overall health. Look for a pure aloe vera gel like this one here.
Can I use fresh aloe vera from my plant?
Yes you definitely can, I have done this in the past! Just note if you are using fresh aloe, there won’t be a preservative so you will want to use the lotion within a couple weeks and definitely store it in the fridge or the aloe can get rancid. Here is a great resource on harvesting fresh aloe.
Can I use other essential oils in this after sun lotion?
Yes! Make sure to use a trusted high quality brand of organic essential oils as some can contain synthetic fragrance.
If you plan on wearing this lotion on exposed skin while you are out in the sun, I recommend going light on any photosensitive oils (citrus oils like bergamot, lime, grapefruit, etc..). Photosensitive oils can absorb UV rays which can cause unwanted skin reactions. If you use small amounts in the lotion it should be diluted enough to not be an issue (I’ve never had an issue with them) but it’s a good tip to keep in mind.
After Sun Lotion DIY
Materials
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil Softened
- 1/2 Cup Pure Aloe Vera
- 3 tbsp Calendula Infused Jojoba Oil optional- you could use just jojoba oil
- Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 20 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10-20 Drops of Essential Oils of Choice I love Helichrysum and Spruce or Peppermint
Instructions
- In a glass mixing bowl, begin by softening the coconut oil (do not melt). Aggressively stir or whip the coconut oil until it becomes creamy and airy.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients to incorporate until they are well combined and you’ve reached a creamy texture.
If you try this after sun lotion recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let me know what essential oil combinations you use. Share a photo and tag @thispurelyjoyfullife on social media.
Save this recipe for later or share with others:
Check out some of my other homemade skincare recipes:
I’ve been looking for the perfect recipe with aloe to use on sunburns. I like the versatility of this. Excited to try.
I’m excited to make this after sun lotion! As an avid swimmer, I love spending time in the outdoor pool on sunny days! I definitely need this!
I can’t tell you how awesome this recipe is! I haven’t tried it yet, but I live in Florida, and sunburn is always a risk. I also like that you used all-natural ingredients. I’m looking forward to trying it and possibly gifting it to friends.
This lotion sounds fantastic. I love the ingredients, and I can agree on vinegar as super effective for sunburn. That’s what I have used for years and with my fair skin, I have much need for it. It also prevents blistering in all but the worst cases. I’ll have to try making your lotion, I love all the ingredients for their soothing and antibacterial properties. Great recipe!