The Best Aloe Vera Gels For Soothing Sunburns

By Jennifer Ford · Updated August 27, 2024

Although melanin offers some protection against UV damage, we’re all susceptible to sunburn. Symptoms such as redness and swelling may generally be less severe in skin of color, but we can still experience significant discomfort and irritation. Fortunately, aloe vera gel can help provide relief, as it has a cooling effect that draws heat out from sunburned skin, anti-inflammatory properties that promote quicker healing, and moisturizing agents that combat dryness, flaking, and peeling. For these reasons, it’s essential to always have some on standby. Since sunburn doesn’t discriminate (it can affect any part of your body), we’ve rounded up the best aloe vera gels and aloe vera-infused products to use from head to toe.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Vacation After Sun Gel
• Best Face Mask: Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask
• Best Lip Balm: Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lip Therapy Stick
• Best Moisturizer: Kinlo Cooling Body Gel Moisturizer
• Best Sheet Mask: Tony Moly I Am Sheet Mask
• Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel

Best Overall

Vacation After Sun Gel

Vacation’s After Sun Gel offers instant sunburn relief. With ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, it reduces redness and irritation while hydrating the skin. Plus it’s fast-absorbing and non-sticky. Available at Ulta

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Best Face Mask

Kiehl's Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask

Kiehl’s Calendula Petal-Infused Calming Mask is a fast-acting solution for sunburns. In just 15 minutes, it soothes and reduces redness, leaving your skin calm and refreshed​. Available at Ulta

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Best Lip Balm

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lip Therapy Stick

Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lip Therapy Stick combines the trusted protection of Vaseline with the soothing benefits of Aloe Vera. It’s a lip balm that not only moisturizes but also, heals dry, sunburned lips. Available at Amazon

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Best Moisturizer

Kinlo Cooling Body Gel Moisturizer

Kinlo Cooling Body Gel Moisturizer is tailored for melanated skin, offering a cooling sensation and deep hydration with Aloe Vera. It soothes sunburns and keeps skin smooth and comfortable​ Available at Amazon

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Best Sheet Mask

Tony Moly I Am Sheet Mask

Tony Moly I Am Sheet Mask in Aloe provides deep hydration and soothes irritated skin, making it ideal for sunburn relief. Each mask is soaked in rich essence to cool and moisturize the skin effectively​. Available at Ulta

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Best Splurge

Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel

Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel features 90% pure organic Aloe Vera leaf juice, delivering intensive hydration, soothing, and cooling. With added Purslane for anti-aging and Panthenol for calming, it’s perfect for after-sun care​. Available at Sephora

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