Honestly, we would trade anything (read: stockpiles of beauty products) for a day at the beach. Aside from sipping a pina colada and enjoying the sea breeze, summer is a perfect time to bask in the sun to get that sun-kissed tan. But before we dive right into it, we could not emphasize enough the importance of slathering sunscreen every single day. Trust us, you don’t want to end up with dark spots and signs of premature ageing in your early 20s. However, like other things in life, overexposing our skin to sunrays is just inevitable. If you end up with sunburned skin after spending too much time in the scorching weather, this list of the best after-sun products works magically to soothe and hydrate your skin.

What Are The Things To Look For In The Best After-Sun Products?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

Formulation

Although scanning through the list of formulations is the last thing on your mind, it is important that you avoid applying any products that contain irritating ingredients. Apart from fragrances, make sure to steer away from citrus oils as they can worsen the condition. Instead, we recommend that you prioritize the best after-sun products that have hydrating and soothing properties like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid or shea butter. 

Texture

The texture merely depends on the type of after-sun products that you select, whether it’s gel, lotions or creams. Even though the natural remedy of slathering aloe vera gel can feel quite uncomfortable due to its stickiness, the majority of the products feature ingredients that help to improve its spreadability and texture. If you prefer something that is lightweight, you can opt for an after-sun spray. On the contrary, for those who prefer extra hydration without greasy residue, we suggest after-sun lotions or even creams. 

Antioxidant

The rule of thumb is to prioritize after-sun products that are enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients like vitamin C and E. These ingredients are known to neutralize the free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays. Although DNA repair enzymes are not often found in after-sun products, they are beneficial in treating skin damage. So you might want to add that to your list.

The Best After-Sun Products In Singapore 2022

Acuralle Aloe Vera Gel

Acuralle Aloe Vera Gel is a multipurpose product that can target various skin conditions that cause by sunburn, diaper rash, scars, blisters and chaffed nipples. It only uses mature aloe vera leaves of three years for optimal results. This organic aloe vera gel has a super light texture that can instantly soothe and calm your skin. If there’s one product that you’ll ever need in your bag, it has to be this babe. 

Customer review:

“Pure and natural ingredients. Quickly absorbed into the skin upon applying. My family uses it as after-sun protection because we go to the beach so often. Loved the feel on the skin after application. Great product!”

Lisa, Acuralle’s official website 

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Lightweight texture
  • Anti-ageing benefits

Price: $23.80

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Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother features a concoction of aloe vera extract and coconut oil as its star ingredients. This quick-absorbing lotion seamlessly blends into the skin, helping to soothe and hydrate the skin instantly. Plus, it replenishes the skin to relieve any signs of sunburn. The packaging is not only recyclable, but it features a clean formulation too. Big pointers!

Customer review:

“Bought this for my husband. He has very sensitive skin. He got a little sunburn and the Burt’s Bees Aloe lotion did an amazing job to help speed up the healing process. We are repeat buyers.”

C.How, Amazon

Why we love it:

  • Leaping bunny certified
  • Natural after-sun lotion
  • Weightless 

Price: $21.00

Where to buy: Ubuy 

Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel

With a whopping 90% pure organic aloe leaf juice, Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel tops the list of the best after-sun products. Its high concentration of aloe vera extract delivers multiple benefits including soothing irritation and promoting skin cell regeneration. Infused with purslane, this high in anti-ageing properties shields the skin from free radicals. Whereas panthenol or provitamin B5 ensures the skin stays soothed for long-lasting hours. 

Customer review:

“I love the ingredients in this so much so that I use this as a serum, toner & moisturizer. This has been perfect for using tretinoin. I used to use the Korean fermented products and then serum then tretinoin or differin and moisturizer to top it off. Now I wash my face and apply this onto wet skin and let it dry down for about 15 min then apply the tretinoin. If I need more moisture I put more of this on and/or Cerave. It has really streamlined my skincare routine and ended up making my routine cheaper. I also use this as after-sun gel and to help heal rashes.”

JjasmineVK, Sephora

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for face and body
  • Calms the skin instantly
  • Minimizes the appearance of irritation

Price: $95.00

Where to buy: Dr. Barbara Sturm’s official website 

Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel

If you’re looking for the best after-sun products that are sensitive-skin friendly and loaded with aloe vera gel, the Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel is the one for you. It boasts a medley of aloe vera, watercress, arnica, green tea, witch hazel and eucalyptus. With its lightweight texture, it penetrates deeply into the skin to hydrate dry and parched skin, accelerating the healing process. 

Customer review:

“This product saved my skin this summer. I always get burned during hot summer days at the beach and begin to peel no matter how much sunscreen I put on. I put this in our cooler to keep cool and apply once I’m out of the water and it helps my skin not get too irritated. The next day my skin feels smooth. The product smells nice better than the chemical stuff out there.”

Why we love it:

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Delivers cooling sensation
  • Clean formulation

Price: $84.16

Where to buy: Amazon 

Sisley Paris After-Sun Care Tan Extender

Our next pick has to be Sisley Paris After-Sun Care Tan Extender, a two-in-one product that repairs the skin while prolonging the look of your tan. This self-tanner is packed with soothing and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, stevia left extract, plant-based glycerin, andiroba oil, and alpha-bisabolol. With DHA, you can achieve that bronzed glow skin, without comprising your skin’s health. 

Customer review:

“Bought this for the first time for my holiday to Tenerife. Used it while on holiday and have the most amazing tan. Continued using it on my return and WOW no peeling or dryness and my tan are still super gorgeous. It’s now going to have to be must buy. Pricey but so worth it.”

Allypop, SpaceNK

Why we love it:

  • Non-greasy
  • Helps to prolong the tan
  • Milky texture

Price: $201.90

Where to buy: OZCosmetics 

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

As beauty junkies, we just could not skip the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray. This cult-favourite product harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid, a natural element made by our skin to soothe redness and protect the skin from bacteria. With a pH balance of 4.5 and the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, it works wonders for all skin types and even ages. 

Customer review:

“I found this product on Instagram, read the reviews, and decided to give it a try. My skin looks transformed after 10 days. My maskne is greatly improved, redness is gone, and my skin feels great. I have ageing, oily skin that’s still acne-prone, and this product not only had not broken me out but has eliminated the small breakout I was having. I’m in love.”

Bonnie, Tower 28’s official website 

Why we love it:

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Soothe irritation and redness

Price: $27.00 – $47.00

Where to buy: Shopee 

Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask

Unsure what to use after sun exposure? Well, it’s easy peasy. Just apply the ultra-soothing Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Serum Mask. It is expertly formulated with Centella Asiatica or tiger grass which is a potent ingredient that can soothe and calm irritated skin. The mask wraps perfectly around the contours of the face, covering every inch of the skin. With 26ml serum per sheet mask, it will quench thirsty skin. 

Customer review:

“Best mask for my skin. I have been looking for something that calms the burning and inflammation of my skin and not only does it do that but also gives my face a great cooling effect without being too harsh or stinging and moisturizes my skin well.”

Beanini, Sephora

Why we love it:

  • Delivers a boost of hydration
  • Packed with soothing ingredients
  • Adhesive sheet mask

Price: $32.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion

Sun Bum After Sun Cool Down Lotion has always been one of the go-to after-sun products. With a cocktail of aloe vera extract, vitamin E, cocoa butter and jojoba oil, it packs a punch in soothing and hydrating the skin. Its texture is so lightweight that it absorbs into the skin without leaving any greasy veil. In fact, it was so good that most people opt to use it as a moisturizer during summertime. 

Customer review:

“I use this for after-sun care but just as my daily lotion also. It goes on well and soaks in without stickiness. Love IT and the smell is just the best!”

Nicole C., Sun Bum’s official website 

Why we love it:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Good value
  • Vegan

Price: $24.50

Where to buy: Selfridges 

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask

Fresh Floral Recovery Calming Mask checks all of the boxes on the things we’re looking for in the best after-sun products. This overnight mask is loaded with skin-loving ingredients that can ward off the signs of sensitive skin from, rough texture, and redness to uneven skin tone. A blend of botanical extracts like passionflower, cornflower, cherry blossom, and peony help to soothe inflammation. While, vitamin C and squalane, revive dullness for brighter-looking skin. 

Customer review:

“Feels good on the skin and a lifesaver for red and sensitive skin people like me. Worth the money as a little goes a long way. There’s a lot of product in it as you will only need very little of it. Love love love!”

Karen, Sephora 

Why we love it:

  • Infused with vitamin C
  • Contains botanical extracts 
  • Rich texture

Price: $105.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

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