After spending time in the sun, your skin needs lightweight hydration—not a heavy, greasy cream that sits on top.

This DIY after sun lotion with aloe vera is designed to cool, hydrate, and absorb quickly into the skin. It uses simple, beginner-friendly ingredients to create a smooth, non-greasy lotion that feels refreshing on sun-exposed skin.

Whether you’re new to making skincare or want a fast, reliable summer formula, this recipe is easy to follow and gives consistent results.

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After time in the sun, your skin needs hydration—not a heavy, greasy cream.

This DIY after sun lotion recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a lightweight aloe vera lotion that won’t feel greasy on the skin.

This lotion is:

• lightweight
• cooling
• fast-absorbing
• gentle on sensitive skin

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Why This After-Sun Lotion Works

This formula is designed to:

• Rehydrate skin quickly (water + aloe + glycerin)
• Prevent moisture loss (light oils + butter)
• Absorb fast without residue (low oil phase + cetyl alcohol)
• Soothe heat-stressed skin (aloe + optional panthenol)

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Quick Recipe Overview

Skill Level: Beginner
Batch Size: 226 g (8 oz)
Texture: Lightweight lotion
Absorption: Fast

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Formula Breakdown by Phase

Phase	%
Water Phase	~82%
Oil Phase	~10%
Structure (wax + cetyl)	~7%
Cool Down	~1–3%

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After-Sun Aloe Lotion Formula (226 g Batch)

Ingredient	%	Weight
Distilled Water	59%	133.3 g
Aloe Gel	20%	45.2 g
Glycerin	3%	6.8 g
Jojoba Oil	8%	18.1 g
Cocoa Butter	2%	4.5 g
Emulsifying Wax NF	5%	11.3 g
Cetyl Alcohol	2%	4.5 g
Liquid Germall Plus	0.5%	1.1 g
Panthenol (optional)	0–2%	0–4.5 g
Fragrance (optional)	0–0.5%	0–1.1 g

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Important Formula Note (Read This)

If you add or remove optional ingredients like panthenol or fragrance:

Adjust the distilled water to keep the formula at 100%

Example:

• Add 2% panthenol → reduce water by 2%
• Skip fragrance → increase water by 0.5%

Water is your adjustment ingredient and won’t affect the formula performance.

Full After Sun Video Tutorial

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Ingredient Guide (Why + Substitutions)

Distilled Water – hydration base
→ substitute: hydrosols

Aloe Gel – cooling + soothing
→ substitute: aloe juice, cucumber

Glycerin – pulls moisture into skin
→ substitute: propanediol

Panthenol (Optional) – helps soothe + support skin barrier
→ substitute: sodium PCA, allantoin

Jojoba Oil – lightweight, fast absorbing
→ substitute: sunflower, squalane

👉 Learn more: [Ingredients Guide] (ADD YOUR LINK HERE)

Cocoa Butter – locks in moisture
→ substitute: mango butter

Emulsifying Wax – keeps lotion stable
→ substitute: Olivem 1000

Cetyl Alcohol – improves texture + slip
→ substitute: cetearyl alcohol

Germall Plus – preservative
→ substitute: Optiphen

👉 New to preservatives? Read: [Why You Need a Preservative] (ADD LINK)

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Customization Options

Make it extra cooling

• Replace part of the water with peppermint hydrosol

Make it ultra-light

• Reduce cocoa butter to 1%
• Increase water by 1%

Make it richer (dry skin)

• Increase oil phase slightly (up to ~10%)
• Reduce water accordingly

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Digital scale
• Heat-safe containers
• Double boiler
• Stick blender

New? Read: Beginner Skincare Equipment Guide

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Instructions

Step 1: Water Phase

Place your distilled water and vegetable glycerin in a heat-safe container. We are going to heat water + glycerin to 160–170°F. (I like to just put in the same double boiler as the oil phase).

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Step 2: Oil Phase

• jojoba oil
• emulsifying wax
• cetyl alcohol
• cocoa butter

Heat oils, butter, wax, and cetyl alcohol to 160–170°F

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Step 3: Emulsify

Combine phases and blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

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Step 4: Cool Down

Once below 122°F, add:

• aloe
• preservative
• panthenol (if using)
• fragrance (optional)

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Step 5: Bottle + Rest

Place lotion into your bottle. Let it cool before you add the lid to your bottle

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After 24 Hours: What to Expect

• Slightly thicker texture → normal
• Smooth, creamy feel → correct
• Light gel feel → from aloe

Final Texture

• Light lotion (not thick like a cream)
• Absorbs in under 30 seconds
• Leaves a soft, non-greasy finish

If not:

• Too thin → increase cetyl alcohol next time
• Grainy → butter cooled too fast
• Separation → emulsification issue

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Cooling Tip

Store in the fridge for an extra soothing effect on hot skin.

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pH Testing

Need help? Read: Percentages vs Grams Guide

Use a 10% dilution:

• 1 g lotion
• 9 g water

Target pH: 4.5–6

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Common Mistakes

• Greasy → reduce oils
• Too thick → reduce cetyl alcohol
• Sticky → reduce glycerin

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Best Containers

• Pump bottle → best
• Squeeze bottle → easy
• Jar → use clean hands

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Safety

This formula contains water and must include a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Not for severe sunburn or broken skin.

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Storage

• 3–6 months
• Store in a cool, dry place

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Printable Recipe After Sun Lotion

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❓ FAQ

Can I use fresh aloe?
No—unless properly preserved.

Why is it stringy?
Aloe interacting with the formula can create a slight stringy texture.

Can I skip the preservative?
No—this is a water-based product.

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Continue Learning

Beginner Ingredients Guide
Skincare Recipes

Body Butter Recipes
Sugar Scrubs

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Final Thoughts

This DIY after sun lotion is:

• lightweight
• cooling
• fast absorbing
• beginner-friendly

It’s simple—but the balance makes it feel like a professional product.