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.
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
Full After Sun Video Tutorial
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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)
Quick Recipe Overview
Skill Level: Beginner
Batch Size: 226 g (8 oz)
Texture: Lightweight lotion
Absorption: Fast
Formula Breakdown by Phase
| Phase | % |
|---|---|
| Water Phase | ~82% |
| Oil Phase | ~10% |
| Structure (wax + cetyl) | ~7% |
| Cool Down | ~1–3% |
After-Sun Aloe Lotion Formula (226 g Batch)
| Ingredient | % | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 59% | 133.3 g |
| Aloe | 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 |
Important Formula Note!!
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.
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
Jojoba Oil – lightweight, fast absorbing
substitute: sunflower, squalane
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
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%
To make it richer (dry skin)
- Increase oil phase slightly (up to ~10%)
- Reduce water accordingly
Equipment You’ll Need
- Digital scale
- Heat-safe containers
- Double boiler
- Stick blender
New? Read: Beginner Skincare Equipment Guide
Instructions Lotion Making
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).
Step 2: Oil Phase
Heat oils, butter, wax, and cetyl alcohol to 160–170°F
Step 3: Emulsify
Combine phases and blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Step 4: Cool Down
Once below 122°F, add:
- aloe
- preservative
- panthenol (if using)
- fragrance (optional)
Step 5: Bottle + Rest
Place lotion into your bottle. Let it cool before you add the lid to your bottle
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 inconsistent
- Separation – emulsification issue
Cooling Tip
Store in the fridge for an extra soothing effect on hot skin.
pH Testing
Need help? Read: Percentages vs Grams Guide
Use a 10% dilution:
- 1 g lotion
- 9 g water
Target pH: 4.5–6
Common Mistakes
- Greasy – reduce oils
- Too thick – reduce cetyl alcohol
- Sticky – reduce glycerin
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.
Storage
- 3–6 months
- Store in a cool, dry place
Printable Recipe After Sun Lotion
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.
Continue Learning
Beginner Ingredients Guide
Skincare Recipes
Body Butter Recipes
Sugar Scrubs
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.
After-Sun Aloe Lotion Recipe (Lightweight, Cooling + Non-Greasy)
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
- 133.3 g Distilled Water
- 45.2 g Aloe Gel
- 6.8 g Glycerin
- 18.1 g Jojoba Oil
- 4.5 g Cocoa Butter
- 11.3 g Emulsifying Wax NF
- 4.5 g Cetyl Alcohol
- 1.1 g Liquid Germall Plus
- 1.1 g Fragrance (optional)
Instructions
- 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).
- Oil Phase Heat oils, butter, wax, and cetyl alcohol to 160–170°F
- EmulsifyCombine phases and blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Cool Down Once below 122°F, add aloe, preservative, panthenol (if using) and fragrance (optional)
- Place lotion into your bottle. Let it cool before you add the lid to your bottle
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