Spending time in the sun can leave your skin feeling dry, irritated, and overheated. This DIY aloe vera after sun lotion is designed to soothe sun-exposed skin while restoring moisture.
This homemade lotion combines aloe vera, nourishing oils, and cocoa butter to create a lightweight lotion that absorbs quickly and helps calm the skin after a long day outdoors.
Aloe vera is widely used in after-sun products because it helps hydrate and soothe irritated skin. Pairing it with rich butters and lightweight oils creates a lotion that feels luxurious without being greasy.
This recipe walks you through the full process of creating a stable lotion emulsion, including separating the water phase, oil phase, and cool-down phase to ensure your lotion blends properly.
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Why Use an After Sun Lotion?
After spending time in the sun, your skin often loses moisture and can become irritated.
Using an after sun lotion helps:
- restore hydration
- soothe sun-exposed skin
- prevent excessive dryness
- replenish lost oils
A formula containing aloe vera and nourishing oils helps calm the skin and restore moisture balance.
Key Ingredients in This After Sun Lotion
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the star ingredient in this recipe. It is commonly used in skincare products designed for sun exposure because it helps soothe and hydrate the skin.
In this formula, 10× concentrated aloe vera is used, which means a small amount goes a long way.
Emulsifying Wax NF
Emulsifying wax allows oil and water to combine into a stable lotion. Without an emulsifier, the mixture would separate into layers.
This ingredient is essential in most lotion formulations.
Cetyl Alcohol
Despite the name, cetyl alcohol is not drying. It is a fatty alcohol used in skincare formulations to:
- improve lotion texture
- stabilize emulsions
- create a silky skin feel
It also helps thicken the lotion slightly so it feels smooth and luxurious.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter adds moisture and a protective barrier that helps prevent dryness.
If you use unrefined cocoa butter, it will give the lotion a natural chocolate scent.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains beneficial compounds that can help support the skin barrier and keep skin moisturized after sun exposure.
Macadamia Nut Oil
Macadamia oil is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. It provides moisture without leaving a greasy residue.
Preservative
Because this recipe contains water, you must include a broad spectrum preservative to prevent bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing in the lotion.
In this recipe, Optiphen is used, but you can substitute another broad-spectrum preservative.
DIY After Sun Lotion Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 8 ounces (226 g) of lotion.
Ingredient Formula
| Ingredient | Percentage | Weight (226 g Batch) |
|---|---|---|
| Distilled Water | 75% | 169.5 g |
| Aloe Vera (10×) | 2% | 4.5 g |
| Olive Oil | 5% | 11.3 g |
| Cocoa Butter | 5% | 11.3 g |
| Macadamia Nut Oil | 3% | 6.8 g |
| Emulsifying Wax NF | 5% | 11.3 g |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2% | 4.5 g |
| Fragrance Oil | 2% | 4.5 g |
| Preservative (Optiphen) | 1% | 2.3 g |
| Total | 100% | 226 g |
Equipment Needed
- Digital scale
- 2 heat-safe containers
- Double boiler
- Immersion blender
- Spatula
- Infrared thermometer
- Mixing container with pouring spout
How to Make Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion
Step 1 – Measure Water Phase
Measure the following into a heat-safe container:
- distilled water
- aloe vera
Step 2 – Measure Oil Phase
In a separate heat-safe container measure:
- olive oil
- macadamia oil
- cocoa butter
- emulsifying wax
- cetyl alcohol
Step 3 – Heat Both Phases
Place both containers into a double boiler.
Heat until the oils, wax, and butter are fully melted.
Step 4 – Combine Oil and Water Phases
Pour the water phase into a mixing container.
Add the oil phase and immediately blend using an immersion blender.
The mixture will turn white as the emulsion forms.
Step 5 – Cool Down Phase
Allow the lotion to cool until it reaches below 120°F (49°C).
Then add:
- fragrance oil
- preservative
Blend again until fully incorporated.
Step 6 – Package the Lotion
Pour the finished lotion into bottles or jars.
Allow the lotion to cool completely before placing the lid on the container.
How to Use After Sun Lotion
Apply a small amount to clean skin after sun exposure.
For best results:
- Take a cool shower
- Pat skin dry
- Apply lotion generously
- Reapply as needed
Storage and Shelf Life
Because this recipe contains water, a preservative is required.
Store your lotion:
- in a clean container
- at room temperature
- away from direct sunlight
Shelf life is typically 6–12 months, depending on the preservative used.
Related DIY Skincare Recipes
If you enjoy making your own skincare products, you may also like:
DIY Whipped Body Butter
Great for deep moisturizing during winter months.
Emulsified Sugar Scrub
Creates a creamy exfoliating scrub that rinses clean.
Jojoba Salt Scrub
A customizable exfoliating scrub for smoother skin.
FAQ – After Sun Lotion
Can aloe vera help soothe sunburn?
Aloe vera is commonly used in skincare products because it helps hydrate and soothe irritated skin after sun exposure.
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oil?
Yes. Cooling essential oils like peppermint or lavender are popular choices, but always follow safe usage rates.
Do I need a preservative?
Yes. Because this recipe contains water, a preservative is necessary to prevent microbial growth.
Full Printable Recipe – After Sun Lotion
After Sun Lotion
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
Water Phase
- 6.35 ounce | 70.5% Distilled Water
- 0.09 ounce | 1% Aloe Vera Powder
- 0.18 ounce | 2% Collagen Protein
- 0.90 ounce | 10% Vegetable Glycerin
Oil Phase
- 0.45 ounce | 5% Olivem 1000
- 0.45 ounce | 5% Argon oil
- 0.45 ounce | 5% Shea Butter
Cool Down
- 0.05 ounce | 0.5% Germall Plus Preservative
- 0.09 ounce | 1% Coconut Lime Verbena Fragrance Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Weigh out all of your ingredients.
- Water Phase – Put the distilled water, collagen protein, aloe powder and vegetable glycerin in a heat safe container. Mix it up a little bit, but don't worry about mixing it all in as it will mix when heated.
- Oil Phase – Put the olivem 1000, argon oil and shea butter into a separate heat safe container.
- Heat – Place both the oil phase and the water phase on a double boiler until the oil phase is completely melted.
- Mixing – Put the heated water phase in your mixing container. Add the oil phase into the same container. Mix with you immersion blender. You are going to want to start in small bursts so it doesn't all fly out of the container. As it starts to thicken up, you can mix for longer periods.
- Fragrance – Add the Coconut Lime Verbena fragrance oil and mix well.
- Preservative – After your lotion has cooled to below 120°F add you preservative and mix well.
- Packaging – The lotion will probably be too thick to pour into your bottle, so you will want to use a piping bag. Be sure not to put the top on the bottle until the lotion is completely cooled down.
