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The 10 best after sun lotions to buy in the UK

Picture of a after sun lotion

The best after sun helps soothe and protect skin after a day in the sun. Whether you’ve forgotten to apply a high SPF sunscreen and got burnt or just want to provide some extra hydration for your suntan, a good after sun lotion is the perfect solution. However, finding the right product can be difficult when there are so many options to choose from! Check out the buying guide below for all the information you need to know to find the best after sun lotion:

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What are after sun lotions?

After sun lotion is a skincare product applied to the skin after being out in the sun. It provides relief from sunburn by rehydrating and cooling the skin, while it can also be used for its moisturising effects even when you aren’t burnt, helping to reduce the harmful impact of UV rays after being in the sun for too long.

Why should you buy a good after sun lotion?

A good after sun lotion is a must-have skincare product for anyone going on holiday to a sunny location but it’s handy to have for summer months in almost any climate. The main reason is that it offers relief from the effects of sunburn, rehydrating and soothing the hotness of the skin, while it can also provide welcoming moisturizing and cooling effects even for those that aren’t burnt.

Basically, if you plan on spending time out in the sun then it’s well worth having the best after sun to help keep skin cool and healthy! Furthermore, many after sun lotions help to maintain the tone of your suntan.

How to choose the right after sun lotion?

Another picture of a after sun lotion

Choosing the best after sun lotions can be difficult if you don’t know what you need, so here are some things to consider:

  • Skin Type: Like any skincare product, it’s important to identify your skin type before you buy after sun lotions, as not all lotions are suitable for every skin type. For example, people with dry skin may benefit from lotions with extra moisturising effects, while people with oily or sensitive skins need to consider the ingredients to make sure it doesn’t cause unwanted side-effects.
  • Ingredients: It’s always important to check the ingredients of any after sun lotion to ensure it doesn’t cause adverse reactions to your skin. For example, lotion with alcohol may sting burnt skin, while aloe vera is a popular ingredient for soothing burnt skin, especially when combined with ingredients that provide extra moisturising effects like hyaluronic acid.
  • Additional Effects: While all sun lotions soothe and hydrate skin that’s been in the sun, many come with additional effects that you may find useful. A popular example of this are lotions that maintain your suntan for longer, which is a great option for anyone planning on sunbathing.

What is the best kind of after sun lotion in the UK?

If you want a feel-good sunbath in every sense, then consider buying one of the follow after sun lotions:

  • After Sun for Normal Skin: This type of lotion is suitable for people with normal skin, so those that aren’t too dry, oily, or sensitive. Be mindful of certain ingredients, however, as these may still be harsh on the skin.
  • After Sun for Sensitive Skin: Lotions for sensitive skin don’t have any ingredients likely to irritate the skin, typically containing all-natural ingredients instead.
  • After Sun for Dry Skin: This type of lotion provides extra relief to dry skin, which is exasperated when out in the sun for too long. It comes with ingredients that help to trap more moisture in the skin to keep it cool and hydrated.

Top 10 list of after sun lotions in the UK 2024

The bestseller list compares brands and their after sun lotions. Which after sun lotion is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Piz Buin 93612 after sun lotion
Piz Buin After Sun Tan Intensifying Moisturising Lotion | With Shea…
  • Packaging may vary
  • Items delivered: 1x PIZ BUIN After Sun Tan Intensifying Moisturising Lotion 200…
  • All PIZ BUIN After Sun products contain Vitamin E, which helps to protect against…
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TOP 2
Image of NIVEA 80465 after sun lotion
NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturising Soothing Lotion (400 ml), Cooling…
  • Tan prolonging: An after sun moisturiser that helps maintain skin's elasticity…
  • How to apply: This Aloe vera after sun should be applied post-shower for maximum…
  • Cooling formula: Enriched with Aloe vera and precious avocado oil for a soft and…
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TOP 3
Image of Garnier 3600540305381 after sun lotion
Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Lotion, for Face & Body, with…
  • CONTENTS: 1 x Garnier Ambre Solaire Soothing After Sun, 400 ml
  • LEAPING BUNNY APPROVED: Approved as cruelty free under the Leaping Bunny Program…
  • HOW TO USE: Apply to face and body after sun exposure, ideally in the evening after…
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TOP 5
Image of Malibu FM544 after sun lotion
Malibu Sun After Sun Care, Moisturising Lotion with Tan Extender,…
  • Tan Extending: Includes self-tanning ingredients that prolong your tan; apply generously…
  • Cruelty Free: Carefully selected ingredients perfect for sensitive, delicate skin.…
  • Kind to Skin: A trusty companion for all skin types. Malibu lotions prolongs your…
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TOP 6
Image of NIVEA 80464 after sun lotion
NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturising Soothing Lotion (200ml), Cooling…
  • Product details: NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisture (200ml) Hydrating After Sun Cream,…
  • To apply: Simply apply the moisturising lotion generously onto bare skin after sun…
  • Silky skin: The quick-absorbing after sun care moisture has a cooling formula and…
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TOP 7
Image of HAWAIIAN Tropic Y301044707 after sun lotion
HAWAIIAN TROPIC - Silk Hydration After Sun|with Coconut, Papaya and…
  • TROPICAL SCENT – smell like a Hawaiian holiday
  • ULTRA-LIGHT FORMULA – dries quickly and isnâ€t sticky…
  • CARES FOR YOUR SKIN – blended with coconut, papaya and aloe for…
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TOP 8
Image of Malibu 5025135113895 after sun lotion
Malibu Sun After Sun Soothing Moisturising Lotion, Original, 100m…
  • Cruelty Free: Carefully selected ingredients perfect for sensitive, delicate skin.…
  • Travel Size: Convenient 100ml bottle, an on-the-go beach bag essential for any s…
  • Kind to Skin: A trusty companion for all skin types. Malibu lotion prolongs your…
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TOP 9
Image of Lancaster 40889547000 after sun lotion
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion 250ml | Natural Tan…
  • Made with natural-origin Buriti oil, stimulates the tanning process and promotes…
  • Calms and instantly comforts sun-exposed skin
  • Helps repair the skin after sun exposure
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TOP 10
Image of Malibu 5025135114649 after sun lotion
Malibu Sun After Sun Care, Cooling and Soothing Moisturising Gel,…
  • Cruelty Free: Carefully selected ingredients perfect for sensitive, delicate skin.…
  • Travel Size: Convenient 100ml bottle, an on-the-go beach bag essential for any s…
  • Kind to Skin: A trusty companion for all skin types. Malibu gel prolongs your tan…
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2023/12/11.