Derms Agree—These Are the Best Aloe Vera Products to Soothe Sunburns and Skin Irritations (2025)

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin C, seaweed extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 12 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Made up of organic, cold-pressed aloe, this lightweight gel cools the skin immediately upon application. It also uses natural seaweed extract, which Dr. Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, says helps the product absorb into skin quickly. “I love that it doesn't leave that dreaded sticky residue either,” she shares. That means you’ll be able to get dressed after slathering it on—without staining your clothes. And while we’re not condoning sunburn, this will work to reduce redness and prevent skin peeling.

Who It’s For

We love this pick for those in search of an additive-free, fast-absorbing aloe gel from freshly cut leaves, not powder.

Key Ingredients: Pure aloe extract, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, stressed, sun-damaged | Size: 9.9, 20.2 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

This body moisturizer is a fan favorite for a reason. Enriched with simple but effective glycerin, cucumber, aloe, and panthenol, it’s a softly scented lotion that leaves the skin hydrated but not greasy. The fresh gel texture and soothing inclusion of aloe make it a great all-over pick for summer, especially.

Who It’s For

Anyone who might be hesitant to try pure aloe gel for sensitivity reasons and is looking for a mild aloe vera lotion instead—this is the pick for you.

Key Ingredients: Aloe lotion, vitamin E | Skin Type: Dry, sun-damaged | Size: 8 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Honestly, this stuff makes for a great body treatment whenever the mercury rises. It’s fresh and enriched with ingredients like tea tree to help nourish, soothe, and cool the skin, but Sun Bum goes one step ahead with their aloe by adding vitamin E, which Dr. Nichols says helps to restore the natural lipid barrier, as well as provide further protection. The scent is super clean and summery, as well.

Who It’s For

If you caught a few too many rays and want to rehydrate your sun-baked skin, slather on this cool-down gel, then let it do its thing.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, nelumbium, centella asiatica, bamboo, cucumber, corn, cabbage, watermelon | Skin Type: Dry, stressed | Size: 8.45 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If you love using pure aloe plant gel but hate the smell, this is the best thing. Made from fermented aloe pulp from South Korea’s Jeju Island, it’s hydrating and refreshing—and great on dry, stressed-out skin. The formula also includes bamboo, a popular K-beauty skincare ingredient with skin-soothing properties and antioxidants that protect against damage from harmful free radicals and UV rays. The unique jelly texture and aloe-shaped bottle are a bit of fun, as well.

Who It’s For

Anyone looking for a multitasking aloe vera gel that can do triple duty as a shaving cream, razor burn treatment, and skin moisturizer—minus the funky aroma—should check this out.

Key Ingredients: Organic Jeju Aloe Extract | Skin Type: Dry, stressed | Size: 10.14 fl. oz. | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If you want a simple aloe vera gel that works on both face and body, this choice from Innisfree will be your new best friend. Refreshing and super juicy, it contains soothing aloe from Jeju Island plus camellia oil, orchid, and glycerin to calm the skin and help improve barrier function. Fun fact! You can even use it to subdue a sunburned scalp.

Who It’s For

This product is for those who are looking to not only alleviate irritated, sun-exposed skin but also strengthen their moisture barrier at the same time. Unlike many aloe vera gels, which aren't always suited for the face, Innisfree’s silky soft formula leaves your visage plump, glowy, and hydrated.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, lavender essential oil, lemon balm | Skin Type: Dry, sun-damaged | Size: 8.4 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This soft, milky emulsion is like sweet relief for dry, red skin on the face and body. Made on a base of aloe vera, it’s full of lemon balm and lavender essential oil, which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant medicinal properties, so not only does it work on sore skin, but it feels incredibly luxurious and smells even better.

Who It’s For

If you’re okay shelling out a bit more money for a prestige aloe vera product, look no further than Santa Maria Novella’s luxe gel that can be applied to affected areas for immediate relief and freshness. The bonus essential oils make the price tag worth it.

Key Ingredients: Squalane, Curated Antioxidant Blend, medical-grade aloe vera, REG-ulate360 Complex, bakuchiol | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 0.5, 1.5 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Aloe is often called on to calm acne-prone skin. This gentle moisturizer lotion is rich in both aloe vera and botanical extracts to reduce redness, mattify shine, and soothe the inflammation associated with breakouts. There’s also squalane to hydrate and promote barrier strength. The texture is also beautiful and light, so it’s excellent underneath makeup.

Who It’s For

If your main concern is using aloe to quell patchy red skin due to blemishes and inflammation, Dr. Zenovia’s medical-grade aloe vera antioxidant blend is up for the challenge. It will also help even out tone and texture, which is an added perk if you ask us.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, purslane, panthenol (vitamin B5) | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 4.2 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Comprised of 90% pure fair trade aloe leaf juice, alongside Dr. Sturm’s signature purslane, this vegan formula claims to moisturize and soothe the skin immediately on contact and according to a boatload of “more than just aloe” reviews—it does just that. Another reason we love it? The fragrance-free ingredient list is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, and it has cooling properties.

Who It’s For

This product is for sensitive skin types on the hunt for a soothing aloe vera gel that also targets redness, acne, and blemishes.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, lavender essential oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 5 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This after-sun lotion makes for an oh-so-refreshing moisturizer, especially during the summer months. It contains aloe vera alongside sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and lavender essential oils to soften and smooth the skin. And don’t even get us started on the scent—with notes of cedarwood, mandarin, and rosemary, it’s fresh, zingy, and herbaceous.

Who It’s For

Coola loyalists turn to the brand for all their suncare—and post-sun-care—needs. The scent is intoxicating and your skin feels better after one application, so this one’s a no-brainer for us.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Simple, clean, and effective, this aloe gel from Green Leaf Naturals contains only a handful of ingredients, including hero-certified organic aloe vera juice. Whether it’s to soothe limbs post-exposure to the elements or just as a natural hydrator, this affordable buy is one of the best out there.

Who It’s For

Check this out if you're trying to quench parched, sun-soaked skin without the sticky mess that often comes with applying aloe vera. Not only is this organic formula a pure gel, but it comes in a spray bottle, which we love.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, citric acid | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 8 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What’s unique about this formula is that it’s made from 100% organic aloe vera plants certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture. As for the composition, the formula itself contains 99.75% aloe, while the additional 0.25% is the plant-based preservative citric acid to prevent any mold or bacteria growth. Light and not at all sticky, you can apply this multi-purpose wonder onto skin, through hair, or even on pets (with permission from their vet, of course).

Who It’s For

If you prefer fair trade and organic aloe over green tubes of somewhat questionable gel, Badger’s formula is a great pick. And we appreciate that a little goes a long way with this one.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 12 fl oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

If your skin is highly sensitive, you'll probably want a pure aloe vera gel to help reduce redness and calm skin without further aggravating it. This nearly 100% aloe vera gel doesn't contain any other ingredients besides citric and ascorbic acids and xanthan, a thickener, so it's a good option if you have sunburn or an insect bite. Some reviewers also swear by using this certified organic, cold-pressed aloe on their scalp and roots to help with dandruff and plump up hair.

Who It’s For

If you’re seeking a junk-free gel that’s not only organic but comprised of 99% cold-pressed, superior filtered aloe, add this one to your cart. The fact that it’s not sticky or greasy is also a big selling point for us.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: Pack of 10 | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Not listed

We love this hydrating sheet mask to give skin a vitality boost. It comes in a pack of 10, so you can use it any time your skin's feeling extra dry. Along with aloe vera, it also contains seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturize while also minimizing the look of fine lines. Like other sheet masks, pat the excess product into your skin after removing the mask to make sure your skin soaks up all the nourishing ingredients.

Who It's For

Ideal for dry, oily, sensitive, and all skin types in between, this aloe-packed packet hydrates, minimizes pores, and locks in moisture. Pro tip: Keep it in the fridge before applying for an icy-cool feel.

Key Ingredients: Cica, aloe vera, cucumber extract | Skin Type: Oily, dry, sensitive | Size: 1.6 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re not familiar with Cica, also known as Centella asiatica or ‘tiger grass,’ it’s a soothing plant extract tigers in the Asian wetlands used to roll around in to heal their wounds. Similar to aloe vera, it has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and contains the magical ability to assuage irritation and rosacea upon contact. So, naturally, we’re fans of Elemis’ Superfood Cica Calm Hydration formula, which also contains 75% organic aloe. “It helps to refresh, calm, and hydrate the skin,” says Dr. Lolis. We also love that the lightweight gel texture layers well under makeup.

Who It’s For

All skin types, from the super oily to the rosacea-prone, will benefit from this cooling, hydrating gel moisturizer with aloe and Cica that eliminates dry red patches and scaly spots.

Active Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extract, citric acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combo | Size: 4 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

No, this isn’t a gel or lotion, but if you prefer to get your aloe vera fix in mist form, Mario Badescu’s signature facial spray is one of the most hyped out there, and for good reason. It smells like spa water, thanks to aloe, cucumber, and green tea, and instantly awakens tired skin with just one spritz. It’s also available in three more aloe-based formulas: a dewy skin mist with rejuvenating rosewater and clarifying thyme, an adaptogen mist with coconut water, and a soothing mist with chamomile and lavender for radiant, balanced skin.

Who It’s For

When your skin is in need of a refreshing mist on a hot day or a moisture-packed pick-me-up for makeup that’s been on all day, reach for Mario Badescu’s aloe-powered facial spray. Infused with herbal extracts and botanical waters, it’s a hydrating treat for thirsty skin.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 5.1 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Not only is Nécessaire’s The Body Serum tested by dermatologists, but it’s a favorite among them for a serum-in-gel formula that’s super hydrating but also lightweight, according to Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, the president of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. “This formulation contains five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera to hydrate, replenish, and plump the skin,” she says, adding that it’s a great everyday body lotion that absorbs quickly for glowing skin.

Who It’s For

This high-tech body serum checks all the boxes for us, so if you’ve been meaning to upgrade your basic body lotion with a souped-up triple threat, Nécessaire’s is the one to try. Aside from being derm-approved, it’s also safe for all skin types, but dry, depleted ones will love it the most.

FAQ

• What does aloe vera do for your skin?

  According to dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, aloe vera helps to soothe irritation, prevent trans-epidermal water loss, cool and hydrate sunburned skin, and even promote the healing of breakouts thanks to the natural amount of salicylic acid it contains. "Aloe is rich in vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and phytosterols, so it has all these calming, great properties," she says. "Additionally, it has vitamins A, C, D, and E, and it also has minerals, including zinc, potassium, and magnesium, so it is this rich gel or extract that can be used for a variety of things."

• How should aloe vera be used?

  You can apply aloe vera topically to the area in question. Nussbaum recommends spreading it two to three times a day until the burn or irritation is soothed. "You can even put the gel in the refrigerator to get that cooling sensation and reduce the inflammation even more," she adds. And if you'd like to use it daily as a moisturizer, you absolutely can, as long as your skin reacts well to the ingredient.

• Are there any side effects of using aloe vera?

  Like with any ingredient, Nussbaum notes that it's possible to have an allergic reaction to aloe vera, so if you've never used it before, she recommends spot-testing your formula of choice before spreading it all over.