This summer I’ve been reaching for this after-sun spray again and again. My daughter and I both have very fair skin—she’s strawberry blonde and I’m a redhead—so we love being outdoors, but we often need extra care after long days in the sun. We always apply sunscreen daily, yet sometimes sun exposure still leaves our skin feeling irritated. That’s when this simple, natural spray is perfect.
Made from gentle, natural ingredients, this after-sun spray soothes occasional skin irritation and helps rejuvenate sun-exposed skin.
Tip: For a truly refreshing treat, keep the spray in the refrigerator. The cool mist feels amazing after a hot day outdoors.
What’s in the After-Sun Spray?
This easy spray uses common, natural ingredients you may already have:
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera gel
- Vitamin E oil
- Fractionated coconut oil (or another light carrier oil)
- Essential oils (lavender and a small amount of peppermint or spearmint)
Why these ingredients?
Witch hazel refreshes and calms the skin, reduces itching, and can help minimize peeling and flaking after sun exposure.
Aloe vera gel provides lightweight moisture, soothes irritation, and supports skin recovery.
Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant that helps nourish and rejuvenate dehydrated skin.
Fractionated coconut oil adds gentle moisture without a greasy feel.
Lavender essential oil is known for its soothing properties and skin-friendly scent.
Peppermint essential oil provides a cooling sensation—use sparingly because it can be a skin irritant. For young children, substitute spearmint or omit the mint oil entirely.
How to make it (recipe and steps)
Step 1
Add 2 tablespoons witch hazel to a glass measuring cup.
Step 2
Stir in 1/4 cup aloe vera gel.
Step 3
Add 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil and mix.
Step 4
Mix in 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil (or another light carrier oil).
Step 5
Add essential oils: 10 drops lavender and 2 drops peppermint (or 2 drops spearmint if using on or around children under 6).
Step 6
Whisk the blend until smooth, then pour into a 4-ounce spray bottle. Shake before each use to recombine any separation.
Recipe summary
- 2 tablespoons witch hazel
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil (or spearmint for young children)
How to use the after-sun spray
You can store the spray at room temperature, but chilling it makes it extra soothing. Keep a bottle in the refrigerator or freeze small portions in a silicone tray to make cooling “after-sun cubes.”
After sun exposure, mist the cooled spray over affected areas while avoiding the eye area. Gently rub it in and reapply as needed—typically a couple of times a day until skin feels more comfortable.
Supplies and notes
Use high-quality, gentle ingredients when possible—alcohol-free witch hazel, mostly-pure aloe gel, and a reliable source of vitamin E and carrier oil. Peppermint provides cooling but can irritate sensitive skin, so use it sparingly or substitute spearmint for children.
Please note: The information in this article is for general use and is not intended as medical advice. Products mentioned have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a medical professional for any health concerns.
If you enjoy easy, natural recipes like this one, consider exploring more essential-oil-based DIYs and summer care ideas.