You know that feeling when you think you might have gotten a little too much sun… and then the hot shower confirms it? That sting, that tight, itchy skin—you didn’t just “get some color.” You got burned.
For me, it was after a beach day where I swore I reapplied sunscreen (spoiler: I didn’t). I came home glowing like a tomato and wishing I had something better than that sticky green aloe gel that leaves you feeling even more gross.
That’s when I started reaching for essential oils.
They’re not just for diffusers or fancy spa nights. Some essential oils—like lavender, chamomile, and peppermint—can actually calm burned skin, take the heat down a notch, and help your body heal naturally.
I’ve used them after long park days with my son, road trips with the windows down, even just falling asleep in the backyard (yes, that happened).
But I learned the hard way that not all oils are sunburn-friendly. You need to use the right ones—and you need to use them right.
Otherwise, you’ll end up making things worse.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 15 best essential oils for sunburn relief, the ones I actually trust on my own skin, plus a few simple DIY recipes that feel so good when you’re crispy and uncomfortable.
Because if you’re dealing with the aftermath of a sunny day gone wrong, you don’t need another “maybe this will help.” You need something that actually works.
What causes sunburn and why it hurts so much
Sunburn isn’t just a little redness that shows up after a day in the sun—it’s actually your skin’s way of sounding the alarm.
When you’re outside for too long without enough protection, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun start damaging the cells in your skin.
Your body tries to defend itself by producing more melanin (that’s the pigment that gives you a tan), but once those UV rays go too deep, your skin can’t keep up.
That’s when the burn sets in.
And trust me, it’s not just surface-level stuff. Sunburn causes inflammation all the way through the layers of your skin. You might feel hot, itchy, sore, or even get chills. Sometimes, the pain gets worse hours later—like your body’s punishing you for having fun.
And let’s not even talk about the peeling that shows up a few days later… because who doesn’t want to shed like a lizard in the middle of summer?
The worst part? It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s damaging. Repeated sunburns can speed up signs of aging, like fine lines and sun spots.
And yes, they increase your risk of skin cancer down the road.
That’s why I take sunburn seriously now, especially with my little boy.
Once I started paying more attention to the “after-sun” care, I noticed my skin healed faster—and felt way better in the meantime.
That’s also when I started turning to essential oils. Because when your skin’s screaming, you need something gentle but powerful to help it recover.
Is it safe to use essential oils for sunburn relief?
Short answer? YES—but only if you use them the right way.
I love essential oils, but I’ve learned to treat them with the same kind of caution I’d use with any strong product. They’re powerful. A few drops go a long way, especially on skin that’s already angry, red, and sensitive from a burn.
📌 The biggest mistake I see people make is applying essential oils directly onto their skin without any kind of dilution.
I made that mistake once with peppermint oil—and let’s just say, it did NOT feel cooling. It felt like my skin was on fire again. That’s why it’s so important to always mix your essential oils with something gentle, like aloe vera gel or a carrier oil. Coconut, jojoba, and olive oil are all great options.
I also recommend doing a patch test. Just mix a tiny bit of your diluted blend and apply it to a small area of skin (like your forearm). Wait a few hours to make sure there’s no reaction. Sunburned skin can react differently, even if you’ve used the oil before without issues.
There are also a few oils I skip when my skin’s irritated. Anything citrus-based (like lemon or bergamot) can actually make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, even after the sunburn fades. And if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or using oils on kids, it’s always best to double-check what’s safe.
Essential oils can absolutely help soothe and heal sunburned skin—but they’re not a cure-all, and they’re not risk-free. Use them thoughtfully, and they can be a total game changer for recovery.
15 essential oils for sunburn relief that actually work
When my skin is red, hot, and begging for help, I reach for oils that cool, calm, and help heal. Here are the ones that never let me down.
Cooling oils (these take the heat down fast)
1. Peppermint
This one’s a favorite when my skin feels like it’s radiating heat. Peppermint oil contains menthol, which gives that icy, soothing sensation almost instantly. But trust me—you only need a drop or two, and always dilute it. On its own, it’s way too intense for sensitive skin.
2. Spearmint
A gentler cousin to peppermint, spearmint still offers that refreshing cool-down without the same level of intensity. It’s a great option if peppermint feels too strong for you.
3. Eucalyptus
When my sunburn feels raw and tender, eucalyptus helps cool and calm it down. It also has antibacterial properties, which is a bonus if your skin is starting to blister or peel.
Anti-inflammatory oils (these help calm redness and irritation)
4. Lavender
If I could only pick one oil for sunburn relief, it would be lavender. It’s soothing, gentle, and smells amazing—but more importantly, it helps reduce inflammation and supports healing. I’ve used it on myself and even diluted it heavily for my son’s sunburn.
5. Chamomile
This one’s a go-to when my skin feels itchy and tight. It’s super calming and works well in a cool compress or added to aloe gel.
6. Yarrow
Not the most common oil, but yarrow is incredibly soothing. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. I’ve found it especially helpful when I’ve spent way too much time in the sun and need serious repair.
7. Geranium
Geranium oil helps take the edge off inflammation and feels like a treat for irritated skin. It also smells floral and fresh, which makes it lovely to blend into after-sun oils.
8. Frankincense
This one’s kind of like first aid in a bottle. It helps reduce swelling and supports skin repair. I like to use a drop in my evening face oil if my face got too much sun that day.
9. Patchouli
Patchouli is earthy and grounding, and while it might not be your favorite scent, it does wonders for inflamed skin. I’ve used it in a nighttime body blend and woke up with my skin feeling way less angry.
Skin-healing oils (these help repair damaged skin)
10. Rose
Rose oil feels luxurious—and it’s one of the best for delicate, damaged skin. When my skin feels extra sensitive, I’ll mix a few drops of rose oil into aloe or shea butter and gently pat it on.
11. Helichrysum
This one’s known as “liquid gold” in the skincare world for a reason. It’s packed with properties that help reduce scarring, inflammation, and promote skin regeneration. It’s pricey, but a little goes a long way.
12. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil helps prevent infection if your skin is blistering or starting to peel. It’s strong, so I only use one drop, and always mix it with something calming like chamomile or aloe.
13. Sandalwood
When my skin feels dry and stretched after a burn, sandalwood helps lock in moisture and soothe irritation. It’s rich and grounding, perfect for nighttime relief.
14. Green Tea Essential Oil
Packed with antioxidants, green tea oil helps protect and heal sun-damaged skin. I like mixing this into my after-sun oil when I feel like my skin needs a bit of a reset.
15. Myrrh
This one surprised me—it’s incredibly nourishing and promotes cell repair. I reach for it when my skin’s dry, flaky, or struggling to bounce back.
Best carrier oils to use for sunburn relief
If essential oils are the heroes of sunburn recovery, carrier oils are the calm, supportive sidekicks that make everything safer and more soothing.
You always need to dilute essential oils before applying them to sunburned skin—no exceptions. Trust me, I’ve tried going without once, and the regret was immediate.
Here are the carrier oils I use and trust when my skin is sensitive, dry, or peeling from a sunburn:
Aloe Vera Gel
Technically not an oil, but it’s my go-to for sunburns. Aloe has that instant cooling effect, and it helps reduce redness and itching right away. I love mixing a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil into pure aloe gel and storing it in the fridge—total skin saver.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich, hydrating, and naturally anti-inflammatory. It works best after the initial heat of the burn has gone down, especially if your skin is starting to flake. I like using it as a base for overnight treatments.
Jojoba Oil
This one’s super lightweight and closely mimics your skin’s natural oils, which makes it perfect for sensitive areas like your face or neck. I use it when I want something gentle that won’t clog pores or feel greasy.
Olive Oil
If you’re in a pinch, this pantry staple works surprisingly well. It’s moisturizing and soothing, especially on dry, sun-damaged skin. I’ve used it in a quick blend with tea tree and lavender before bed, and my skin felt softer by morning.
Almond Oil
This is one of my favorites for mixing up a post-sun body oil. It’s full of vitamin E and feels luxurious without being too heavy. I’ve also used it to dilute stronger oils like peppermint to tone them down a bit.
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How to use essential oils safely on sunburned skin
I’ll be honest—essential oils can be amazing, but ONLY if you use them the right way.
Sunburned skin is already inflamed and fragile, so this is not the time to experiment or go overboard.
Here’s what I’ve learned from trial, error, and a few uncomfortable mistakes.
Always dilute your oils
This is non-negotiable. Essential oils are super concentrated, and applying them directly to a burn is like adding fuel to the fire. I usually mix about 2 to 3 drops of essential oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil (like aloe vera gel or coconut oil). That’s strong enough to work—but gentle enough to keep your skin from freaking out.
Start with a patch test
Even if you’ve used an oil before, test it first. I’ve had oils I loved on normal skin feel totally different on sunburned areas. Just apply a small amount of your diluted mix to a tiny patch of skin and wait a few hours to make sure it doesn’t sting, itch, or cause a rash.
Avoid using oils on open blisters
If your sunburn is severe and you’ve got broken skin or blisters, skip the oils and stick to plain aloe vera until it starts healing. Oils can irritate broken skin or even cause more damage if they’re not properly diluted.
Less is more
When my skin’s burned, I keep my routine simple. I don’t pile on five different oils at once.
I pick one or two based on what I need—cooling, calming, or healing—and let them do their thing. You can always apply again later if your skin is responding well.
Be mindful of sun sensitivity
Some oils—especially citrus ones like lemon or bergamot—can make your skin even more sensitive to sunlight. I don’t use those on sunburns, and if I ever use them in a blend, I make sure I’m staying inside or covering up.
Store your blends the right way
If you’re mixing up a DIY after-sun blend, keep it in a glass bottle (plastic can break down over time) and store it in a cool, dark place—or even in the fridge. That extra chill feels so good on hot skin.
When in doubt, I keep it simple, gentle, and focused on healing. Essential oils aren’t magic, but when you use them correctly, they can bring real comfort when your skin needs it most.
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DIY sunburn relief recipes using essential oils
When I’ve had a long day in the sun and my skin is begging for some TLC, I don’t reach for store-bought lotions full of mystery ingredients. I like knowing exactly what I’m putting on my skin—so these DIY blends are my go-to. They’re easy, they work, and they feel amazing on sunburned skin.
Cooling After-Sun Spray
This is the one I keep in the fridge all summer long. It’s perfect for that hot, tight skin feeling when you first realize you’ve overdone it.
You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup pure aloe vera juice or gel
- 1/4 cup distilled water
- 3 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops chamomile oil
What I do:
Pour everything into a clean spray bottle, shake well, and mist it over sunburned areas. It’s cooling, calming, and smells like a mini spa moment. Just don’t spray it near your eyes (peppermint stings—ask me how I know).
Soothing After-Sun Body Oil
When my skin starts to feel dry, itchy, or like it’s about to peel, I use this blend after a cool shower. It helps lock in moisture and calm the redness.
You’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or almond oil
- 3 drops chamomile oil
- 2 drops rose oil
- 1 drop sandalwood oil
What I do:
Warm the coconut oil slightly (if it’s solid), mix in the essential oils, and gently apply it to sunburned skin. I use just enough to coat the area without overdoing it. At night, I’ll put on a loose cotton shirt afterward so it doesn’t rub off on the sheets.
Oatmeal + Essential Oil Bath Soak
If my whole body feels fried—like beach trip level burned—I’ll go for a full soak. This bath takes the sting out and helps me relax when my skin feels like it’s on edge.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup finely ground oats
- 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
- 2 drops patchouli oil
- 2 drops tea tree oil
- 1 drop yarrow oil (optional)
What I do:
Mix everything together in a bowl and sprinkle it into lukewarm bath water. I soak for 15–20 minutes and pat my skin dry afterward—no rubbing. My skin always feels softer and less angry after this one.
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These blends are quick, gentle, and way more effective than anything I’ve found on a drugstore shelf. And honestly? There’s something comforting about taking the time to care for your skin when it’s hurting—it feels like you’re saying, “Okay, I hear you. Let’s FIX this.”
For You
Sunburn happens. Even when you’re careful, even when you meant to reapply sunscreen—it sneaks up on you. And when it does, your skin doesn’t need more irritation.
It needs comfort, care, and a little help healing.
That’s why I love having these essential oils on hand. Not because they’re trendy, but because they’ve worked for me when my skin was burning, peeling, or just plain angry.
Used the right way—with care, patience, and plenty of carrier oil—they can make a REAL difference.
So if your skin’s feeling the aftermath of too much sun, I hope these tips and recipes give you a place to start. Try what feels right, skip what doesn’t, and give your skin what it really needs: rest, hydration, and a whole lot of kindness.
And hey—next time you’re packing for a day outside, maybe throw that hat in your bag and keep the sunscreen nearby. Just sayin’. 😊💛