8 Best Essential Oils For Sunburn (2024): A Dermatologist’s Recommendations
Soothe your sunburnt skin and reverse the impacts with these affordable products.
Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.
His authority is widely recognized, and his expert opinion has been sought by many prestigious publications, including Forbes, Glamour, Good Morning America, ABC News, and many others.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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We all love getting a gorgeous golden tan on our skin when we take a trip down to the beach. In that excitement, we forget to put on sunscreen, and lo and behold – a blistering sunburn! If you want to go for a natural remedy or alternative, the only way to get those burns to go away is to apply some of the best essential oils for sunburn. They contain high levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in the treatment of sunburn.
To soothe those painful, red burns on your skin, mix the essential oil with soothing agents like aloe vera, oatmeal, or coconut oil to give your skin the much-needed hydration. However, if you have sensitive skin, experts recommend applying the diluted oil to a small area of your skin first to make sure you don’t have any adverse reaction to it. Take a look at our list of some of the top essential oils out there for treating sunburn. Scroll down!
In This Article
Top 8 Essential Oils That Help Combat Sunburn
1. Best Non-Toxic:Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Fractionated Coconut Oil
Though coconut oil is known primarily for the benefits it provides for your hair, not many know that it is equally beneficial to treat sunburned skin along with other symptoms of sunburn. As coconut oil is high in saturated fats, it can help soothe your dry and itchy skin by replenishing your skin’s moisture. The unfiltered and non-toxic oil leaves no greasy residue on your skin and is easy to wash away from clothes and sheets. This fractionated oil can be blended with carrier oils for massages and aromatherapy sessions. This results-driven essential oil for sunburn relief is one of the best natural sunburn remedies as it works great as a moisturizer, eye makeup remover, and in shaving creams. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria and fungi. So, investing in an oil with multiple benefits for skin and hair can be a great decision. You may check more about this product in this video.
Pros
- Easy absorption
- Non-toxic and no additives
- Moisturizes body
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-greasy
- Long shelf life
Cons
- May not be suitable for use during pregnancy
"I love this for my dry, flakey skin. With daily use in the shower, my skin feels baby-smooth, especially when paired with moisturizer. The lightweight, non-greasy texture is great. It's a pretty decent product."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 29,356 reviews claiming its efficacy.
2. Best Antimicrobial:UpNature Lavender 100% Pure And Natural Essential Oil
We understand the frustration that you can have due to sunburned skin. The itch, heat, and painful sting can get really unbearable. That’s why we have found this pure and natural essential oil for sunburn itch for you. antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and contains antioxidant properties that can do wonders for your skin. It also heals dry skin, minor cuts, and scrapes quickly. This therapeutic-grade oil can treat acne breakouts and promote healthy skin and hair. You can relieve your stress and anxiety with this relaxing essential oil as it helps improve your sleep too. Just blend and apply 10 drops of this lavender oil with a carrier oil and get immediate relief from sunburn. Do a patch test before using the oil topically.
Pros
- Unfiltered and undiluted
- Free of toxins and additives
- GMO and cruelty-free
- GC-MS tested for quality
- Soothes dry, itchy skin
- Anti-anxiety
- Treats acne
- Eases joint pain
Cons
- Some may find the scent overwhelming.
Caution3. Best Cruelty-Free:Maple Holistics Lavender Essential Oil
Take time off work and chores and chill out by giving yourself a massage session as this lavender oil calms your skin. This 100% pure, cruelty-free, and vegan oil is a great calming sunburn remedy that also promotes clear and healthy skin with its anti-aging properties. Steam distilled from flowers, it has a rich fresh floral scent which makes it a perfect addition to your aromatherapy. The sunburn relief oil uplifts the mood and improves sleep by relieving anxiety. The oil also boosts the health of both hair and skin. Adding this soothing oil to your skincare regimen is worth it as it heals your skin and adds natural glow to it.
Pros
- 100% pure oil
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Has soothing effects
- Adds glow to skin
- Treats dry scalp
- Has anti-aging properties
Cons
- Some may find the scent very faint.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With 11,504 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
| Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Fractionated Coconut Oil Best Non-Toxic | UpNature Lavender 100% Pure And Natural Essential Oil Best Antimicrobial | Maple Holistics Lavender Essential Oil Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.72 x 10.04 x 4.61 inches | 6.1 x 3.6 x 2.2 inches | 3.94 x 2.8 x 1.93 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 9.14 Ounces | - |
| Weight | - | - | 0.16 ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 29,356 | 15,716 | 11,504 |
| Price | $18.99 | $16.99 | $9.95 |
4. Best Relief Spray For Sunburn: Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Relief Spray
The Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Relief Spray is sourced from family plantations in Australia. It soothes minor scrapes, burns, bug bites, skin breakouts, and sunburn. It is meant to nourish, rejuvenate, and promote skin cell regeneration. It is infused with a powerful combination of rosemary oil, balm mint extract, chamomile, and horsetail to soothe the skin from sunburn. It has a convenient spray applicator that is ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
- Soothes skin
- No artificial color
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- B-Corp Certified
- Chemical-free
- Paraben free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"I discovered this product during a trip and it's been useful in keeping mosquito bites at bay. Its pleasant smell persists for a long time and is surprisingly effective in relieving sunburn sting. My daughter's foot infection benefited from the tea tree spray, which also eased her pain. A versatile product indeed."
5.Best For Acne Breakouts:Plant Therapy 100% Pure Essential Oils – Carrot Seed
Consequences of a sunburn can be detrimental and hence, it only makes more sense to prevent it. This unadulterated essential oil can be used to blend with other oils and create your own natural sunscreen. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties promote healthy skin by treating dull, tired, and blemished skin while improving your complexion. It moisturizes and rejuvenates your skin by fighting against acne, and hyperpigmentation. You can also apply it on your abdomen to get relief from digestive issues.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Cruelty-free
- Treats acne breakouts
- Minimizes signs of aging
- Helps fight hyperpigmentation
- Acts as a natural sunscreen
- Soothes dry, dull, and blemished skin
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance unpleasant.
"Despite its poor blending properties, I mix it with my lotion to get some relief after mild sun exposure. Its scent bears a resemblance to ylang-ylang. Overall, a good product."
Did You Know?6. Best For Soothing Inflammation:Sonoma Lavender Essential Oil
Here’s your secret to repairing and rejuvenating your sunburned skin back to good skin health. The queen of essential oils, which is lavender essential oil, helps with sunburns and soothes inflammation, insect bites, and bee stings. This lavender oil for sunburns balances out moisture levels and promotes a healthy skin by relieving anxiety, easing headaches, and inducing better sleep. It can help disinfect wounds and fade scars. This oil can be easily blended with other carrier oils, creams, lotions, or foot balms for renewed and rejuvenated skin.
Pros
- Soothes inflammation
- Reduces scarring
- Promotes wound healing
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Induces better sleep
- Relieves headaches
Cons
- Some may find it slightly expensive.
"This Sonoma Lavender oil has become a staple in my routine. It's effective on my eczema and a few drops on the dryer enhance my laundry's scent. The calming fragrance also adds a relaxing touch to my reiki sessions. Even though the size seems small, a little goes a long way. Highly recommended!"
7. Best Moisturizing:SenseLAB Helichrysum Essential Oil
This soothing essential oil for sunburn is worth getting hooked on for its countless skincare benefits. It has multiple therapeutic benefits that help the skin recover from sunburn and protect it from any damage, signs of aging, acne, and bruising. In addition, it moisturizes the skin, softens it, revealing healthy, glowing skin. The oil also aids great benefits when used for aromatherapy and massages. The rich and sweet fragrance of the oil provides therapeutic benefits as well.
Pros
- Therapeutic benefits
- Moisturizes the skin
- Reduces exhaustion
- Great for aromatherapy
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- The scent might not be long-lasting.
"I've been on a quest for the perfect clove aroma and found that this product delivers a truly unmatched scent. My mildly arthritic thumb found relief with its therapeutic qualities. It performs splendidly in a diffuser, though applying it can be challenging."
8. Best Certified-Organic:Plant Therapy Organic Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil
Walk free with no worries when you step out in the sun. This essential oil is great for sunburn care remedies as it is gentle to use and is very effective in treating mild sunburn, acne breakouts, and insect bites. This 100% pure and certified organic oil has undergone third-party laboratory testing and has anti-inflammatory properties and a woody and earthy fragrance. It helps calm and soothe inflamed skin and also the body and mind by uplifting your mood. This frankincense oil can be experimented with to make a topical to treat nagging skin and for pain-relieving effects. It can also be blended with some carrier oils to soothe and heal your skin. Watch out for some DIY recipes you can try with this oil and enjoy its numerous benefits.
Pros
- 100% certified pure
- Anti-inflammatory
- Easy to use
- Gentle on skin
- Controls acne breakouts
Cons
- The scent may not last long enough.
"I'm genuinely smitten by this versatile oil. Its scent instantly uplifts my mood and has become a family favorite. The Frankincense essential oil is a staple in my household - from diffusing and adding to my face moisturizer to soothing post-workout soreness when mixed with coconut oil. A testament to Plant Therapy's consistent quality and authentic fragrance, it's dependable and delightful."
We understand that our list of best oils with plenty of options might have overwhelmed you. Fret not as we’re here to help you further with the factors you need to keep in mind to pick the best one for your skin.
How To Choose Best Essential Oils For Sunburn
- Free of vegetable oil
Ensure that the essential oil you pick is not adulterated with vegetable oils. You can check it with the help of a simple process. Put a few drops of the oil on a piece of paper and if it forms an oily ring, it is most likely to have been diluted with vegetable oil.
- Packaging
Always buy an essential oil that comes in an amber or dark cobalt blue glass bottle as it protects the aromatic and therapeutic properties of the oil. If stored in transparent bottles, it can allow light to enter and spoil the oil. It is also not safe to store essential oil in plastic bottles as it can dissolve the plastic and get contaminated.
- Extra ingredients
You can also buy essential oils that come with extra ingredients for topical use. It would be wise to look for essential oils with ingredients like avocado oil, vitamin E, and vitamin C as they help repair and heal damaged skin due to mild to moderate sunburn and they are key antioxidants.
Now that you know how to choose the best essential oil, here’s the right way to use it.
How To Use Essential Oils For Sunburn
- Ensure to not apply it directly to sunburned skin without diluting it as essential oils generally have a strong fragrance and are quite potent.
- It should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or a soothing aloe vera gel to make it less potent. It is therefore less likely to lead to irritated skin.
- Just mix a few drops of essential oil with an unscented lotion, carrier oil, gel or ointment, and apply it to the skin. The usual recipe for concoction should be 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil.
- Schwarzburg, MD, an expert in cosmetic dermatology, advises, “Always do a patch test before using a product to avoid allergic reactions or any minor skin irritation.”
But before you use it, ensure that you are not sensitive to its scents. Here’s why.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Essential Oils?
A few might experience certain side effects of these oils, particularly for sensitive skin. Ensure that you pick a scented essential oil only if you can tolerate the fragrance. If you cannot tolerate the scent, your skin may experience irritation, and in rare cases even dermatitis which means further damage to sunburned skin with something like chemical burn. Avoid using essential oil if you have first-degree burns from the sun. Experts also suggest not to apply it on the area that is extremely red and painful as it can aggravate your skin irritation and may cause some allergic reactions. It is recommended that you try testing it on the back of your hand or ear for skin tolerability before you use it.
The Bottom Line
The importance of good sunscreen has been discussed widely. Avoiding sunscreens can cause extreme sunburns leading to other skin issues like redness and flaky skin. The best essential oils for relief from sunburns contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that heal sunburns and hydrate the skin. The versatile Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil replenishes the skin’s moisture, the UpNature Lavender Essential Oil delivers a relaxing and soothing effect, and the Plant Therapy Organic Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil which gently relieves sunburns while uplifting your moods. These oils are non-toxic, cruelty-free, and easily absorbed into the skin. However, some products may not be suitable for sensitive skin and pregnant mothers. Go through the buying guide to pick an essential oil that suits your skin type and has secured the most positive reviews. Always do a patch test to avoid any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not use essential oils?
Senior citizens and young children may be more sensitive to essential oils and hence, it is advised to dilute the oils more and avoid some oils, like birch and wintergreen. These may cause some serious problems in children who are 6 years old or younger due to the presence of a chemical called methyl salicylate.
Does coconut oil help sunburn?
Yes, it can. Coconut oil can help moisturize your sunburned skin and reduce itching and peeling. But ensure you apply it only after your skin has cooled. Also, use only expeller-pressed organic, virgin coconut oil for your skin.
Does a hot shower help with sunburn?
No. A hot shower can strip the natural oils off the skin. The water should be cool to lukewarm to help with your sunburned skin.
Can you put peppermint essential oil on sunburn?
Yes, peppermint sunburn oil contains the cooling agent, menthol, which helps treat sunburns.
Does tea tree oil help with sunburn?
Yes, tea tree oil soothes the sunburnt area and relieves pain. However, use a diluted form of tea tree oil if you have sensitive skin.
Can you use lavender oil on sunburn?
Yes, lavender oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that treat sunburn.
Why does apple cider vinegar help sunburn?
Apple cider vinegar is a natural astringent. It treats sunburn, soothes the affected area, and quickens healing.
What makes sunburn worse?
Further exposure to harmful UV rays worsens sunburns.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast. Her keen interest in various skin care trends and products helps her recommend the best products to her readers so that they can choose easily. She has curated the list of the best essential oils for sunburn after in-depth research and reading many feedbacks on trusted forums. These oils are loaded with antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties to help manage sunburn effectively.
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