Nothing feels better than stepping inside after a long day in the summer sun and giving your skin a refreshing mist of a cooling spray. Whether you spent time gardening, swimming, or just enjoying a sunny day, your skin deserves care. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, it’s important to treat it kindly after periods of direct exposure. This homemade after-sun spray recipe is simple, affordable, and made with natural ingredients you may already have on hand.

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Why Make Your Own After-Sun Spray?

Many store-bought products are filled with preservatives and artificial additives. By creating your own after-sun blend, you’ll know exactly what’s going onto your sun-kissed skin. Plus, it’s an easy DIY that takes only a few minutes and can go a long way in providing comfort.

after sun spray in a 4oz amber bottle laying in the grass

Ingredients and Their Benefits

Witch Hazel

This wonderful witch hazel extract has been used for generations as a mild plant water and natural facial toner. It’s soothing on sensitive areas and a great antioxidant for hot skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

If you’re a big fan of aloe, you’ll love what pure aloe vera or aloe vera gel can do. Fresh gel from an aloe plant or aloe vera gel slice provides hydration for thirsty skin and can help calm occasional skin irritations.

Lavender Essential Oil

Known for its gentle aroma, lavender essential oil works beautifully in essential oil blends. It offers comfort to sun-exposed skin and can be used on most skin types.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Just a few drops peppermint provide a cooling sensation, perfect for hot summer days or even hot flashes.

Optional Additions

Vitamin e oil, jojoba oil, virgin coconut oil, or regular coconut oil can be added as a carrier oil for extra nourishment. Geranium oils, lemon balm (melissa officinalis), or apple cider vinegar can also be included for additional benefits, though they’re not required.

How to Make Homemade After-Sun Spray

Gather Your ingredients and Supplies

You’ll need 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 3–4 drops lavender essential oil, and 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil. You will also need a small whisk, a mixing bowl, a funnel, and a 4 oz amber glass spray bottle.

Mix the Base

In the bowl, pour in 1/4 cup witch hazel. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (you can use aloe vera liquid if that’s what you have). If you’re using fresh aloe from an aloe plant, scrape out the gel slice and whisk it well.

Whisk Until Smooth

Use your whisk to combine the witch hazel and aloe vera gel until the mixture is even. This step is important to avoid clumps.

Add Essential Oils

Drop in 3–4 drops of lavender essential oil and 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil. These pure essential oils add a cooling effect and a calming aroma.

Transfer to Spray Bottle

Place your funnel over the 4 oz spray bottle and carefully pour in the mixture. Using a dark amber spray bottle helps preserve the after-sun blend by protecting it from light.

Shake Before Each Use

Natural ingredients can separate over time. Give the bottle a good shake before spraying to remix the after-sun mixture.

Use as Needed

Spray lightly over skin after time in the sun for an instant cooling effect. This blend is especially soothing on fair or sensitive skin and offers quick relief when your skin feels warm, dry, or overexposed.

Final Thoughts

Making your own after-sun spray is a simple way to give your skin some relief after spending time outside. With pure essential oils and natural ingredients, this blend cools, soothes, and hydrates without any of the extra additives you’ll often find in store-bought products. It’s a quick and easy DIY that can bring comfort after too much sun, but remember—it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a serious burn or reaction, always check with your doctor.