My journey into using essential oils for sunburn stemmed from a personal quest for natural remedies. Frustrated with conventional solutions laden with chemicals, I sought a holistic approach to alleviate sun-damaged skin. Research became my compass, leading me to curate the best essential oils for sunburn. I delved into the therapeutic properties of various oils, considering factors like anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing attributes.

Chamomile and tea tree oils emerged as my top picks. Chamomile's gentle touch and anti-irritant properties provided a soothing balm for my sun-kissed skin, while tea tree oil's antiseptic prowess expedited the healing process. Diligently, I experimented with dilution ratios and conducted patch tests to ensure safety and efficacy.

The recommendation to use these essential oils is rooted in firsthand experience. The natural healing power of these oils transformed my sunburn recovery, prompting me to share my findings. Beyond personal anecdotes, these oils have garnered widespread acclaim for their effectiveness. By recommending these essential oils, I aim to offer others a natural, aromatic alternative to traditional remedies, fostering a sense of well-being and skin rejuvenation after sun exposure.

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  Best Non-irritating Formula

  Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil

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This liquid carrier oil is meticulously crafted for diluting essential oils, providing a calming and relaxing massage experience. Its feather-light consistency effortlessly penetrates the skin, leaving it luxuriously moisturized without any greasy residue. Perfect for skincare, it also nourishes the lips, body, and hair, acting as a natural moisturizer and softener. The purity of this coconut oil ensures that it is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

Key Ingredients:100% fractionated coconut oil

Scent: Coconut

Size: 16 fl oz

2

Best for Aromatherapy

Edens Garden Sunburn Recovery Essential Oil Blend

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Crafted with 100% pure and therapeutic-grade essential oils, this blend features lavender, renowned for its soothing properties. Lavender's anti-inflammatory and healing qualities make it a perfect choice for sunburn relief. This thoughtfully curated product embraces the relaxing benefits of aromatherapy, providing a calming and rejuvenating experience for the senses. Whether applied topically or diffused, it works harmoniously to nurture and restore sun-stressed skin.

Key Ingredients: No mentioned

Scent: Sunburn Recovery

Size: 10ml

3

Best for Relieving Stress

Phatoil Pineapple Fragrance Oil

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Specially crafted for diffusers at home, this essential oil fills your space with the sweet and invigorating aroma of fresh pineapple. Ideal for creating a blissful atmosphere during yoga or enhancing the ambiance of any room, it brings a touch of exotic freshness to your daily life. Beyond diffusers, this fragrance oil is perfect for DIY candle-making and scented product crafting, allowing you to infuse your creations with the uplifting and fruity scent of pineapple. It is also infused with a UV coating to protect the essential oil from sunlight and degradation. 

Key Ingredients: Not mentioned

Scent: Fruity

Size: 100ml

4

Best Easy-to-use

Desert Essence Soothing Relief Spray

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Infused with the inherently cleansing Australian tea tree oil, this spray provides soothing relief for sunburn, insect bites, minor scrapes, and tired, aching feet. The natural antiseptic properties of Tea Tree Oil offer a gentle yet effective remedy, promoting skin comfort and recovery. The convenient spray application ensures easy and mess-free use, making it a go-to for on-the-go relief. Its multi-functional nature makes it an essential addition to your skincare arsenal, addressing a range of minor skin irritations. 

Key ingredients: Not mentioned

Scent: Tea tree

Size: 4fl oz

5

Best Scent

Young Living Premium DiGize Essential Oil

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Comprising 100% pure and natural ingredients, this aromatic blend is designed to soothe discomfort and promote overall wellness. Certified as Therapeutic Grade, Young Living ensures the highest quality standards in their essential oils. DiGize combines essential oils like ginger, peppermint, and fennel, renowned for their digestive properties. Whether diffused, applied topically, or ingested with proper guidance, this premium essential oil blend aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. 

Key Ingredients: Fennel, tarragon and ginger.

Scent: Peppermint and tarragon

Size: 0.51 fl oz

6

Best for Acne

Essences Bulgaria Organic Real Melissa Essential Oil

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Steam-distilled with meticulous care, this essential oil is derived from genuine Melissa plants, ensuring an authentic and potent product. The non-GMO status underscores a commitment to purity, offering a natural and unadulterated aromatic experience. Known for its calming and uplifting properties, Melissa essential oil is revered for its potential to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. The family-owned farm signifies a dedication to quality, from cultivation to distillation, ensuring a product that reflects the essence of nature.

Key ingredients: Not mentioned

Scent: Melissa

Size: 0.17 fl oz

7

Best Packaging

Mardys Garden Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle) Organic Essential Oil

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Expertly crafted, this aromatic blend combines the potent benefits of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils to address respiratory discomfort and alleviate pain. Eucalyptus, known for its decongestant properties, helps clear nasal passages, promoting easier breathing. Lavender contributes soothing elements, enhancing the overall calming effect. The convenient spray form ensures easy application, allowing you to experience quick relief by simply misting the blend. Perfect for combating cold symptoms, sinus congestion, or muscle pain, this essential oil spray offers a natural and refreshing approach to wellness.

Key ingredients: Not mentioned

Scent: Immortelle

Size: 5 ml

8

Best for Spa Use

Sethadam Essential Oils Blend

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This carefully crafted blend combines the therapeutic properties of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils to provide a soothing and invigorating experience. Eucalyptus, known for its decongestant qualities, helps alleviate respiratory discomfort, making it an excellent choice for congestion relief. Lavender contributes its calming and analgesic properties, promoting pain relief and relaxation. The convenient spray format ensures easy application, allowing you to experience the benefits of this essential oil blend with a simple spritz. Ideal for targeting areas of discomfort or creating a refreshing atmosphere, the Sethadam Essential Oils Blend offers a natural and holistic approach to addressing congestion and pain.

Key ingredients: Not mentioned

Size:8 ounce

9

Best for Daily Use

Ora's Amazing Herbal After Shave Oil

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Enriched with a harmonious combination of nourishing herbs and essential oils, this botanical shave oil caters to post-shaving care, providing relief from razor burn and promoting optimal skin hydration. The inclusion of a convenient pump ensures easy application, making it a hassle-free addition to your skincare routine. Versatility defines this after-shave oil, as it doubles as a rejuvenating after-sun solution, offering relief from sunburn. The carefully chosen botanical ingredients contribute to a calming and refreshing sensation, leaving your skin revitalized.

Key Ingredients: Lavender and tea tree

Scent: Lavender and peppermint

Size: 7.5 fl oz

10

Best for All Seasons

Wyndmere Peppermint Essential Oil

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Extracted from 100% pure Mentha piperita, this essential oil is renowned for its invigorating scent and versatile applications in aromatherapy. Known to promote mental clarity and alertness, the oil stimulates the senses, making it an ideal choice for enhancing focus and energy. Its natural cooling properties also make it a popular choice for relieving tension and soothing muscles through topical application or diffusion. Carefully distilled, Wyndmere ensures that their Peppermint Essential Oil maintains its integrity, free from additives or dilution. Whether used in diffusers, massages, or DIY skincare, this oil promises a delightful and authentic peppermint experience.

Key ingredients: Peppermint

Scent: Peppermint

Size: 10ml

Now that you have seen my product recommendations for the best essential oil for sunburn, glance through my buying guide to make an informed purchase.

Here are some considerations to help you choose essential oils for sunburn:

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Look for essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties, as sunburn often involves inflammation. Examples include lavender, chamomile, tea tree, and calendula essential oils.

Soothing And Cooling Effects: Choose oils that provide a soothing and cooling sensation, which can help alleviate the discomfort associated with sunburn. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and aloe vera essential oils are known for their cooling effects.

Skin Healing Properties: Essential oils with skin healing properties can promote faster recovery. Consider oils like lavender, chamomile, helichrysum, and frankincense for their skin-nourishing qualities.

Moisturizing Oils: Sunburned skin tends to be dry, so selecting essential oils with moisturizing properties can be beneficial. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil are examples of carrier oils that can be blended with essential oils for added hydration.

Gentle Oils: Opt for oils that are generally gentle on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Lavender and chamomile are examples of essential oils known for their mild and soothing nature.

Personal Preferences: Consider your personal preferences regarding scent and application. Some people may prefer the aroma of certain essential oils, while others may have sensitivities or aversions to specific scents.

Dilution: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before applying to the skin. Use a carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil to dilute the essential oils and prevent skin irritation.

Patch Test: Before applying any essential oil to a large area of sunburned skin, perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction.

Popular essential oils for sunburn include lavender, chamomile, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, helichrysum, and frankincense. You can create a soothing blend by mixing a few drops of these essential oils with a carrier oil and applying it gently to the affected areas. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if it is severe sunburn.

Before applying essential oils, it's crucial to cool the sunburned area. You can use a cold compress, aloe vera gel, or a cool bath to reduce inflammation and provide relief.

Step 1: Essential oils are potent and can lead to irritated skin if used undiluted. Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the affected area. Common carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix a few drops of the chosen essential oil with a tablespoon of the carrier oil. For example, you might use 3-4 drops of lavender oil in a tablespoon of coconut oil.

Step 3: Gently apply the diluted essential oil mixture to the sunburned area using clean hands or a cotton ball. Be careful not to rub the skin too hard, as sunburned skin can be sensitive.

Step 4: You can reapply the essential oil mixture every 4-6 hours or as needed for relief. However, if you suffer from irritated skin, discontinue use.

Step 5: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as sunburn can dehydrate the body. Hydration is essential for the healing process.

Pro Tip

While treating sunburn, it's crucial to avoid further sun exposure. Stay indoors or use protective clothing and sunscreen if you need to go outside.

Soothing Effect: Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are known for their soothing properties. When applied to sunburned skin, they can provide a cooling and calming effect, reducing discomfort and irritation.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many essential oils, including chamomile and tea tree oil, possess anti-inflammatory properties. These oils can help reduce inflammation associated with sunburn, promoting faster healing.

Antioxidant Protection: Some essential oils, like lavender and peppermint, contain antioxidants that may help protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to skin damage caused by sun exposure.

Hydration And Moisturization: Essential oils, when diluted with carrier oils, can help hydrate and moisturize sunburned skin. Coconut oil, for example, is a popular carrier oil known for its moisturizing properties.

Promotion of Skin Regeneration: Certain essential oils, including lavender and tea tree oil, are believed to promote skin regeneration. This may contribute to faster healing of damaged skin cells.

Pain Relief: Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. When applied topically, they may help alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.

Aloe Vera Enhancement: Essential oils can be combined with pure aloe vera gel, enhancing the benefits of both. Aloe vera is well-known for its skin-soothing and healing properties, making it an excellent companion to essential oils for sunburn relief.

Reduced Itching: Some essential oils, such as chamomile and tea tree oil, may help alleviate itching associated with sunburn, providing relief from discomfort.

Mood Enhancement: Aromatherapy, which involves inhaling the scent of essential oils, can positively impact mood. Inhaling the aroma of calming essential oils may help reduce stress and discomfort associated with sunburn.

Natural Alternative: Using essential oils for sunburn relief provides a natural and holistic alternative to commercial products that may contain synthetic ingredients. This can be particularly appealing to those who prefer natural remedies.