DIY Aloe Sunburn Cream (with Video)
While no one plans to get a sunburn, it’s always a good idea to be prepared! This soothing Aloe Cream is perfect for smoothing on sunburns or skin irritations and provides instant, cooling relief.

DIY Aloe Cream
One of my biggest frustrations when kids are in that in-between age of still being forgetful and being expected to be independent is all of the little things that fall through the cracks at school – like re-applying sunscreen and hydrating adequately.
While I apply my daughter’s sunscreen before we head off to school at 8:30am every morning, by the time last recess rolls around she needs to reapply and doesn’t always remember… or sometimes she remembers but she doesn’t really get her whole body in those two minutes of time that they have to get ready to head outside.
While we’ve been lucky that this has led mostly to just a golden tan, I’ve been worried that she’s going to come burnt one of these days so I whipped up some DIY Aloe Vera Cream to have at the ready if that day comes.
I’ve also brought this cream on our last Caribbean vacation and it really helped soothe a small shoulder sun burn I received, and Ella loved getting it massaged onto her back “just in case.”
I’ve made this cream a couple of different ways – using commercial Aloe Gel (as seen in the video) and using health food store aloe vera “gel” which is more liquid and more expensive. My daughter preferred the cream prepared with the commercial gel as she claimed it felt less “oily” but either product will work perfectly in this recipe.
You can also extract your own aloe vera gel from an aloe vera leaf – check out this Youtube tutorial from Daisy Creek Farms for more info.
Store this homemade sunburn cream in a mason jar and have it ready to apply to sunburns or any form of skin irritation that could benefit from the soothing properties of aloe. I love storing it in the fridge because it feels amazing smoothing the cold cream on a hot burn, plus it helps the cream last longer!
In addition to being great for sunburns, this aloe vera cream may be soothing for psoriasis, acne and minor skin reactions. You can even use this aloe vera cream as a daily face moisturizer (along with proper sunscreen). If it’s good enough for Cleopatra, right?
How long does this aloe vera cream last? According to my research, this cream is still effective for 2 years at room temperature and 5 years if stored in the fridge – as long as you keep the jar away from heat and sun.
What are the benefits of aloe vera? Aloe Vera’s soothing, moisturizing and cooling properties aids in helping heal second-degree burns and provides pain relief. It’s also antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and a natural humectant (which means it draws moisture from the air into your skin).
What are the benefits of coconut oil? Coconut oil softens and moisturizes the skin, providing a barrier for moisture loss as an emollient. It is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so great for wounds.
Is the shea butter necessary? This serves to thicken the cream, has it’s own anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and also is a great moisturizer that can reduce blemishes and wrinkles. It can be skipped, but the cream will be a less creamy and more of a liquid consistency.
Watch our quick video to see how to make this DIY Aloe Vera cream, and then don’t forget to scroll down to grab your free printable recipe:
Ingredients for Aloe Cream
- Aloe gel*
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Essential oil of choice:
- chamomile
- rose
- jojoba oil
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
*Note: you can use either a commercial aloe gel or the type from a health food store. We’ve tried both and my daughter prefers the commercial aloe gel because it’s less “oily,” but use what you prefer.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Glass, ceramic or metal bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or Electric mixer – this is a great hand mixer if you don’t want to make the investment into a stand mixer
- Mason jar for storing aloe vera cream <– I highly recommend using glass jars to store your cream
You can also customize your cream jar with these cute labels from Etsy! They would be perfect if you’re making this cream as a gift, or have a few different DIY beauty products in your bathroom that you want to keep organized.
How to Make Aloe Vera Cream for Sun Burns and Skin Irritation
Combine all ingredients together in a non-plastic bowl.
I find that an electric mixer does the job best, but you can also use a blender or really give your arms a good work-out with a wooden spoon.
The key to this recipe is really to whip it up so that the coconut oil and shea butter take on a thick, creamy consistency. You don’t want lots of shea butter lumps.
When the cream is smooth, spoon it into a mason jar with a lid. This recipe does not need to be refrigerated, but it is ultra-soothing when it is.
Pin this DIY Aloe Sunburn Cream:
Grab your free printable instructions for our easy homemade aloe sunburn cream:
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DIY Aloe Sunburn Cream (with Video)
A super simple, 3-ingredient recipe for homemade aloe vera cream. Perfect for soothing sunburnt skin or minor skin irritations.
Materials
- 1 cup aloe gel*
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 3 Tablespoons shea butter
- 5-10 drops Essential oil of choice: IE, chamomile, rose, jojoba oil
Tools
- Glass, ceramic or metal bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or hand mixer
- Mason jar for storing aloe vera cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a non-plastic bowl.
- I find that an electric mixer does the job best, but you can also use a blender or really give your arms a good work-out with a wooden spoon.
- The key to this recipe is really to whip it up so that the coconut oil and shea butter take on a thick, creamy consistency. You don't want lots of shea butter lumps.
- When the cream is smooth, spoon it into a mason jar with a lid. This recipe does not need to be refrigerated, but it is ultra-soothing when it is.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel Great for Face, Hair, Sunburn Relief, Acne, Razor Bumps, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dry Skin Hydration - 12 oz.
-
Organic Shea Butter by Sky Organics (16 oz) 100% Pure Unrefined Raw African Shea Butter for Face and Body Moisturizing Natural Body Butter for Dry Skin
-
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16 Ounce
This soothing DIY Aloe Vera Cream is the perfect skin-soothing cream, whether you have some irritation or a sunburn.
For more awesome DIY beauty recipes, check out our DIY Jiggly Jelly Soap or our Cold-busting Citrus Mint Shower Melts.
Wow amazing
Which type of coconut oil should I use
How long does this last when initially made?
My mom and sister loved it!! Thank you so much for this! ?
I have a patch of raised very sore excema ( i think ) on my forehead that gets very hot, red, itchy and painful. I’ve tried lots of different creams nothing consistently gives relief. I made this for my sons sunburn and it was sat in the fridge one day so i used it, my skin instantly felt soothed and within 24 hours my skin had smoothed down and the itch was a lot less and no pain. Fingers crossed this continues to work. Thank you for your recipe
Hi Debra,
That is so wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing.
Could you possibly melt the shea butter first? Then mix and blend? I would think that would be much easier at getting it all cohesive without lumps.
This looks so good! What a great natural remedy to have on hand!
Thank you, Suzanne!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Yes, as mentioned in the blog post, it keeps for 2 years at room temperature or 5 years if kept in the fridge. We keep in the fridge for the extra cooling effect.