10 Best Herbal Creams For Sunburn

Herbal creams for sunburn are topical preparations made from plant extracts that help soothe and calm sunburned skin.

They work by reducing inflammation, cooling the skin, and promoting healing. Examples of herbal creams that help with sunburn include aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula creams.

These creams improve lives by providing quick relief from sunburn discomfort, reducing the risk of blistering and peeling, and allowing individuals to resume their normal activities sooner.

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The following article describes in detail the most important creams for sunburn, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with sunburn because of its soothing and cooling properties.

The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloe-emodin and aloin, which reduce redness and swelling. Additionally, aloe vera has hydrating properties that help replenish lost moisture in sunburned skin, promoting faster healing.

Its natural antioxidants also protect the skin from further damage, making it an effective remedy for alleviating sunburn discomfort and promoting skin recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with sunburn.

• Anthraquinones: Help with sunburn by reducing inflammation, soothing the skin, and promoting wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Glucomannans: Assist with sunburn by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing water loss, and providing relief from pain and itching due to their moisturizing and emollient properties.
• Phenolic compounds: Help with sunburn by neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting skin recovery due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: Aloe vera leaves are the most commonly used part for making creams due to their high content of soothing and healing compounds such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Gel from leaves: The gel inside Aloe vera leaves is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a popular ingredient in creams for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe vera extract from leaves: Aloe vera extract from leaves is used to make creams due to its high concentration of antioxidants and its ability to promote skin repair and regeneration.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for sunburn.

1. Gather 200ml aloe vera gel, 50g shea butter, 25g coconut oil, 5g beeswax, and 2 tablespoons vitamin e oil.
2. Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in a double boiler at 100-110 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
3. Combine the aloe vera gel, shea butter, and vitamin e oil in a separate bowl, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the melted beeswax and coconut oil mixture to the aloe vera mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
5. Pour the mixture into sterilized jars and let it cool and set for 30 minutes to an hour before use.

2. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The active compounds in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, soothe and calm sunburned skin, reducing redness and discomfort. The cream also promotes wound healing and tissue repair, helping to regenerate skin cells and restore its natural barrier.

This makes Calendula creams a popular natural remedy for soothing and relieving sunburn, providing relief from itching, peeling, and inflammation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with sunburn.

• Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds help reduce inflammation and alleviate redness associated with sunburn, promoting faster recovery and soothing the skin.
• Carotenoids: These pigments, particularly Calendula-derived carotenoids, have antioxidant and protective properties that shield the skin from further damage, reducing the risk of blistering and promoting healing.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids found in Calendula officinalis exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent infection and speed up the recovery process from sunburn, reducing discomfort and promoting the healing of damaged skin tissues.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for sunburn.

• Flowers: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties to soothe and protect sunburned skin.
• Leaves: Used for their calming and cooling effects to reduce redness and inflammation of sunburned skin.
• Roots: Used for their soothing and protective properties to help regenerate skin cells and reduce sunburn damage.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for sunburn.

1. Harvest 20-30 calendula flowers on a sunny day when they are fully open to ensure potency.
2. Dry the calendula flowers in a warm oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours to preserve their properties.
3. Grind 1 tablespoon of dried calendula flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Mix the calendula powder with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler to infuse the oil.
5. Whip 2 tablespoons of beeswax with 2 tablespoons of the infused coconut oil using a hand mixer to create a smooth cream.

3. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with sunburn because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream's active compounds, such as apigenin and luteolin, calm and cool the skin, reducing redness and discomfort associated with sunburn. Its natural moisturizing properties also help to hydrate and protect the skin, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of further irritation.

This makes Matricaria chamomilla creams a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with sunburn.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with sunburn by reducing inflammation and pain through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and calm sunburned skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
• Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene alcohol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, making it beneficial for sunburn relief.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for sunburn.

• Flowers: The flowers are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of apigenin, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps soothe sunburned skin.
• Leaves: The leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the healing of sunburned skin.
• Seeds: The seeds are used for their rich content of essential oils, which possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help alleviate sunburn discomfort.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for sunburn.

1. Harvest matricaria chamomilla flowers at full bloom for maximum potency and efficiency of extraction process.
2. Dry the harvested flowers using a low-temperature dehydration method for 24 hours to preserve their properties.
3. Mix 20 grams of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers with 100 grams of carrier oil in a double boiler.
4. Infuse the mixture for 2 hours under gentle heat to facilitate the extraction of active compounds.
5. Strain the mixture and whip it with 50 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of emulsifying wax for a smooth texture.

4. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The key compounds in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. The cooling and calming effects of lavender creams can provide instant relief from the discomfort and heat of sunburned skin, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of further damage.

This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective way to soothe sunburned skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with sunburn.

• Linalool: A terpene with anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn, promoting faster recovery.
• Linalyl acetate: An ester of linalool, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in soothing and calming sunburned skin, reducing pain and discomfort.
• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that helps protect the skin from further damage caused by UV radiation, promoting skin repair and reducing sunburn severity.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: They are used to make creams for sunburn due to their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: They are used due to their soothing and antiseptic properties that help to reduce redness and promote healing.
• Seeds: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the recovery and prevention of further irritation.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for sunburn.

1. Harvest 1 cup of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in the early morning to ensure optimal potency and fragrance.
2. Infuse the dried flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
3. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids.
4. Mix the infused oil with 1 cup of beeswax and 1 cup of shea butter in a double boiler.
5. Whip the cooled mixture with a hand mixer until it thickens and forms a smooth, creamy texture.

5. Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with sunburn because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The mucilage in the plant creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing heat and discomfort. It also helps to calm redness and inflammation, promoting skin healing and reducing the risk of blistering.

Additionally, the cooling effect of the cream provides instant relief from the burning sensation, making it an effective natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with sunburn.

• Mucilages: Mucilages help with sunburn by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Gallic acid: Gallic acid has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation, reducing oxidative stress and promoting skin health.
• Quercetin: Quercetin, a flavonoid, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for sunburn.

• Roots: They are used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm sunburned skin.
• Leaves: They are used for their moisturizing and cooling effects, which can help to reduce redness and discomfort associated with sunburn.
• Seeds (not actually a main ingredient in most sunburn creams, but a few creams might contain it): Althaea officinalis seeds are not typically used as the main ingredient in sunburn creams, but some herbal remedies may use them for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however, it's worth noting that seeds aren't as commonly used as the roots and leaves in sunburn creams.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for sunburn.

1. Harvest 100g of dried althaea officinalis root from a reliable supplier or cultivate your own.
2. Combine the dried root with 500ml of cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to extract the root's medicinal properties.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean bowl discarding the solids.
5. Mix the cooled liquid with 200g of shea butter and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.

6. Plantago major

Plantago major, also known as plantain, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The plantain plant contains allantoin, a compound that promotes skin regeneration and reduces redness. Allantoin also helps to speed up the healing process of sunburned skin by reducing inflammation and promoting the repair of damaged skin cells. Additionally, plantain creams can help to calm and cool the skin, providing relief from the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn.

This makes plantain creams a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major creams that help with sunburn.

• Aucubin: Aucubin, a phenylethanoid glycoside, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate redness and swelling associated with sunburn.
• Asteroside: Asteroside, a triterpene saponin, has antioxidant properties that may help protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, contributing to the healing of sunburned skin.
• Rhamnose: Rhamnose, a sugar molecule found in Plantago major, has antioxidant properties that may help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in sunburned skin.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high mucilage content, which provides soothing and protective properties for sunburned skin.
• Seeds: The seeds contain a high amount of plant sterols, which help to reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration.
• Roots: The roots are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to calm and repair sun-damaged skin.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for sunburn.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of fresh or dried plantago major leaves in the morning when dew is still present.
2. Combine the harvested leaves with 1 cup of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks shaking the jar daily.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean bowl.
5. Mix the resulting infused oil with 1/4 cup of beeswax and 1 tablespoon of vitamin e oil then heat.

7. Trifolium pratense

Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The active compounds in red clover, such as isoflavones and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. These compounds help to soothe and calm the skin, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Additionally, red clover creams may also have a cooling effect, providing relief from the heat and pain associated with sunburn.

This makes it a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Trifolium pratense creams that help with sunburn.

• Isorhapontigenin: This flavonoid helps with sunburn by exhibiting antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in the skin.
• Quercetin: A polyphenolic flavonoid, quercetin helps to alleviate sunburn symptoms by reducing inflammation, limiting oxidative stress, and promoting skin repair.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to mitigate sunburn damage by reducing skin redness and promoting tissue repair.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of red clover used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, particularly isoflavones, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sunburned skin.
• Flowers: Containing triterpenoids and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce redness and promote skin healing.
• Seeds: Rich in isoflavones and other phytochemicals, which can help protect the skin from damage, reduce inflammation, and promote skin health.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic red clover for sunburn.

1. Harvest 1 cup of dried trifolium pratense flowers and leaves on a sunny day in the summer months.
2. Steep 2 tablespoons of the dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes to make a strong tea.
3. Mix 1 teaspoon of the trifolium pratense tea with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
4. Stir the mixture continuously for 10 minutes or until it reaches a consistent temperature of 180 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and set for 30 minutes before using.

8. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The plant's active compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, have been shown to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn.

By soothing and protecting the skin, Hypericum perforatum creams can help to accelerate the healing process, reduce blistering, and promote the return of the skin's natural barrier function, providing relief and comfort to sunburned skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with sunburn.

• Hyperforin: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and damage caused by UV radiation, thus alleviating sunburn symptoms.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid, quercetin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote skin repair, ultimately soothing sunburned skin.
• N-feruloylserotonin: This phenolic compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to protect the skin from further damage, reduce redness and swelling, and promote skin healing in sunburned areas.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high content of hypericin and hyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Flowers: The flowers contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, making them suitable for sunburn creams.
• Stems: The stems of Hypericum perforatum contain a combination of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for sunburn.

1. Harvest 100g of fresh flowers of hypericum perforatum on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated completely.
2. Dry the fresh flowers in a warm place with good air circulation for at least 2 weeks.
3. Mix 20g of dried flowers with 100g of base cream containing emulsifiers and stabilizers in a double boiler.
4. Heat the mixture in a double boiler to 60-70°c for 10-15 minutes while constantly stirring the mixture.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and allow it to cool down completely.

9. Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The cream's active ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, has been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. It also helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing discomfort and pain. Additionally, tea tree creams have antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent infection and promote skin healing.

This makes tea tree creams a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melaleuca alternifolia creams that help with sunburn.

• Cineole: This monoterpenic ketone has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn.
• Limonene: A cyclic terpene with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, limonene aids in reducing the risk of infection and promotes healing in sunburned skin.
• Cymene: A monoterpenic hydrocarbon with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, cymene helps to soothe and calm sunburned skin, reducing discomfort and promoting faster recovery.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of tea tree used to make creams for sunburn.

• Leaves: They contain high concentrations of the active compound melaleuca oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Buds: They are rich in melaleuca oil, which helps to soothe and calm sunburned skin.
• Stems: They contain the same beneficial compounds as the leaves and buds, making them a useful source of melaleuca oil for sunburn creams.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea tree for sunburn.

1. Harvest 25g of melaleuca alternifolia leaves and flowers in the early morning after dew has evaporated.
2. Steam distill the harvested plant material at 100c for 2 hours using a 1:5 ratio.
3. Mix 10g of melaleuca alternifolia essential oil with 90g of a base oil such as sweet almond oil.
4. Blend the mixture thoroughly for 5 minutes using a hand mixer or whisk.
5. Filter the final product through a 100 micron filter into clean glass jars for storage.

10. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. These compounds also have antioxidant properties, which help to protect the skin from further damage and promote healing. Additionally, ginger creams can help to soothe and calm the skin, providing relief from the discomfort and pain of sunburn.

This makes ginger creams a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with sunburn.

• Gingerols: These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn.
• Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which help soothe sunburned skin and promote its natural healing process.
• Curcuminoids: These polyphenolic compounds, particularly curcumin, have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate symptoms of sunburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for sunburn.

• Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale in creams for sunburn is its Rhyzomes, as they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Roots: Zingiber officinale roots are also used, particularly for their ability to reduce redness and inflammation associated with sunburn.
• Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale may also be used, as they contain antioxidants that can help protect and soothe sunburned skin.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for sunburn.

1. Harvest 50g of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes and wash them thoroughly under cold running water.
2. Grate the washed zingiber officinale using a microplane grater for 5 minutes to release oils.
3. Combine 10g of beeswax with 10g of coconut oil in a double boiler and heat until melted for 10 minutes.
4. Steep the grated zingiber officinale in the melted beeswax and coconut oil mixture for 20 minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container and allow it to cool and solidify for 30 minutes.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for sunburn?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with sunburn is a soothing blend of Aloe Vera, Calendula, and Chamomile.

Aloe Vera's anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness and swelling, while Calendula accelerates the healing process and promotes skin regeneration. Chamomile's anti-irritant properties calm the skin and provide relief from itching and discomfort. By applying these creams together, you can effectively alleviate sunburn symptoms, promote skin healing, and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Regular application can help to restore your skin's natural health and radiance.