Sunburn Soothing Balm for Comforting Sun-Exposed Skin

Last updated: July 2026

After a long day outdoors, skin can feel warm, tight, and in need of a little extra comfort. This balm brings together shea butter, baobab oil, and cocoa butter into a rich, cooling blend meant to be applied gently to sun-exposed skin once you're back indoors. It builds on the fundamentals covered in Shea Butter Benefits: The Complete Guide and the seasonal approach in DIY Beach Skincare, adapted specifically for comforting warm, tender skin. Compared to many after-sun lotions, which lean on menthol or added fragrance for a cooling sensation, this balm's comfort comes from the naturally rich, conditioning texture of its ingredients alone. It's a simple balm to keep on hand for any day spent in the sun.

In This Recipe:

• What This Recipe Helps With
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Customisation Ideas
• Storage & Shelf Life
• Voice Search FAQ
• Try These Next
• Disclaimer

What This Recipe Helps With

• Comforting warm, tender-feeling skin after time in the sun
• A cooling, gentle-feeling application for sun-exposed arms, legs, and shoulders
• Conditioning skin that feels tight or dry after a day outdoors
• A rich, calming end-of-day routine during summer months
• A thoughtful addition to a post-beach or post-garden care routine

Why This Is a Great DIY Recipe

This balm is built around ingredients known for their rich, conditioning texture, making it a comforting choice to reach for after a day in the sun. Compared to many after-sun products, which rely on menthol or synthetic cooling agents for their sensation, this balm's comfort comes from its naturally rich, moisturising ingredients working together. It's well suited to anyone who wants a gentle, hand-made option to keep on hand during warmer months. Skill Level: Beginner — this is a simple melt-and-pour style balm with no special equipment required. This recipe yields approximately 150ml.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

Shea Butter provides a rich, conditioning base that feels comforting on warm skin. Baobab Oil is lightweight and fast-absorbing, adding a smooth, non-greasy finish. Cocoa Butter lends extra richness and a firmer texture to the finished balm. Vitamin E Oil is included as a supporting ingredient, valued for its role in conditioning formulations.

Hero Ingredient Benefits

• Shea Butter: Rich and conditioning, it forms the comforting base of this after-sun balm.
• Baobab Oil: Fast-absorbing and lightweight, it softens the balm's overall feel on skin.
• Cocoa Butter: Adds richness and structure, giving the balm a comforting, substantial feel.
• Vitamin E Oil: A supporting ingredient commonly included in conditioning skincare formulations.

Ingredients

• Shea Butter — 100g (3.5 oz)
• Baobab Oil — 30ml (2 tbsp)
• Cocoa Butter — 30g (1 oz)
• Vitamin E oil — 1 teaspoon

Directions

1. Chop the shea butter and cocoa butter into small pieces so they melt evenly.
2. Melt the shea butter and cocoa butter together gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, until fully liquid.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the baobab oil.
4. Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the vitamin E oil.
5. Pour into a clean jar or tin and let set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or in the fridge for about 30 minutes, until fully firm.

Application Tips

Apply a small amount to warm, sun-exposed skin once you're out of the sun and indoors, smoothing gently over arms, legs, and shoulders. The balm melts on contact with warm skin, so a little goes a long way. Store the jar somewhere cool for an extra cooling feel on application. Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin — this balm is meant for comforting intact, warm skin only.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in a clean, airtight jar or tin, away from direct heat and sunlight. This balm keeps well for 6-12 months. In hot weather, the balm may soften significantly — storing it in the fridge or a cool cupboard helps it hold its shape and gives it an extra-comforting, cooling feel when applied.

Customisation Ideas

• Chill before use by keeping the jar in the fridge for an extra cooling feel on application.
• Swap the oil for shea oil instead of baobab oil for an even lighter, faster-absorbing finish.
• Adjust the firmness with slightly more cocoa butter for a firmer balm, or less for a softer one.
• Portion into a travel tin to keep in a beach bag or garden shed for easy access.
• Skip the vitamin E if unavailable — the balm still works well with just the three Baraka ingredients.

The Impact of Your Purchase

When you make skincare with Baraka ingredients, you're supporting women's cooperatives who earn fair wages and preserve traditional processing methods. According to Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report, this direct trade model provided income for over 1,000 women and prevented 47 metric tons of CO2 emissions. You also gain complete transparency — knowing exactly what touches your skin and your family's skin, without hidden synthetics or uncertain supply chains.

Meet the woman behind these ingredients in this short film: Adams Alimata on Earning Income as a Shea Processor in Ghana.

Shop the Baraka Ingredients in This Recipe

Pure. Natural. Ethically sourced. Hand-crafted by women's cooperatives. These are the ingredients trusted throughout Baraka's DIY guides and recipes.

Shea Butter | Shop Now | Rich and deeply moisturising, naturally high in vitamins A and E. Nourishes dry skin and helps protect the skin barrier without clogging pores. A versatile base for balms, creams, and body butters.

Baobab Oil | Shop Now | Fast-absorbing and nutrient-dense, rich in omega fatty acids. Ideal for improving skin softness and elasticity without heavy residue. Excellent for facial oils and serums.

Cocoa Butter | Shop Now | Firm and antioxidant-rich, locks in moisture and improves skin softness. Adds structure to balms and solid formulations while providing long-lasting conditioning.

Voice Search FAQ

How do I make a soothing after-sun balm at home?
Melt shea butter and cocoa butter together, stir in baobab oil and vitamin E, then let the mixture set in a jar for a few hours until firm.

What's a good DIY balm for skin after sun exposure?
A shea, baobab, and cocoa butter balm works well, offering a rich, comforting feel for warm, tender skin once you're back indoors.

Can I use shea butter on sun-exposed skin?
Yes — shea butter is commonly used to comfort and condition warm, sun-exposed skin, especially once applied indoors after time outside.

How often should I use an after-sun balm?
This balm can be applied as needed after time in the sun, focusing on areas that feel warm or tight, with a small amount going a long way.

Try These Next

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:

• Sun-Soothing After-Sun Balm — another comforting balm for warm skin, with a slightly different ingredient blend.
• After-Sun Conditioning Balm for Sun-Exposed Skin — a close companion recipe focused on deeper conditioning.
• Cooling After-Sun Body Oil — a lighter, oil-based alternative for a quick-absorbing option.
• After-Sun Face Recovery Serum — a facial-focused option for after a day in the sun.
• Gentle After-Sun Lotion for Kids — a lighter formulation designed with children in mind.

Disclaimer

The recipes and ingredients on this page are intended for cosmetic use only — for application to the skin, hair, and nails to cleanse, condition, and beautify. They have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have a medical condition, skin condition, or known allergies, consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Always patch-test new ingredients before full application. Keep all products away from eyes and out of reach of children. Results will vary between individuals.