Long days in the sun can leave your skin feeling hot, dry, or even a little irritated, and if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a natural solution that actually works and earns bonus points if it smells divine. This DIY after sun spray is part of a holistic after sun skincare routine, made with gentle hydrosols, cooling aloe vera juice, and essential oils that are safe for children over 4 years old, and adults alike.

It’s sprayable, skin soothing, and refreshingly simple to make. The best part is, the scent is customizable so you will love the way it smells. I have some blending suggestions to get you started and then it’s off to the races! Let’s dive in!

This blog is all about making a cooling DIY after sun spray for after sun skincare.

Why a Spray Instead of a Lotion or Gel?

Sprays are ideal for quick, lightweight hydration, especially when:

Your skin is warm or tender to the touch
You want something that dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue
You’re treating hard-to-reach areas like your back or shoulders
You want a clean, mist-and-go format for the whole family

Unlike gels or creams, a mist offers a cooling, feather-light touch, and that’s exactly what sun-exposed skin needs. Plus, this recipe is very easy to use after sun skincare.

If you still prefer a skin cooling gel, check out this recipe here!

Do I Need a Preservative?

Because this recipe contains water-based ingredients like hydrosols and aloe juice, it’s crucial to use a broad-spectrum preservative to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria. You might not see them, but they can still be present, and you do not want that on freshly sun-kissed skin.

For this recipe, we’re using Geogard ECT, a gentle, ECOCERT-approved preservative that’s easy to find and works beautifully in natural skincare. You can purchase Geogard here (this is not an affiliate link at this time): https://plantspower.ca/products/geogard-ect

How to Make After Sun Spray

Cool sun-kissed skin with this gentle, hydrating mist made with botanical waters and aloe vera juice. This refreshing spray is essential oil-free, making it suitable for kids and those with sensitive skin. Always do a patch test before using any new product, and be sure to check the ingredients for anything you may be allergic to.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this after sun skincare mist. Each ingredient plays a specific role in calming and hydrating the skin.

This recipe contains water-based ingredients and must include a preservative like Geogard ECT to ensure safety and shelf stability. You can find Geogard here.

Print Recipe

DIY After Sun Cooling Mist

Servings: 110 Grams

Author: Standing Stone

Equipment

Digital scale (accurate to 0.1g)
Small glass bowl or measuring cup
Stirring rod or spoon (glass or stainless steel preferred)
Measuring spoons (optional, for glycerin if not weighing)
120ml spray bottle (preferably amber or frosted to protect contents from light)
Label (to keep track of your beautiful creation and its expiry date)
Funnel (helps with pouring into the bottle)
Alcohol spray and clean cloth or paper towels (for sanitizing equipment and workspace)

Ingredients

33 g Lavender Hydrosol
30 g Chamomile Hydrosol
30 g Aloe Vera Juice not gel
15 g Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel
4 g Vegetable Glycerin
1 g Geogard ECT Preservative

Instructions

Sanitize all your tools, bottles, and workspace before you begin.
In a glass measuring cup, combine the lavender hydrosol, chamomile hydrosol, aloe vera juice, and witch hazel.
Add the vegetable glycerin and stir gently.
Weigh and add 1g of Geogard ECT, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Pour into a 120ml sterilized spray bottle, label, and store in a cool place (preferable the fridge).

Notes

Gently shake before using.
Mist gently onto sun-exposed skin for a refreshing, cooling boost.
Let it absorb or pat in lightly with clean hands. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
Do a patch test before using, especially on children. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Know your allergies – always review ingredients carefully.
Do not spray directly on the face. Use a cosmetic cotton pad. Avoid contact with eyes.
Use outdoors or while standing on a towel as this mist may cause floors to become slippery.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your skin is blistering, severely burned, or showing signs of infection, please see a healthcare professional.

Customize Your Scent

This spray already smells amazing, but you can customize it to your family’s preferences:

For a fresh, cooling scent, try blending lavender hydrosol with peppermint hydrosol, as long as this after sun mist is not being used on kids under 10.
Add a drop of rose or neroli hydrosol for floral notes.
For extra skin soothing, try helichrysum hydrosol.

The Wrap Up

This soothing after sun skincare spray is one of those DIYs you’ll keep coming back to. It’s easy to make, gentle on the skin, and perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you’ve spent the day gardening, hiking, or building sandcastles, this mist will help your skin feel calm, hydrated, and refreshed.

Just remember, if you’re in doubt about a skin reaction, always check with a healthcare professional.

Want to Save This Recipe for Later?

Save it to your Pinterest DIY board
Print it and keep it in your summer skincare binder
Or share it with a friend who’s always getting a little too much sun!

Let me know if you make this amazing recipe! I’d love to know how it turns out!