DARLING

DARLING After Sun Lotion

Name: DARLING - After Sun Lotion
Brand: DARLING

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glyceryl stearate se + 18 more

Works

What the product description says

“Perfect for soothing sunburn, rehydrating parched skin as well as elongating your precious tan, this hard-working formula will quickly become a firm favourite.”

Source: Cultbeauty

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, hydrolyzed collagen.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cocos nucifera oil, dimethicone.

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~5–6.2%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~3.8–4.7%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3–3.7%

IsododecaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture~2.4–2.9%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~1.5–1.8%

Hydrolyzed collagenKey active· Humectant, EmollientEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.8%

Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.45–0.7%

Sodium pcaKey active· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer~0.45–0.65%

Malva sylvestris leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that might help in reducing inflammation~0.4–0.6%

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.3–0.55%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~0.3–0.55%

Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.25–0.45%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.95–1.15%

Hydrogenated polydecene· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.25–0.45%

C13-14 isoparaffin· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency~0.25–0.45%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.7–1.05%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.45–0.65%

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilUnder-dosedAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.3–0.6%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilUnder-dosedSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 strong irritants: Gardenia taitensis flower extract, Equisetum arvense extract + 9 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 23 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Gardenia taitensis flower extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~1.2–1.4%est.

Equisetum arvense extractA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.6%est.

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.

Melissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract—High~0.25–0.45%est.

Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Menthol—High~0.2–0.4%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

Amyl cinnamal—High~0.15–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

HydroxycitronellalA fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

C12-20 acid peg-8 esterHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.6–2%est.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powderTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.95–1.15%est.

Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.45–0.7%est.

Malva sylvestris leaf extractA plant extract that might help in reducing inflammationMedium~0.4–0.6%est.

Prunus armeniaca kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the skinMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~0.3–0.6%est.

PolyacrylamideUsed to improve product texture and help oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.25–0.45%est.

Laureth-7Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Comedogenic

4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

4 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.55%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~3.8–4.7%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~1.5–1.8%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.25–0.45%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Helianthus annuus seed oil~5–6.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Glyceryl stearate se~3.8–4.7%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se

Glycerin~3–3.7%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Isododecane~2.4–2.9%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and can decrease moisture loss. Helps create a nice product texture

More about Isododecane

Propanediol~1.9–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

C12-20 acid peg-8 ester~1.6–2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about C12-20 acid peg-8 ester

Cetearyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Gardenia taitensis flower extract~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Gardenia taitensis flower extract

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.95–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder

Tocopherol~0.7–1.05%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Allantoin~0.45–0.65%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Hydrolyzed collagen~0.55–0.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Hydrolyzed collagen

Sodium lactate~0.45–0.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate

Sodium pca~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca

Equisetum arvense extract~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Equisetum arvense extract

Malva sylvestris leaf extract~0.4–0.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help in reducing inflammation

More about Malva sylvestris leaf extract

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.35–0.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Cocos nucifera oil~0.3–0.55%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Prunus armeniaca kernel oil~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Prunus armeniaca kernel oil

Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~0.3–0.6%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Melissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Melissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract

Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Dimethicone~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Polyamide-3~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyamide-3

Propylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Polyacrylamide~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together

More about Polyacrylamide

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Cetearyl isononanoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

An emollient that softens the skin and helps prevent moisture loss.

More about Cetearyl isononanoate

Glycine soja oil~0.25–0.45%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Menthol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Menthol

Hydrogenated polydecene~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Hydrogenated polydecene

Laureth-7~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Laureth-7

Parfum~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

C13-14 isoparaffin~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency

More about C13-14 isoparaffin

Amyl cinnamal~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Amyl cinnamal

Linalool~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Benzyl salicylate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate

Hydroxycitronellal~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. A likely allergen and can be irritating

More about Hydroxycitronellal

Alcohol~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol

Maltodextrin~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate

Ingredient list view

Water, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glyceryl stearate se, Glycerin, Isododecane, Propanediol, C12-20 acid peg-8 ester, Cetearyl alcohol, Gardenia taitensis flower extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed collagen, Sodium lactate, Sodium pca, Equisetum arvense extract, Malva sylvestris leaf extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Cocos nucifera oil, Prunus armeniaca kernel oil, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Melissa officinalis flower/leaf/stem extract, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Polyamide-3, Propylene glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl isononanoate, Glycine soja oil, Menthol, Hydrogenated polydecene, Laureth-7, Parfum, C13-14 isoparaffin, Amyl cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alcohol, Maltodextrin, Tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) citrate

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Find on Amazon

🇬🇧 Cultbeauty (UK)200 ml

≈ $55.03 Out of stock

Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	DARLINGAfter Sun LotionYOUR PRODUCT	Vitamin ESensitive Oat and Coconut Body Lotion	Burt's BeesMoisturising Body Lotion for Very Dry and Sensitive Skin	Babo BotanicalsMoisturizing Baby Lotion - Oatmilk
Match	—	40%	39%	39%
Price	—	$6.66	—	$22.25
Shared key ingredients	—	6 of 13	6 of 13	3 of 13
Key difference	—	Petrolatum	Arginine	Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	Contains drying alcohol	—	Contains drying alcohol	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Alba Botanica Alba coconut Moisturizing Lotion Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Body Lotion

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"DARLING - After Sun Lotion" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Urea, fructose, glycerin, glycine and hydrolyzed collagen in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (hydrolyzed collagen, cocos nucifera oil, dimethicone, helianthus annuus seed oil and cetearyl alcohol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.