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Does Shaving Cream Soothe Sunburn? Viral Hack Examined by Experts

Explore the viral shaving cream sunburn remedy, its science, expert feedback, and proven ways to prevent and soothe sunburn.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Explore the viral shaving cream sunburn remedy, its science, expert feedback, and proven ways to prevent and soothe sunburn.

From summer pool parties to spontaneous outdoor adventures, sunburn is an all-too-common consequence of too much exposure. Every year, people search for instant relief from red, painful skin after missing a spot with sunscreen. One remedy rocketed to internet fame: using menthol foam shaving cream to treat sunburn. But does this viral hack actually work? And what do dermatologists say?

How the Shaving Cream Sunburn Hack Went Viral

The viral trend began in 2018, when Texas mom Cindie Allen-Stewart shared her unusual sunburn remedy on social media. According to her, after decades of suffering from painful sunburns, applying a thick layer of menthol foam shaving cream—not gel—brought cool relief and helped her skin recover radically faster. Her Facebook post describing the process was shared over 230,000 times and collected 65,000 comments, sparking widespread curiosity and debate.

Application Method: Spread a thick layer of menthol foam shaving cream over the sunburned area.
Let it sit for 30 minutes—do not rub in.
Rinse off gently with lukewarm or cool water.
Repeat the next day if needed; Cindie claims the burn usually fades after a second treatment.

Cindie emphasized that this remedy was passed down from her mother-in-law and came recommended by a doctor, though no scientific studies have directly validated the method. She also cautioned against using it as an excuse to skip sunscreen, stating that prevention is key.

Examining the Ingredients: Why Might Shaving Cream Work?

Why do people believe menthol shaving cream brings sunburn relief? The answer lies in its ingredients. Many foaming shaving creams contain:

Menthol: Provides a cooling, tingling effect, which may temporarily soothe burning, inflamed skin.
Glycerin, Aloe Vera, or Vitamin E: Common moisturizing and skin-calming agents, often included in formulas to reduce irritation while shaving.
Coconut derivatives: Some formulations feature coconut oil or coconut butter, affecting texture and potential moisture retention.

Dermatologist Dr. Ross Radusky notes that shaving creams are generally formulated for moisturizing, and menthol itself is used in many topical pain and itch relief products. However, shaving creams also tend to include soaps (surfactants) and fragrances, which can increase irritation when left on sensitive, sunburned skin for prolonged periods.

What Does Science Say? Evidence and Concerns

While menthol can offer a fleeting sense of relief by cooling the skin and distracting from pain, there’s no scientific evidence that shaving cream—menthol or otherwise—reduces sunburn damage or speeds healing.

Shaving creams may temporarily hydrate or soothe due to moisturizers, but are not designed or clinically tested for sunburn treatment.
Menthol is not proven to promote recovery from UV damage, nor does it restore moisture as effectively as specialized after-sun products.
Dermatologists raise concerns over other ingredients like surfactants or fragrances, which may increase skin irritation or worsen conditions like eczema if left in contact with inflamed skin.

Shaving Cream Ingredients: Pros and Cons for Sunburn Relief
Ingredient	Known Effect on Skin	Sunburn Use: Benefit or Risk?
Menthol	Cooling, numbing sensation; may relieve mild pain	Temporary comfort; no healing effect
Aloe Vera / Vitamin E	Moisturizing, antioxidant; supports healing in after-sun products	Some benefit, but lower concentration than in after-sun lotions
Fragrance	Improves scent; common allergen or irritant	May worsen redness, itching, or skin sensitivity
Surfactants (Soap-like agents)	Cleansing, but can disrupt skin barrier and raise pH	Risk: May dry or irritate damaged skin if not rinsed promptly
Coconut oil/butter	Moisturizing, occlusive	Minor benefit, but not a substitute for proper hydration

Most experts conclude that while shaving cream may provide a cooling temporary effect—thanks to menthol and certain moisturizers—its cleansing ingredients can increase irritation if left on already-compromised skin.

Dermatologists Weigh In: Is It Safe?

According to Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a board-certified dermatologist, shaving cream is not the best or safest option for treating sunburn, particularly since some ingredients may dry, irritate, or even sensitize skin further when left in place, contrary to their intended use.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends after-sun lotions formulated without harsh soaps or fragrances, and stresses the importance of gentle, hydrating care.
Products containing only skin-soothing ingredients like pure aloe vera gel or specific after-sun formulas are both safer and more effective.
If you do experiment with the shaving cream hack, use it with caution, rinse thoroughly after no more than 20–30 minutes, and discontinue if irritation develops.

The bottom line from medical professionals: there is no clinical evidence to recommend shaving cream as a sunburn remedy, so always favor products specifically designed for post-sun care.

Most Effective Sunburn Remedies: What Really Works?

For safe, proven sunburn relief, dermatologists and clinical guidelines recommend the following approaches:

Cool Baths or Showers: Helps reduce surface heat and soothes irritation.
Moisturize Immediately After Drying: Use fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotions to trap in hydration. Aloe vera gel is often ideal if no allergy exists.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to restore fluids lost through increased skin water loss.
Protect Affected Skin: Cover sunburn areas with loose, soft clothing and stay out of direct sunlight during healing.
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

It’s best to avoid greasy ointments, petroleum jelly, or creams with heavy fragrances. As tempting as quick fixes may be, focus on known-effective remedies for true healing and comfort.

How to Prevent Sunburn Before It Starts

The most effective way to deal with sunburn is to never get one in the first place. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or above, and take precautions including:

Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Wearing protective clothing, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Remembering that water, sand, and snow reflect UV rays and intensify exposure.

Some top dermatologist-recommended sunscreens include:

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50

Popular After-Sun Soothers

If you do end up with a burn, these after-sun options receive top marks from both dermatologists and real users:

Pure Aloe Vera Gel: Lightweight, cooling, anti-inflammatory.
Fragrance-Free Moisturizers with Ceramides: Rebuilds the skin barrier and supplants lost moisture.
Oatmeal Bath Products: Soothes itching and inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can menthol shaving cream really heal a sunburn?

A: There is no scientific proof that shaving cream heals sunburn. Menthol can offer temporary cooling, but most dermatologists warn that shaving creams were not formulated for burned or damaged skin and may cause further irritation if left on too long.

Q: Are there risks to using this hack?

A: Yes. While some may feel temporary relief from menthol or moisturizers, soap and fragrance ingredients may worsen redness, dryness, or cause allergic reactions—especially on sensitive or broken skin. If you try it, rinse off thoroughly and stop use if irritation occurs.

Q: What ingredients in shaving cream offer soothing effects?

A: Ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, vitamin E, and menthol have potential skin-soothing or cooling benefits, but their concentrations are generally lower than in after-sun lotions designed for this purpose.

Q: What should I use instead?

A: For sunburn, use fragrance-free aloe vera gel, gentle moisturizers, cool compresses, and oral pain relievers if medically appropriate. Protect the skin as it heals and avoid further sun exposure.

Q: How can I prevent peeling after a sunburn?

A: Hydration is key! Apply moisture-rich lotions or gels immediately after bathing, avoid tight clothing or further friction on burned skin, and don’t pick at peeling skin. Prevention with regular sunscreen application is the single best strategy.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Shaving Cream Hack?

While the menthol shaving cream hack became an internet sensation, medical experts stress caution. For many, aloe vera or a specialized after-sun product provides safer, more effective relief without risk of extra irritation. Remember, sunscreen and sun avoidance are your best tools for avoiding painful, lasting skin damage. If sunburn symptoms are severe or accompanied by blisters, fever, or systemic illness, consult a healthcare provider promptly.