BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More

Sunburn, rough patches, bug bites, chafe, and more are on this hit list.

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Skin problems are the worst. Chafing will have you walking like a cowboy entering a saloon, a nasty bug bite will have you scratching like patient zero, and do NOT even get me started on wearing a bra on top of a sunburn. Uncomfy skin stuff happens, but I found some products that can offer up some soothing relief for a variety of problems. 

Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. 

Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life-changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" —Kristy 

"This stuff makes my face feel so soft and has a nice scent. I use it every day and will buy it again when I run out!" —Cyndy1

Get it from Amazon for $21.86+ (available in seven styles). 

Read more about lidocaine and pain relief at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "I brought this with me on a cruise, and I’m so glad I did! After a little too much sun on the deck, this spray was a total lifesaver. It provided instant cooling relief and took the sting out of my sunburn right away. The spray made it easy to apply without having to rub it in — perfect for those sensitive areas. The aloe was super soothing, and the lidocaine helped calm the burn fast. It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky feeling behind. Definitely a must-have for any sunny vacation or cruise — I'll never travel without it again!" —Barbara

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3

Promising review: "Caught wind of this on TikTok and decided to give it a whirl. Honestly, it’s pretty solid! It really makes my skin look tight and shiny, like I just came out of a professional facial. It’s an overnight mask, so yeah, it does have to stay on for a while, which is a bit of a hassle, but the payoff? Totally worth it. My skin feels more elastic, and the pores look minimized, too. If you don’t mind the long wear time, this mask could be a game changer for your skincare routine!" —Nala

"My skin was so dry from the winter. I used this mask only once, and it did way more than I expected! Skin feels so soft, and the glow it gave me didn’t go unnoticed. This would definitely be part of my Sunday Everything routine. If I could afford to use this mask every other night, I would. Definitely recommend you give it a try." —Tameka Roberts

Like the below reviewer says, I've used it on a variety of skin irritations. A little goes a LONG way. 

Promising review: "Best cream out there. It’s super thick, so I recommend only using it on your face or small patches of your body. I have used it on my sunburns and it’s made them totally heal overnight. Same if my skin is super dry in winter or if I’m breaking out. It’ll have your skin looking flawless the next day!" —Mariana McCarthy

The power behind this repairing balm is shea butter!

Promising review: "This is the only lip balm that can keep my lips from drying out in the winter. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Well worth the money." —E. Smith

This stuff has retinol (it can make you more sensitive to the sun bc it accelerates skin turnover), which means you should be especially vigilant about wearing SPF! 

Promising review: "Bio-Oil is the BEST skin product on the market. I use it as a twice a day — morning and before I go to bed. Small lines have disappeared. My skin is very smooth and seems to glow. A doctor recommended this to one of my friends who told me about it. I have bought several bottles as gifts. Be patient. It will take a few months for you to see notice the changes. I am 71 years old. No one paid me to write this." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $11.12+ (available in three sizes).

Now, this lotion is much more viscous than your standard lotions, which in normal people speak means that it's runny. But! That's because it has more moisturizing oils in it than regular lotion. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, shea oil, and rosehip oil give you a dose of hydration *without* feeling greasy. 

Promising review: "I loved the oil, but the lotion is excellent. Very thin, so be careful on the outpour. But it’s light application that provides softness and shine. Perfect for an instant glow. I use it head to toe. It’s amazing!!" —Sherry washington

Truly is a small biz specializing in skincare. 

Promising review: "My legs are always so dry and itchy after shaving (especially in winter), but this has helped so much! It also smells delicious. I was worried about the scent because the unicorn lotion gave me headaches, but no problems with this one." —Lillian Gould

Get it from Amazon for $33 (available in three formulas).

Promising review: "I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." —Ben

I've been using this as needed and it really does give a lot of relief! You don't need much of this stuff so a bottle will probably last you a long time.

Promising review: "I love this ointment and use it regularly on the soles of my feet (especially my feet), my elbows, knees, and knuckles, and even on my face when it has been very, very dry and irritated. It has a very similar consistency to Vaseline, but just a tiny bit less thick, and doesn’t have a strong smell. It is amazing for dry, cracked skin to seal in moisturizer. Great price for a good amount of product!" —cj

Promising review: "I caved to the TikTok hype and now I am obsessed, lol! I have extremely sensitive skin but this was the first product that I didn’t have to go through a 'getting used to' phase." —Shelby

Pair it with the moisturizer for even more impressive results. 

Promising review: "Psoriasis, rosacea, sensitive skin, dry skin... you name it and I have it on my face. I am always looking for good moisturizing options that can hide flaky patches without making me look like an oil slick. This stuff is probably in my top two facial products. I took other reviewers' advice and apply a pea-sized amount before bed and wake up to soft supple skin with no hint of greasiness. If I want to reapply before I head to work, I generally mix half a pea-sized amount with a lighter Cerave facial moisturizer and apply all over my face/neck to avoid the oil slick effect as this stuff is THICK. A tip for those saying it’s too thick to spread without pulling at delicate skin — rub the cream between your fingers/palms and then pat it all over instead of rubbing it in. I don’t wear makeup because my skin’s too sensitive so I can’t comment on how this works under makeup but that does speak to how awesome it is for even the most sensitive skin. The scent is a bit ‘earthy’ in an herbal kind of way but I like it and it fades within about 20 minutes anyway." —Mistelle

My former colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer lifesaver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe four hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash

Promising review: "Great product. It’s loaded with urea, which is great for Keratosis pilaris, rough elbows, etc, but gentle enough to use everywhere. And like other urea lotions I’ve tried, this one doesn’t smell like pee. 😁 As you would expect from a Cetaphil product, it absorbs very well and lasts a long time on the skin without being greasy. I live in the desert, so I can’t speak to how this lotion behaves in humidity, as well, we don’t have any. 😉" —Corrina Milito

"It soothes my itching bumpy skin." —Bill S

Good Molecules is a small business that specializes in affordable skincare products. 

Promising review: "I never write reviews, but this eye cream has made a difference on my under eyes! I’ve only been using it for a week and I would definitely recommend it. I’ve bought several eye creams (expensive brands) and never noticed a difference as fast as I’ve seen using this product." —Natalie

Promising review: "So I have been a loyal Eos fan for quite some time but you constantly have to reapply and honestly my lips are still cracked. I found Jack Black balm from a TikTok video and it has been glorious. I keep reaching for it to reapply and I don't need it. It doesn't feel greasy on my lips but it is a bit sticky? Or waxy. Either way, I don't mind it at all, and it also smells pretty darn good." —Trisha

Get it from Amazon for $8.50+ (available in six flavors and also in packs of three and four).

Rubbing alcohol-based products (like Tend Skin) can help prevent an infection of an ingrown, but can’t prevent an ingrown itself, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

This can be applied after shaving and waxing to prevent bumps and burns. It can also be applied at night independent of shaving to help clear any existing ingrown hairs and bumps.

Promising reviews: "Works extremely well on sensitive skin and delicate shave areas. Used this after years of trying different products that irritated the sensitive shave areas and did not prevent razor burn and hair bumps. Noticeable difference after first use and no more ingrown hairs or chafing since implementing into shave routine." —Kindle Customer

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

If you're going to tell me something like that, at least say I'm giving Monica Belluci's Dracula's Bride #2! 

Promising review: "I have suffered from splitting and cracking fingers every fall and winter for years. I tried Eucerin, Lubriderm, and Gold Bond creams, but none seemed to relieve the splitting from reoccurring. I tried O'Keeffe's Working Hand Cream and within 2.5 days, the splitting and cracking were no longer a factor. Since using the cream, I have not suffered any more cracking or splitting. I am on a busy schedule and only use it at night when I go to bed. It says it's non-greasy but you can definitely feel a slick texture on your hands once applied. That's why I use it at night before bed when I don't have to open door knobs, touch smartphones, or shake hands. It has the texture of cake icing, goes on smooth and works into the skin quickly. It has no smell I can detect. I am so glad I found this cream, it has ended years of split and cracked fingers/hands." —T.H.

Promising review: "I have struggled with dry, cracked, gross feet since I was a teenager. No matter what I did, the skin on my heels was always dry and would crack so painfully that sometimes it was hard to walk. I had just resigned myself to the fact that it could never change. My feet are so, so soft, nearly all of the cracks and rough spots are gone and the last few cracks are almost totally healed. I have been putting this on twice a day and it’s changed everything. If you are on the fence about getting this, get it!!" —Halley B

Promising review: "I have seasonal allergies and live in a dry home. I purchased this to help relieve scabs and pain from dry sinuses and frequent small nose bleeds. The gel stays put and does not drip. This really works and there is no burning, dripping, or habit-forming medications." —Peggy Clo 

"I'm a repeat customer. The gel is very soothing at the end of the nose, and using a cotton swab to dab it into the nostril helps with dryness and sore spots. The gel has little if any smell, and has made a big improvement in the redness and dryness I usually experience with a cold or from my CPAP machine use. Very pleased with the quality and effectiveness of this product." —Teapot

One application lasts for around four hours.  

Promising review: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE!!!! This product is absolutely amazing. My husband is a hard-working man. His hands have always been peeling and cracked to the point where they split so badly and bleed, and his hands constantly hurt — to the point where he would always say he just wanted to cut his hand off. His skin would be so rough it would scratch you if he touched you. He’s been using this for about three weeks (maybe). And we have seen a drastic change in his skin. His cracks are actually healing. His skin is softer to the touch. This is honestly a lifesaver for him. I am going to continue to buy this product for as long as I possibly can. Thank you so much to this company!" —MjD

Promising review: "I have had persistent rashes on my hands since early 2018. I have tried so many creams and medications for almost two years. After four days of use my skin is almost clear, pain free, no cracks, and NO ITCHING. This balm is absolutely amazing. I also used the Puriya Mother of All Creams at the same time and the combo has been phenomenal!" —Alicia Pumphrey

Promising review: "Do not hesitate to try this product if you have a hard skin problem on your feet. It takes a few days to see a difference, but now I can see a change. Just like that, the skin on my pinky toe is not rock solid anymore. Bye bye, pain — and I am not joking." —Majda

Check out a TikTok of the Briotech spray in action. 

Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466

Get it from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks).

Promising review: "I have suffered from dry scalp and dandruff for years. I recently shaved my head and realized just how bad my scalp really was. Red irritated spots everywhere that became very easy to see with my short hair. After using this product along with a coconut oil moisturizer for three days, my scalp is already healing. The product is easy to hold, easy to clean, and feels great on an itchy scalp. I also don’t have dandruff flakes at all anymore. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this product!" —Britt

Promising review: "Amazing! I am in complete shock at how well this worked. My son got stung by a wasp as you can see in my photo. After we did the suction he stop complaining about it hurting!" —Angela z

Get it from Amazon for $8.47+ (available in multiple packs).

Promising review: "Nothing beats this product! I have tried every lip balm, stain, gloss [on offer], but I keep coming back to this one. Plus, it comes in these adorable little tubs!" —Momof2

"Soothing to dry, chapped lips. Just a hint of color." —Kindle Customer

Promising review: "Love this body oil mist! It leaves my skin soft and hydrated without feeling greasy. The oat and jojoba oils are soothing, and the light scent is pleasant. Perfect for daily use, especially after a shower. Highly recommend for dry or sensitive skin!​" —Inspired Life After 50

Promising review: "This balm is my new best friend. My sidekick. I love how chunky it is. I love the wide coverage. I mostly use it as a lip balm and on my face, but you can use it on any part of your body that needs moisture and protective coverage. The formula is very soothing and rich. After having something this soothing in such a large size, I may not ever go back to regular lip balm when I can have a big chunky soothing balm like this. Chunky balms only! This one takes the cake." —Valerie1982

I was so grateful to have packed some of these for a 48-hour Vegas trip when I woke up to VERY puffy eyes the morning of an outdoor heavy-metal music festival. The individual packaging for these patches also makes them super easy to slip into your bag or a random little pocket for traveling. I wore some when indulging in a bubble bath (yay, waking up at the crack of dawn in Vegas because you're still on East Coast time) before housing an obscene amount of casino buffet food and going to see some bands perform in the desert heat. This brand is consistently my fave eye-patch brand because I do notice a depuffing difference, and the thick gel makes the patches stick! Btw, Patcholoy is a small biz!

Promising review: "Cooling, restful, and easy to use. The sealed packet keeps the product moist until you're ready to apply it. Great for travel — refresh your eyes after a flight or before a big event, without worrying about TSA regulations or spills in your luggage." —Shaner

Check out a TikTok of the matcha stick in action.

Promising review: "I’m loving this all-over stick, it is so soothing to my skin this winter. I am washing my hands a lot, and they get dried out and itchy, and irritated from soap. When moisturized with this, it helps. Also, put it on my lips and my feet, it’s just amazing. Worth every penny. The smell is subtle and smells like tea." —sam

Promising review: "I'm 79 years old and this product has refreshed my skin. Some exfoliating soaps are harsh. This does a great job and does not remove six layers of skin." —Ron Taritas

Eight Saints is a woman-owned small biz using only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.

Promising review: "The scent of this moisturizer is so refreshing! The moisturizing properties are really good; I will put this on and the smoothness lasts a full day. The product texture is smooth and very soothing to my skin. i am 60+ years old and sometimes have sensitive skin. This does not negatively impact my sensitivity at all." —Margaret M.

Get it from Eight Saints on Amazon for $33 (available in scented and unscented).

Promising review: "I’ve been searching for the holy grail of lip balms, and THIS IS IT. Seriously. I’ve been on the hunt for years, using everything from fancy French balms to plain organic nut butter, and have always needed to reapply hourly. This stuff is magic. Just the tiniest dot is needed to keep my lips super soft and hydrated for hours, even through drinking and eating. The grapefruit smells great but isn’t overwhelming. I’ll never go back to anything else." —Spectacle

Get it from Amazon for $16.24+ (available in 10 formulas).

Check out a TikTok of the Olay Super Serum Body Wash in action. 

Promising review: "I love love love this body wash. It smells SO expensive and like a luxurious perfume without being too much — still very much gentle but long-lasting at the same time. Delicious spicy scent that's also delicate. It really made my skin feel smooth and soft after use with good moisture level. Totally useful. Good for my sensitive skin. Large bottle and easy-to-use pump. I will 100% buy again!" —Jordan Alderon

Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in three styles). 

Yes, those are my poor sunburned legs from a few summers ago when I really sold me soul to this amazing aloe vera gel because it soaks in so fast that I could layer on cooling layer after cooling layer. Check out my full Nature Republic aloe vera review to get all the deets on its benefits.

Promising review: "I swear, I have the most sensitive skin on the planet. I've had combination skin my whole life, am acne-prone due to my sensitivities, and easily dry out with most cleansers or when the weather is harsh. I also have dealt with bouts of perioral dermatitis. This is the ONLY cleanser that has worked for me to combat everything I have just mentioned. I literally washed my face with this one evening, and the NEXT DAY my skin had quieted down. So I kept at it, and now I have the clearest, smoothest, softest skin I have EVER had. I'm just amazed by this stuff and I hope it's never discontinued. I HIGHLY recommend it!" —KPMT

Get it from Amazon for $8.86 (also available in a travel size).

Promising review: "The colloidal oatmeal bath is amazing. It calms your skin and feels so soft and wonderful. I take mine and dissolve in a cup of warm water before putting it into the bath to avoid the clumping. As others have mentioned, if you pour it in the bath too quickly, it will clump (eventually dissolving). If your skin tends to develop hives or an itchy rash, this is exactly what you need. It's soothing and relieves the itching. The smell is pleasant (it really smells like oatmeal) and feels amazing on the skin. Highly recommend for soaking even if you just want a relaxing bath." —L. Macconnell

Get a box of eight from Amazon Fresh for $6.91.

Promising review: "I have had such an issue for the past 15 years with my skin, finding the right moisturizer or way to wake up my skin after washing my face in the morning. THIS IS IT. This smells so good I wish I had it in a candle or some other air freshener it’s such a good clean smell. Feels weightless and refreshing going on. I absolutely love this spray!" —GraziMaMa

Get it from Amazon for $7+ (available in two sizes).

* Effective Skincare Products That You’ll Want To Permanently Keep In Your Routine

* If You Have Sensitive Skin, These 27 Gentle, Unscented Products Might Become Your New Holy Grails

* Acne Solutions So Good At Their Jobs They Deserve To Be “Employee Of The Year”

* Skincare Products That Truly Do Something, So Be Sure To Take That "Before" Photo

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.