Complete Guide To The Best Aloe Vera Gel
Contents
- Top 10 Best Aloe Vera Gels On The Market
- What Is Aloe Vera?
- What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel?
- Can Aloe Vera Be Used On My Face?
- Is Aloe Vera Gel Good For Treating Acne?
- Is Organic Aloe Vera Gel Better To Use?
- Things To Lookout For When Choosing An Aloe Vera Gel
- Check The Ingredients
- Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel From Organic Cold Pressed Aloe
- Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel
- Pros & Cons
- Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
- Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel
- What Makes This Product Great?
- ArtNaturals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Natural Republic Aloe Vera Gel
- Green Leaf Naturals Aloe Vera Gel For Skin, Face & Hair
- Lily Of The Desert Aloe Vera Gelly
- Nature Sense Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- What Makes This Product Great?
- What Makes A Good Aloe Vera Gel For Stretch Marks
- Other Considerations
- Is Aloe Vera Gel Or Cream Better for stretch marks?
- Different Ways To Use Aloe Vera On Stretch Marks
- Aloe Vera And Vitamin E
- Using Your Aloe Vera Gel
- Jason Natural Products Ultra-Comforting Aloe Vera Moisturizing Creme
- Aloe Vera Juice and its uses
- Why Use Aloe Vera Juice For Your Hair?
- Why Choose Lily Of The Desert Organic Aloe Vera Juice?
- Wonderful Things About This Aloe Vera Juice
- Aloe Vera Juice as natural treatment for ulcer
- What To Keep An Eye Out For When Buying Aloe Vera Juice?
- George’s Aloe Vera Drink – 32 Ounce
- Safety First
- Features
- The Cons
- Does Aloe Vera Juice Help With Weight Loss?
- ALO Aloe Vera Juice Drink
- Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Supplement
- George’s Aloe Vera Supplement
- What Are Other Uses For Aloe Vera?
- Aloe Vera Soap Recipe
- What Are Some Aloe Vera Soap Benefits?
- What Do You Need To Make This Soap?
- What Sort Of Appliances & Equipment Do You Need To Make This Soap?
- How Do You Make This Soap?
- Aloe Vera Shampoo and uses
- Carapex Moisturizing Aloe Vera Shampoo
- More Interesting Points On Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera For Cuts & Scrapes
- Ingredients
- Texture
- Cutting Your Own Aloe?
- Conclusion
- Sources
There are many products claiming to be the best for your skin. Navigating through all the ingredients of the different “fixes” available can be time-consuming and cause confusion.
Thankfully, you can use something that comes from the earth and it’s a natural substance: Aloe Vera!
It’s a popular, gentle option for soothing minor burns and dry skin, and the best gels have short ingredient lists.
In this review, I’m going to help you find the best aloe vera gel available.
Top 10 Best Aloe Vera Gels On The Market
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a stemless plant that generally grows in tropical climates throughout the world.
Nowadays, it’s used in consumer products as an ingredient in beverages, lotions, and cosmetics.
People in many cultures have used it on the skin for thousands of years.
In the Ancient Egyptian culture it was known as the ‘plant of immortality‘, and legend has it that Cleopatra used it as part of her daily skin regime.
I don’t know about you, but if it was good enough for Cleopatra, it was good enough for me.
Want in on the aloe vera action?
If you don’t live near the tropics where the aloe vera plants are grown, you can easily grow them on your own right at home.
It’s a succulent plant that’s easy to keep and requires minimal maintenance. It can be grown right in the home year round or placed outside after the last frost.
There are actually two parts to the aloe vera leaf: the gel and the juice.
The gel is what I’ll be discussing. This is the odorless and clear liquid with a thick consistency that you see deep inside the leaf.
This is not to be confused with the yellow latex that drips out of the leaf when it is cut, which is a strong laxative. Aloe juice drinks are made from the gel or the whole leaf.
What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel?
The gel has many benefits to it, including its most popular use for the scorched skin after being in the sun.
It is also used in some toothpastes and mouthwashes, and it has been studied for digestive complaints, with limited results.
The biggest benefit I’m looking at today is how well aloe vera gel works for the skin.
It’s a natural way to keep your skin clear and hydrated.
Did you know that the aloe vera leaf stores water to survive in the hot climates it grows in?
That is why it’s such a vital component of keeping your skin moisturized!
The gel is mostly water, but it also contains small amounts of vitamins A, C, E and B vitamins, plus minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc.
When used for skin care, aloe vera benefits you because it’s rich in anti-inflammatory and soothing agents.
Its cooling feel is why so many people use it for sunburn. The NIH says clinical research suggests aloe gel may speed burn healing and reduce burn pain, though the evidence is limited.
Small studies suggest aloe may help acne when used along with standard acne treatments.
Some brands claim their gels reduce scars or eczema, but these claims are not well proven. See a doctor for a skin condition that doesn’t improve.
Can Aloe Vera Be Used On My Face?
The short answer to this question is, yes.
For most people, aloe vera gel is a gentle, lightweight moisturizer for the face.
Over the years, aloe vera has been used for sunburn, insect bites, rashes and dry skin and hair.
Although aloe vera originated in Africa, these days people grow it throughout the United States.
Some people use it to speed the healing time of cuts and scratches, although studies on wound healing are mixed.
The best aloe vera for your face should contain no harsh chemicals or preservatives. After all, you want to use the best and most natural products on your money-maker.
Let’s look deeper at whether a simple gel lets you ditch your expensive moisturizer.
Aloe vera gel is light and non-greasy, which suits many people with oily or combination skin. Very dry skin may still need a richer moisturizer.
The same hydrating properties are very soothing for sunburn and other irritations, such as rashes caused by shaving, both common conditions that afflict the facial area.
Overall, aloe vera gel is generally well tolerated on the face. Burning, itching and rashes have occasionally been reported, so patch-test a small area first.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Good For Treating Acne?
This compound has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
These properties are why aloe is studied for acne. The evidence is limited to small studies, mostly where aloe was combined with standard acne treatments.
It is a reasonable soothing add-on, but see a dermatologist for acne that is painful, scarring or not improving.
Illustrative before-and-after photo; individual results vary
Image by Beauty Health +
Because it is free from harsh, drying ingredients, a pure aloe gel suits most skin types.
Is Organic Aloe Vera Gel Better To Use?
When it comes to aloe vera gel, many terms are often thrown about. One such word is ‘organic’.
Is it really better for your skin to use an aloe vera gel labelled in this way?
A truly organic product is free from chemicals, toxins and pesticides.
Since you apply aloe vera directly to your skin, many people prefer products with fewer added ingredients.
Keep an eye out on the ingredients list on your bottle of aloe vera gel and steer clear of those that include excessive added ingredients.
The addition of extra water can dilute the natural aloe vera gel, therefore inhibiting its effectiveness, so be mindful of that too.
Things To Lookout For When Choosing An Aloe Vera Gel
Personally, I believe that when it comes to your body, the more natural the product the better. Avoiding harsh chemicals and unnatural ingredients will favor your skin and its condition, especially in the long run. As a general rule of thumb, you should look for a product that’s as close to 100% natural as possible.
Avoid Products That Put Aloe Vera Through Unnecessary and Damaging Processes
Products that employ certain methods of extraction and processing end up doing damage to the plant and its useful properties, meaning you lose some of the precious nutrients. Think of it as boiling vegetables as opposed to steaming them, you’re losing all those nutrients in the hot water.
Boiling, freezing, drying, and freeze drying are all process that should rather be avoided when choosing your aloe vera products. This will ensure a better, healthier, and more beneficial face care product.
Check The Ingredients
The first ingredient that you should see on the label is aloe vera, and not water or some other sugary-type filler. In many cases, products advertising 100% aloe vera are not 100% pure, technically speaking.
Many of these products have been watered-down, and don’t provide the true relief and benefits that aloe vera has to offer. The ingredients in your aloe vera gel should be of the highest, organic quality to ensure the best results.
Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel From Organic Cold Pressed Aloe
This 100% natural formula is made with 99.75% organic aloe vera gel so you know it’s of the highest standard.
There’s no added color, fragrance or alcohol.
This is the best aloe vera if you’re looking to soothe or hydrate your skin. It also relieves itchy and irritated skin.
It’s powerful when used on acne, dandruff, insect bites, sunburn, razor burn and even rashes.
This is a go-to product to have in your home.
You’ll find that the gel is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving you with a silky smooth feeling.
If you aren’t satisfied for any reason, the company even offers a 100% money back guarantee.
Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel
This brand lists 99.75% pure and organic aloe.
This is great for your hair or face and absorbs quickly to leave you without any oily or sticky residue.
You’ll never find any water added to your products, so it’s in the purest form and it contains no parabens, petrochemicals, fragrance or colors.
Many people use it for sunburn, dry skin and razor burn.
Some also apply it to scars and stretch marks, though there is little evidence that aloe fades them.
What I love about this product is that it’s organic and the cold pressed aloe vera is gentle enough for the whole family. Check with your pediatrician before using it on a baby or on a child’s rash.
This brand also offers a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee, so you can be sure that your money won’t go to waste.
Pros & Cons
Earth’s Daughter’s aloe vera gel checks a lot of boxes for sensitive skin. It’s all-natural, with no chemicals, parabens, colors, scents, or any other additives.
However, they refrained from adding water so to not dilute the gel too much. The gel also absorbs easily into skin and hair so you don’t have to worry about an oily or sticky residue.
A satisfaction guarantee also protects this product so you can try it out without worry. It has not been proven to clear eczema, so keep using any treatment your doctor prescribed.
However, no product is entirely perfect. For this product, the biggest complaint from customers was that the gel was rather thin with an almost watery consistency. They found it harder to use on their skin than a thicker gel.
On the bright side, this consistency doesn’t affect the overall use of the product or how effective it is. Some customers with very sensitive skin also had some trouble with this product, so make sure to test it on the back of your hand before you apply it to any more sensitive areas.
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
This gel helps hold moisture in your skin.
This formula contains no alcohol or added colors and is made from 100% pure aloe vera gel.
It’s a non-oily formulation that will not stain clothing and absorbs quickly into the skin.
This gel is ideal for treating sunburn as well as dry and irritated skin.
You can also use it on minor burns, insect bites and as a shaving gel.
It’s a cooling, budget-friendly gel for everyday skin irritation.
Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel
This high-quality, 99% organic and 100% natural formula is made from USA-grown aloe vera.
It’s cold-pressed and made without synthetic thickeners.
It’s made with seaweed extract, a 100% natural thickener, instead of Xanthan or Carbomer.
This will allow for an easy absorption causing your skin to feel soft and silky without any residue.
People use it for sunburn, minor cuts, rashes, bug bites and razor burn, and even for hair care. It makes for a great daily treatment on your face if you like a light, hydrating feel.
The brand has offered a money back guarantee; check the current listing.
What Makes This Product Great?
The formula by Seven Minerals has no alcohol, which helps keep stinging to a minimum.
The consistency makes it easy to apply. Because it’s absorbed by the skin quickly it not only works faster but means you can apply several coats within a short space of time. It’s priced mid-range. Many products are cheaper, but many are also more expensive.
However, it does come with a 100% money back guarantee so you needn’t worry about losing your money if for some reason you do not like the product.
The inclusion of natural seaweed may cause an unwanted reaction in some users, so it’s wise to ‘patch-test’ the product before use.
ArtNaturals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
This brand uses organic aloe and natural ingredients.
It’s cold-pressed and works well as a light, hydrating gel.
Use it for skin and scalp care, sunburn relief and insect bites.
This brand also claims it promotes healthy hair growth, which has not been proven.
You’ll also be happy to know that it’s not just paraben-free but also free from all forms of cruelty.
It’s a product that makes you feel good that you can feel good using.
Natural Republic Aloe Vera Gel
This Korean gel lists 92% aloe vera extract.
It’s a popular gel that you can use on the face and body every day.
Green Leaf Naturals Aloe Vera Gel For Skin, Face & Hair
This formula contains 99.75% pure and organic aloe vera gel and is cold-pressed for maximum preservation.
It will spread across your face and body evenly and won’t produce a sticky goo and residue like some other brands.
You can use it daily for a moisturizer or even as an after shave.
It’s paraben-free, contains no petrochemicals, dyes or alcohol and is cruelty-free, kid-safe, pet-safe and made in the USA.
Lily Of The Desert Aloe Vera Gelly
After a long day in the sun, you want the best aloe vera to soothe your skin.
This not only reduces the appearance of damaged and over-exposed skin, but it will also provide comfort and relief.
The maker says it hydrates several layers of skin, and it’s made from certified organic aloe vera.
There’s no animal testing, no parabens, artificial colors, or water added and it’s bottled in BPA-free plastic containers for your safety.
Nature Sense Organic Aloe Vera Gel
This gel is a good pick for the face if you want a very simple ingredient list.
It is cold-pressed and charcoal-filtered. Check the current listing for guarantee terms.
NaturSense says it harvests its aloe fresh, and it comes in a BPA-free bottle.
You can use it to soothe sunburn, insect bites and chapped or irritated skin. It is not a substitute for cleaning a cut properly, and it won’t prevent infection on its own.
Use for facial hydration, sunburn, razor burn, first aid and more.
Don’t use it in place of prescribed treatment for acne, eczema or psoriasis; ask your doctor whether it’s fine alongside it.
Additionally, you can use this product on your hair. It works as either a pre-shampoo scalp treatment, an after-shampoo conditioner, or as a light hairstyling aid.
What Makes This Product Great?
The aloe vera used in this product is USA-grown and hand-harvested. It is cold-pressed and charcoal-filtered, and it leaves skin feeling soft.
Additionally, this gel can be used as a hair care product. It can hydrate a dry scalp, though it is not a proven dandruff treatment.
What Makes A Good Aloe Vera Gel For Stretch Marks
We also know that there’s no such thing as a ‘beach body’. We should go to the beach wearing whatever we want to, without worrying about being judged.
However, if your confidence is really impacted by your stretch marks, which may be caused by any number of things, there’s no need to resort to drastic measures or harsh, chemical-filled products.
Aloe can keep the skin moisturized, but there is little good evidence that it fades or prevents stretch marks. Set your expectations accordingly.
Other Considerations
If you want to try aloe on stretch marks, pick a simple product.
Be mindful of added ingredients that can do more harm than good. Ingredients such as vitamin E or shea butter can be beneficial.
They add extra moisture.
Aloe vera can sometimes be a little sticky and unpleasant to touch.
Look for a cream or gel that’s absorbed quickly to avoid leaving an unpleasant residue on your skin.
In summary, the best aloe vera creams will go on smoothly, be absorbed quickly, and be free of any toxic additives.
Is Aloe Vera Gel Or Cream Better for stretch marks?
In order for aloe vera to work effectively on your stretch marks, it needs to be able to penetrate and moisturize the skin deeply.
A cream may feel less sticky on your skin and the smooth application may feel like it’s being absorbed, but creams often contain a whole host of extra ingredients.
These ingredients can actual be detrimental to your skin and stop the aloe vera from doing its job properly.
A gel formula, such as Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel is often purer and means you get all the natural wonders of the plant without any nasty additives.
A gel is also likely to contain a fairly high water content – although not too high that it feels runny and watered down.
The natural water component gives your skin cells extra hydration to help with rejuvenation.
Aloe vera gel also feels more soothing. Thanks to its quick-drying nature, applications can be done in quick succession.
This keeps the skin moisturized, which may make it feel more comfortable as it stretches.
Different Ways To Use Aloe Vera On Stretch Marks
As is often the way, prevention is better than cure! The problem with stretch marks, however, is that you can’t often predict them.
Sure, a pregnancy or rapid weight loss are factors which indicate the likelihood of stretch marks, but often they sneak up on you.
Earth’s Daughter Aloe Vera Gel is an easy-to-apply pure aloe vera gel.
The pump style bottle allows for simple and quick application. It can be applied directly to you skin.
It also dries quickly.
Aloe Vera And Vitamin E
Some gels already contain vitamin E, a common moisturizing ingredient.
You can also add your own vitamin E by bursting a vitamin E capsule and combining it with your gel.
Patch-test first, since vitamin E oil can irritate some people’s skin.
Using Your Aloe Vera Gel
Once you’ve picked the best aloe vera gel brand for your needs, you’ll naturally want to get using it right away.
Here are some tips and tricks to keep your skin happy:
- Use pure aloe gel on a cotton ball as a natural eye makeup remover.
- As a shaving cream, aloe vera gel provides for a nice close shave that also moisturizes.
- Fill some ice cube trays with aloe vera gel for cooling relief from bug bites or itchy skin.
- To use as a gentle face wash, mix 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel with 1 tsp almond milk. Skip lemon juice, which can irritate skin and make it more sensitive to the sun.
- To make an anti-aging wash, you would mix with 1 tsp raw, organic coconut oil and follow the same steps as above.
- Aloe makes a great base in a natural exfoliator. Mix it with baking soda or brown sugar until it’s slightly gritty but not too scratchy. Use it while in the shower on your feet, elbows, arms or anywhere that needs some extra softening.
- Make a simple hydrating mask by blending aloe with cucumber. Rinse it off after 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use aloe after tweezing your eyebrows to bring instant relief and reduce pain.
Jason Natural Products Ultra-Comforting Aloe Vera Moisturizing Creme
If you prefer a cream to a gel, this one from Jason is a richer option.
In fact, it’s made with 84% concentrated aloe vera gel but also includes skin favorites such as sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and more.
You can use this product daily and it’s free of parabens and animal testing.
Aloe Vera Juice and its uses
Why Use Aloe Vera Juice For Your Hair?
If you want softer, shinier hair, some people like aloe vera juice as a conditioning rinse. If your hair is thinning, see a doctor or dermatologist, since hair loss has many medical causes.
Many people don’t know that humans have used aloe vera for their hair and skin since time immemorial. Cleopatra herself used aloe as part of her daily beauty routine. Long use doesn’t prove it works, but it is a low-risk thing to try on your hair.
Many people find it leaves hair feeling light and clean.
There is no good evidence that it cures dandruff, so try a medicated dandruff shampoo if flakes persist.
It can also help moisturize your hair. You just mix half a cup of the juice with any carrier oil such as coconut oil and then apply to your hair from roots to tips.
This is like a deep conditioning treatment so you’ll only want to do this on freshly washed hair. I like to then put a hair cap or towel over and let it soak in for a few hours so my hair can really absorb all the nutrients. You then simply rinse.
Aloe vera gel is a natural hair product you can also use which has all the same great properties as the juice, just in gel form.
Why Choose Lily Of The Desert Organic Aloe Vera Juice?
Lily of the Desert’s organic aloe vera juice is a well-known option.
This product is made with certified organic aloe vera leaves.
The company says its aloe is grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
It’s a solid choice if you want to try an aloe rinse for your hair.
Wonderful Things About This Aloe Vera Juice
Did you know that a lot of people think that aloe vera is some form of cactus? Not true! Aloe vera is actually a succulent.
Reviews list about 75 potentially active compounds in aloe, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars and amino acids.
Eating or drinking aloe is a different matter from using it on the skin, as we explain below.
Aloe Vera Juice as natural treatment for ulcer
Aloe vera has been used as a folk remedy for centuries, and some people drink aloe vera juice for ulcers or other stomach complaints.
The benefits of aloe vera have become more widely known. Drinking aloe is a different story from using it on your skin, though.
Oral aloe has real risks. The FDA had aloe latex removed from over-the-counter laxatives because of a lack of safety data, and a non-decolorized whole-leaf extract is classed as a possible human carcinogen after it caused gut cancers in rats and mice, according to the NIH.
You may read that aloe juice soothes stomach ulcers, even helping them to heal. Human evidence for that is thin. Ulcers need medical diagnosis and treatment, so see a doctor rather than treating one yourself.
Now, let me take you through some important things to consider when choosing an aloe vera drink.
What To Keep An Eye Out For When Buying Aloe Vera Juice?
Make sure you’re buying pure aloe vera juice
Many of the juices on the market today get mixed with other juices or ingredients. These ingredients and other additives should be obvious to the user so that you know exactly what they contain.
Aloe should also be the primary ingredient on the list and the key ingredient in the overall mixture.
Look for Organic Juices
Organic juices mean that the plants used to make the juice grow without the use of pesticides or any other chemicals. If producers grow the aloe using pesticides, they will inevitably make it into your juice.
If you do drink aloe, choose a decolorized product, which has most of the latex removed.
You Don’t Need Anything Else in Your Juice
Your juice will and most probably should contain some kind of natural preservative. The important thing here is that it really is natural. Other than that, organic juices shouldn’t contain any additional chemicals or preservatives, sweeteners, or enhancers.
Read the label and check the serving size before you buy.
George’s Aloe Vera Drink – 32 Ounce
George’s Aloe Vera Drink 32 Ounce is a popular aloe drink. The maker says it has been fractionally distilled from the aloe vera leaf itself, and tastes just like fresh spring water.
Derived from the scientifically selected Aloe Barbadensis Miller, George’s are able to process this plant using their unique method, which is a trade secret. They take out anything they don’t want in their juice.
The Aloe Barbadensis Miller variety is concentrated to produce what is known as George’s “Always Active” Aloe.
This formula creates a juice that leaves no unpleasant, bitter taste in your mouth.
The label says it contains no preservatives or additives. It is not a proven treatment for ulcers, irritable bowel, constipation or acid reflux, so talk to your doctor about those symptoms.
Safety First
Follow the label and talk to your doctor before drinking aloe, especially if you take diabetes medicine, digoxin or any other prescription medicine.
Oral aloe may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Don’t give aloe drinks to children unless their doctor says so.
Features
- checkFractionally distilled liquid from aloe vera plants
- checkNot bitter
- checkNo unpleasant taste
- checkNo preservatives or additives
The Cons
There are some customers that have used this product to no avail. Of the reviews that I’ve seen of this product, there are only a handful of unsatisfied users, some saying that the product simply did nothing for them.
Others claim that this product caused them stomach pain and unpleasant abdominal sensations. Although these claims cannot be taken lightly, most buyers report no problems. Stop drinking it if you get cramps or diarrhea.
Does Aloe Vera Juice Help With Weight Loss?
Not in any reliable way. One small study found a modest drop in weight and body fat in adults with overweight who also had diabetes or prediabetes, but that is far from proof.
Much of the “weight loss” people notice comes from aloe latex acting as a laxative. That means water loss and a risk of cramps and diarrhea, not fat loss.
Oral aloe may also lower blood sugar. If you take diabetes medicine, that could push your blood sugar too low, so check with your doctor first.
People with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or other bowel conditions should avoid aloe drinks. Liver injury has also been reported with oral aloe leaf extracts.
If you still want to try an aloe drink as a beverage, here are a few popular options.
ALO Aloe Vera Juice Drink
ALO is a popular aloe vera drink brand known for its flavors.
Flavors include one sweetened with honey, so check the sugar content on the label.
There’s also lemon and pink grapefruit, mango, pomegranate and cranberry, and watermelon and peach.
The flavors are natural and there are no artificial ingredients added at all.
ALO aim to make sure that you’re getting the benefits of aloe vera whilst still enjoying the flavour. The drinks have small aloe vera chunks, something many enjoy for the added aloe vera benefits!
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Supplement
Lily of the Dessert supply whole leaf juice and gels. Their aloe vera supplement uses 100% certified organic aloe vera grown in the Rio Grandee Valley in Texas.
This juice is pure aloe vera, no sugars or sweeteners. Most people like to take a tablespoon mixed with water or iced tea due to the bitter taste without sweeteners, but you know you are getting only aloe vera and no unnecessary extras, which some prefer over the flavored drinks.
If you have a digestive condition, talk to your doctor before trying it.
George’s Aloe Vera Supplement
George’s is another popular natural aloe vera supplement on the market. If you really love your aloe vera juice, you can get a whole gallon of George’s (good for 64 servings at 2 ounces each)!
Their aloe vera juice is fractionally distilled liquid from aloe vera leaves.
There are no preservatives or other unnecessary ingredients.
Reviews are positive, but claims about digestion, joint pain or kidney health are not backed by good evidence.
It also has no bitter taste. In fact, many have said it’s just like drinking water.
What Are Other Uses For Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera gel can soothe a dry, itchy scalp.
Just as it moisturizes your skin, it does the same with your hair and scalp.
Regular application to your locks will leave them shiny and hydrated, without any of the nasty residue that most other products leave behind.
Researchers have also looked at aloe for oral and digestive health, with one study indicating that it can be used as a mouthwash to effectively reduce plaque, and a study in rats suggesting that it can help relieve constipation.
Even so, aloe latex is no longer allowed in over-the-counter laxatives in the U.S., so don’t use aloe for constipation. Aloe is best kept as a skin care product.
Aloe Vera Soap Recipe
Making your own soap is simple and has more benefits than you might think! It helps you to not only save money on buying soap, but means you can control exactly what’s going in what you and your family are applying to your bodies.
In this article, we’ll tell you our recipe for one of the most beneficial soaps you can make, an aloe vera soap recipe.
What Are Some Aloe Vera Soap Benefits?
Aloe Vera has many benefits that will make you want to use it on your skin. For one, it helps hydrate dry skin. It also has a cooling, soothing feel.
Aloe vera has been used as a skin treatment for millennia, with Alexander the Great reportedly acquiring Madasgascar so he could use the aloe vera found there to treat the wounds of soldiers injured in battle.
That story is legend rather than history. Overall, an aloe vera soap is a gentle way to repair your skin from dryness.
What Do You Need To Make This Soap?
Most of what you need to make this soap is easy to find, but lye needs careful handling. You can find most of the ingredients in your local store or a through doing simple search online and some may already be in your kitchen. The ingredient list for this recipe is as follows:
- Aloe Plant (for the pulp)
- 3 carrier oils (whichever oils you want but we suggest coconut, olive, and almond oil)
- Water
- Lye
- You can also add coloring if you’d like, but it isn’t necessary
What Sort Of Appliances & Equipment Do You Need To Make This Soap?
One of the most convenient things about making your own soap is that it doesn’t take much that you don’t already have. Any appliances or equipment you would need can all be found or made right in your kitchen!
You will need to use either a microwave oven or oven to heat the soap and a mold to shape it, which can be made from almost anything you have lying around, from boxes to yogurt containers. You will also briefly need a blender as well. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is caustic and can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes, so wear gloves and safety goggles and keep children and pets away.
How Do You Make This Soap?
Soapmaking with lye only works safely when every ingredient is weighed precisely, so use a tested recipe from an experienced soapmaker and run it through a lye calculator.
Always add lye to the liquid, never the other way around, work in a well-ventilated area, and never heat lye in a microwave.
You can replace part of the water in a tested recipe with blended fresh aloe gel. Let the finished bars cure for about four weeks before use.
With a tested recipe and careful handling, an Aloe Vera soap is a fun project that gives you a gentle bar for your family. With the control that this recipe gives you, you can add extra essential oils depending on your family’s needs.
Aloe Vera Shampoo and uses
Many shampoos out there today are very harsh and contain a lot of added chemicals.
Have you ever considered using a herbal based aloe vera shampoo?
Aloe vera leaves are very rich in polysaccharides which help the skin’s re-growth and healing, reducing inflammation in the process.
Aloe has shown antifungal and antibacterial activity in lab studies. A gentle aloe shampoo may soothe an itchy scalp, but results vary.
Dandruff is linked to a yeast that lives on the scalp and feeds on its oils, which can irritate your scalp and cause dandruff. Aloe vera shampoo cleanses the scalp of excess oil and helps remove flakes. For stubborn dandruff, a medicated shampoo works better.
Many people also find that aloe shampoos leave their hair soft and shiny.
Carapex Moisturizing Aloe Vera Shampoo
This shampoo aims to add shine and softness to dry hair.
Carapex shampoo has a high content of vitamin E, chamomile extract and vegetable glycerin. These ingredients help moisturize hair and scalp.
I love the fact that the natural aloe in this shampoo helps to calm irritation and dry flakiness.
Best of all, this shampoo is unscented, paraben-free, and contains no harsh artificial dyes or chemicals. This shampoo will also not weigh your hair down.
It’ll add the necessary moisture but there won’t be any waxy buildup or film left over after washing.
It also helps rinse away buildup from hairspray and other styling products.
More Interesting Points On Aloe Vera
Aloe is often marketed for hair loss, but there is no good evidence that an aloe shampoo stops hair from falling out or regrows it.
A gentle shampoo can keep your scalp clean and comfortable. If you are losing more hair than usual, see a doctor or dermatologist, because thyroid problems, low iron and other treatable causes are common.
If you like natural products, an aloe vera shampoo is a pleasant everyday choice, just not a hair loss treatment.
Aloe Vera For Cuts & Scrapes
What Makes A Good Aloe Vera For Cuts & Scrapes?
Aloe vera may help soothe the irritation of minor burns, cuts and scrapes. This is because it contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides. These have anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects respectively.
When your skin is recovering from a cut or scrape you’re likely to experience dryness and itchiness as it heals. Aloe’s moisturizing feel can make healing skin more comfortable. Studies on whether it speeds wound healing are mixed, and some found no benefit.
Aloe vera also has six antiseptic agents which have shown activity against viruses, bacteria and fungi in lab studies.
Aloe vera is only for minor surface scrapes. Clean the wound with water first, and get medical care for deep or large wounds, animal bites, burns that blister over a large area, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth or pus.
If you have access to an aloe vera plant, you can cut a leaf open and apply the natural gel directly to the area in need. However, this method isn’t always feasible, so you can buy an aloe vera gel to keep in your first aid kit.
Remember to keep the following factors in mind:
Ingredients
The less artificial and synthetic ingredients, the better. Alcohol, or ethanol, is one that should be avoided to minimize the stinging sensation when applying the gel.
Aloe vera should be the main ingredient to ensure that you’re buying a product with a high concentration.
Texture
You don’t want an aloe vera gel that leaves a sticky residue on your skin. Look for one that’s quickly absorbed. A gel that is too watery will also be hard to apply, so ensure it’s the right consistency.
Cutting Your Own Aloe?
If you’ve decided to grow your own aloe plants, you’ll want to know how to properly cut the aloe for maximum benefits.
First, slice off all the prickly sides of the leaf.
Then, with the convex side of the leaf upright, use a vegetable peeler to trim off the outer layer.
Slide your knife under the gel and gently remove it from the other side of your leaf.
Rinse the gel to remove any yellow latex, which can irritate skin. Dice up the gel into small pieces.
If you aren’t going to use all of it at once, you can refrigerate the leftovers.
Just be sure to use them within a week.
Conclusion
Whatever your reason is for wanting to use the best aloe vera gel in your life, a pure, alcohol-free gel from the list above is a good place to start for soothing minor burns and dry skin.
Keep aloe on the outside of your body, patch-test new products, and see a doctor for any skin, hair or digestive problem that doesn’t improve.
Sources
- Aloe Vera: Usefulness and Safety, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Aloe Vera: A Short Review, Indian Journal of Dermatology (via PubMed Central)
