Aloe vera gel: simple uses for skin and hair

Aloe vera gel has a light texture and leaves a fresh feel. Here is what research really says about it, six simple uses and the precautions to know.

What aloe gel is

The aloe leaf (Aloe barbadensis) holds two very different things (PubMed abstract):

• In the centre, the gel, clear and used in cosmetics. It is about 99.5% water (full text).
• Under the skin of the leaf, a yellow, bitter latex that irritates the digestive system. This is not what you apply.

The gel is fragile: exposed to air, it oxidises and breaks down quickly.

What research says

• Hydration: in a small study (20 women), a cream containing 0.1 to 0.5% aloe extract increased hydration of the skin's surface layer compared with the same cream without aloe (PubMed abstract). That was an extract in a cream, not a gel, so the result does not carry over directly.
• Tolerance: on the skin, aloe is generally well tolerated, with occasional cases of burning, itching or eczema (NCCIH).

Everything else is common cosmetic practice.

Why it is not for drinking

You will find advice online about drinking aloe gel. Our gel is a cosmetic product: it is not for drinking. Taken by mouth, aloe latex causes cramps and diarrhoea. Liver problems have been reported with aloe leaf extracts taken orally, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies whole-leaf aloe extract as a possible carcinogen (NCCIH).

Six simple uses

1. Face and body: a thin layer morning and evening, on clean skin.
2. After sun: a thin layer for a cooling feel, on undamaged skin. It is not sun protection: always use sunscreen. Not on sunburn with blisters.
3. After shaving: a thin layer, for freshness.
4. Under an oil: gel first, then 2 drops of jojoba oil on the face.
5. Curls: a little gel on wet hair helps define curls and smooth frizz. See our curly hair routine.
6. Pre-wash mask: mixed with a little plant oil or shea butter.

Step by step

Aloe and shea hair mask

How often

Before washing, as needed

You will need

• 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
• A little melted shea butter, or a few drops of jojoba oil

Steps

1. Mix in the palm of your hand, just before use.
2. Apply to your lengths before shampooing.
3. Leave on, then wash and condition.

A thin layer is always enough: too much gel leaves a sticky film.

Who it suits (common practice): all skin types, especially normal to combination skin looking for a light texture. For hair: curly and coily hair for definition, and every hair type as a pre-wash mask.

Storing gel in a warm climate

• Scoop it out with a clean spatula, never your fingers, and close the jar straight away.
• Keep the jar tightly closed, away from heat and light.
• The gel oxidises and turns brown in air: stop using it if its smell, colour or texture changes.
• In very hot weather, some people keep the jar somewhere cool for an extra-fresh feel (common practice). Follow the storage instructions on the label first.

Precautions

Oily or combination skin? Read our guide to oils and oily skin.