Aloe vera gel, often touted as a natural remedy for soothing sunburned skin, offers a multitude of benefits beyond its cooling properties. This versatile ingredient can be incorporated into various products for both skincare and haircare, providing hydration, treating acne and scars, conditioning locks, and even aiding digestion in some forms. Today’s diverse array of aloe vera gel products makes it possible to harness these advantages without the need to harvest the succulent plant itself.
These gel-based formulations can be applied directly to the skin or blended into DIY recipes available online. To simplify the process of finding an excellent aloe vera product, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite products. As you explore this guide, discover the multitude of uses for aloe vera gel and more.
What to Look for in Aloe Vera Gel
When it comes to purchasing aloe vera gel, it’s easy to overlook the importance of quality control. However, taking the time to inspect certain features can make all the difference in ensuring you’re getting a product that meets your expectations.
Labeling
When shopping for aloe vera gels, it’s essential to scrutinize the label to avoid purchasing subpar products. Be wary of labels that claim ‘100 percent gel’ or similar phrases, as these are often misleading. Instead, opt for products labeled as ‘pure aloe vera.’ While it’s unrealistic to expect 100% aloe vera due to the need for stabilizers and preservatives, products with higher percentages tend to be more potent.
With this in mind, let’s dive straight into our list of the top 10 aloe vera gels on the market.
Top 10 Best Aloe Vera Gels 2024
Best Overall Gel: Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel
We’re big fans of Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel due to its powerful and quick-absorbing formula. The editor’s top pick is its ability to provide maximum benefits with a straightforward application process. The gel dries quickly, making it easy to fit into your morning or evening skincare routine without any sticky residue left behind. The non-greasy texture also means you won’t be dealing with an unpleasant film on your skin after use.
As you start using this product, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the hydration and softness of your skin. The aloe vera used is particularly potent and has been thoroughly purified and filtered to meet food-grade standards (although we wouldn’t recommend eating it!). While its natural ingredients may result in a gritty texture that some might find unappealing, this characteristic, combined with the product’s potency, makes it less suitable for those with sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for a gentler option for easily irritated skin, our recommendation is NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel instead.
Best Premium Gel: PURA D’OR Organic Aloe Vera Gel
PURA D’OR’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel stands out with its soothing blend of organic ingredients and a calming lavender fragrance. This product is a great choice for those who prefer light, non-overpowering scents. Its versatility makes it an excellent aftershave option for both men and women, providing a cooling sensation without lingering too long.
One of the standout features of this gel is its commitment to using only USDA-certified organic ingredients, making it an attractive option for those seeking natural products. Additionally, vitamin E has been blended into the formula, further enhancing its nourishing properties for skin and hair. While this product excels in many ways, it’s not recommended for use on burns or sensitive skin due to the potential irritation caused by the added lavender essential oil.
For a more effective sunburn treatment, consider alternatives like First Botany Cosmeceuticals Aloe Vera Gel. The pros of this gel include its calming scent, USDA certification, and added vitamin E, while the cons are its limited suitability for use on burns.
Best Budget Gel: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel
We’re big fans of Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel, and here’s why. For starters, it’s incredibly affordable and comes in a generous-sized bottle that won’t break the bank. The gel itself has a non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue behind. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to soothe their skin without worrying about it feeling sticky or greasy.
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to provide relief from irritated skin caused by bug bites, burns, or cuts. The addition of tea tree oil helps to reduce inflammation and combat bacterial infections, while the aloe vera works to cool and hydrate the affected area.
However, it’s worth noting that this product does contain some artificial dyes. While they’re not necessarily harmful, they may be too harsh or drying for those planning to use the gel on their face or hair.
If you’re looking for an alternative, we recommend checking out Amara Beauty Aloe Vera Gel, which is free from artificial coloring. All in all, Sun Bum’s Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel is a great option for anyone seeking affordable relief from skin irritation, despite its minor drawbacks.
Best Gel for Face: Nature Republic Soothing & Moisture Aloe Vera
Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera gel is a standout product that delivers instant hydration to the skin. Its smooth and luxurious texture glides effortlessly onto the face, absorbing quickly without leaving any residue. The formula is perfect for blending into homemade face masks or applying under the eyes for an afternoon pick-me-up. While it may not be suitable for those with sensitive noses due to its strong fragrance, the benefits of this product far outweigh the drawbacks.
In fact, its instant hydrating properties make it a great choice for anyone looking to quench their skin’s thirst. And if you’re in the market for more super-hydrating products, KP Cure’s Aloe Vera Gel is definitely worth considering.
Best Gel for Sensitive Skin: NaturSense Organic Aloe Vera Gel
NatureSense’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel stands out as an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin. The product boasts a fragrance-free formula, making it a great option for individuals who prefer minimal scents or no scents at all. With 99.75% organic aloe vera juice, the gel is incredibly pure and non-irritating, providing a gentle and soothing experience. One of its unique features is the absence of chemical thickeners in the formula.
While this may lead to a slightly waterier consistency compared to other products on the market, it’s worth noting that some users might find this refreshing and easier to apply. However, this characteristic also means that it can be challenging to use in DIY recipes due to its tendency to drip off skin easily. Despite these minor drawbacks, NatureSense’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel is an excellent choice for those seeking a fragrance-free and chemical-free option for their sensitive skin needs.
Best Gel for Hair: Amara Beauty Aloe Vera Gel
For those seeking the numerous benefits of aloe vera gel for their locks, Amara Beauty’s offering is an excellent choice. The gentle formula not only calms itchy and dry scalps but also conditions hair, making it an ideal component to blend into any DIY hair mask recipe. One of its standout features is the absence of harsh preservatives, parabens, or dyes, which ensures that the product won’t disrupt your hair’s natural moisture balance.
Furthermore, the company behind this product stands by its quality with a 100 percent money-back guarantee, allowing you to shop with confidence. That being said, it’s essential to note that the gel may undergo color changes upon arrival, although these variations are normal for a natural product. If color consistency is crucial, you might want to explore alternative options like Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel.
Overall, Amara Beauty’s Aloe Vera Gel excels in soothing scalp irritations and providing a nurturing environment for your hair.
Best Gel for Body: Honeyskin Organic Aloe Vera Gel
The Honeyskin Organic Aloe Vera Gel is a standout product that combines the power of manuka honey with plant stem cells to deliver exceptional skin healing benefits. The inclusion of manuka honey, in particular, allows for intense repair and rejuvenation of the skin. By balancing the skin’s pH, it helps to clear acne and other imperfections, while also promoting collagen production and improving overall skin appearance.
This makes it an excellent choice for anyone dealing with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The gel is versatile enough to be used all over the body, making it easy to target specific areas that need attention. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
While there are some drawbacks to this product – including a smaller bottle size and relatively limited hydrating capabilities compared to other options on the market – the benefits far outweigh the cons for many users.
Best Gel for DIY Recipes: Green Leaf Naturals Aloe Vera Gel
Green Leaf Naturals’ Aloe Vera Gel stands out for its exceptional blendability and purity. The cold-pressed and charcoal-filtered formula ensures maximum potency, making it an ideal choice for DIY recipes. Its unique properties leave a pleasant cooling effect on the skin, perfect for evening out and improving tone. With no added fragrances or stabilizers to compromise your creations, this gel is a great base for homemade skin and hair care products.
While its natural aroma may not appeal to everyone, offering a subtle earthy scent that can be overpowering for some, it’s still an excellent option for those seeking a potent and pure aloe vera gel. Its pros include seamless blending into recipes, high-quality purity, a refreshing cooling effect on the skin, and suitability for use in DIY projects. However, its con is the unpleasant odor that may not suit everyone.
Best Gel for Sun Care: First Botany Cosmeceuticals Aloe Vera Gel
We’re fans of First Botany Cosmeceuticals’ Aloe Vera Gel because it’s a well-rounded product that effectively soothes sunburns. The gel combines tea tree oil and plant extracts to swiftly eliminate itching and discomfort associated with burns caused by spending too much time in the sun. What sets this formula apart is its lightweight texture, which absorbs easily into the skin without leaving any sticky residue behind.
This makes it an excellent choice for sun care, as it doesn’t require excessive rubbing that could exacerbate the burn. While tea tree oil is a valuable ingredient in many products, we caution against using this gel on your hair, as it may strip your locks of their natural moisture and leave them feeling dry and brittle.
Additionally, individuals with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions should exercise extra caution when using this product, as the tea tree oil could further irritate their skin, leading to redness, itching, or even a rash. For these individuals, we recommend exploring alternative options, such as Honeyskin Organic Aloe Vera Gel.
Best Gel for Dry Skin: KP Cure Aloe Vera Gel
KP Cure’s Aloe Vera Gel stands out as a top choice for anyone struggling with dry or damaged skin. The formula delivers a precisely calibrated dose of hydration, making it an excellent solution for parched complexions. Additionally, the presence of chamomile extract enables it to effectively calm and soothe skin that has been compromised, resulting in a silky smooth finish.
Furthermore, the incorporation of eucalyptus oil adds a potent anti-inflammatory property, rendering this product an attractive option for those battling acne. The gel’s consistency is also noteworthy, as it strikes a perfect balance between being non-greasy and easily spreadable. While some may be deterred by the presence of artificial fragrance and dyes, fans of natural ingredients can explore alternative options like Amara Beauty’s dye- and preservative-free formula.
Your Full Guide to Aloe Vera Gel
Discover the wonders of aloe vera gel by exploring our comprehensive guide, where you’ll uncover the impressive benefits it can bring to both you and your skin.
What Can You Use Aloe Vera Gel For?
Aloe vera gel boasts a multitude of benefits that can be attributed to its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. When applied topically to the skin, it can effectively treat acne by reducing redness, shrinking pimples, and gently fading scars. Its moisturizing qualities make it an excellent remedy for hydrating and soothing all skin types.
Moreover, aloe vera gel has been found to be beneficial in managing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis by calming itchiness and preventing flaking. Perhaps its most well-known benefit is its ability to provide after-sun care, cooling and healing skin that has been overexposed to the sun, while also accelerating the recovery process of sunburns and preventing peeling.
Additionally, consistent use of aloe vera gel can lead to skin brightening and hyperpigmentation spot reduction due to its rich vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and moisturizing profile. Furthermore, aloe vera gel possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal cuts and burns, as well as condition hair when used in a mask or applied directly, leaving it soft, shiny, and strengthened.
Aloe Vera for Digestion
When used correctly, aloe vera can provide digestive relief. Its cooling and soothing properties create a protective coating on the esophagus and stomach, helping to prevent heartburn and alleviate intestinal irritation. However, it’s crucial to note that aloe vera gel is not safe for consumption. Instead, opt for a food-grade juice or powdered form of aloe vera to reap these benefits.
How to Use Aloe Vera Gel
Integrating aloe vera gel into your daily routine is easier than you think. To get started, simply follow these straightforward steps.
In the realm of skincare, begin by cleansing and toning your face in the morning or evening (or both!), then take a small amount of aloe vera gel and gently massage it onto your skin using circular motions. This allows for thorough absorption into the skin. You can subsequently follow up with the rest of your regular skincare routine.
Alternatively, you can apply a cotton pad with aloe vera gel and use it to dab the treatment onto specific areas of skin.
Moving on to haircare, start by placing a quarter-sized amount of aloe vera gel in your palm. Adjust as needed based on hair thickness. Apply the gel directly to your scalp, making sure to massage it around your roots thoroughly. Allow the gel to sit for approximately an hour before showering and washing with shampoo and conditioner.
The aloe vera gel can be applied to either wet or dry hair, but be sure to wash it off after an hour to prevent over-drying or scalp irritation.
Can You Use Aloe Vera Gel Daily?
While aloe vera gel can be a valuable addition to your daily skincare routine, its benefits extend beyond just hydration and appearance. Using the gel twice a day can have a profound impact on skin health, making it an essential tool for those looking to treat acne or other skin conditions. On the other hand, when it comes to hair care, caution is advised.
Aloe vera’s deep-cleaning properties make it better suited for occasional use – 2-3 times a week at most – to prevent stripping your locks of their natural oils, which can be especially problematic for those with dry hair.
How Much Aloe Vera Gel Should You Use?
The amount of aloe vera gel you require depends on the specific application. A small quantity, typically applied to fingertips, is usually sufficient for covering the face. When applying, aim for a thin layer that absorbs easily into the skin without leaving any residue behind. Be cautious not to overapply, as this can result in an unpleasant greasy feel or stubborn gel residue that refuses to absorb.
Ensuring Your Aloe Vera Gel Is Pure
When shopping for aloe vera gel, there are several red flags to watch out for that can help you identify whether your product is authentic or not. One key indicator is the color – high-quality aloe vera should be crystal clear, with no signs of artificial coloring or additives. While some products may have a slightly hazy appearance due to the presence of essential oils, a greenish tint is a definite warning sign. Another crucial factor to consider is the ingredient list.
A genuine aloe vera gel should have aloe vera listed as its primary component – water or an alcohol shouldn’t be the leading ingredient. However, if you find a product that prioritizes water over aloe vera, it’s still worth considering as long as aloe vera makes up at least the top three ingredients. Anything less and you may not receive the full benefits of this versatile natural remedy.
How to Use a Real Aloe Vera Plant
To unlock the benefits of aloe vera gel from a real plant, follow this step-by-step guide. First, prepare your workspace by placing the aloe leaf on a clean cutting board and donning gloves if desired. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the serrated edges from each side of the plant to expose the interior gel. Starting at the bottom of the leaf, slice up towards the top while keeping the knife as close to the skin as possible to avoid damaging the gel.
Once you’ve removed the top layer of skin, trim away any yellowish or skin-covered areas to reveal the clear pulp inside. Next, use a spoon to scoop out the gel and transfer it to a bowl for immediate use. If you’re working with a homegrown plant, remember to allow the aloin (a potentially toxic, yellow substance) to drain from the leaf before proceeding. This step is crucial for ensuring your safety.
Finally, consider where to source an aloe vera plant – options include purchasing individual leaves at local stores or markets, or growing your own plant at home.
DIY Aloe Vera Gel Recipes
Aloe vera gel is an incredibly versatile ingredient, perfect for infusing your DIY projects and home spa routines with natural goodness. Here are some ideas to get you started:When it comes to skincare, aloe vera gel excels at hydrating and brightening the skin, while also providing a soothing effect for tired eyes. For added relief from skin irritations, burns, or itches, combine your gel with honey or aloe cider vinegar.
You can find plenty of face mask recipes tailored to specific skin concerns on this list. To take your spa day to the next level, consider refrigerating your face mask mixture for 30 minutes before application. This will allow you to fully relax and unwind. Just remember to remove any aloe vera gel from your face after no more than 20 minutes to avoid irritation. Beyond skincare, aloe vera gel also makes an excellent base for homemade hand sanitizers.
Simply mix it with rubbing alcohol (65% ratio) and essential oils (optional) in a blender until well combined. This concoction is perfect for keeping hands clean on-the-go. Aloe vera gel also shines as a natural hair treatment. By combining it with ingredients like coconut oil or yogurt, you can target specific hair concerns such as dryness or dandruff. Check out these aloe vera hair mask recipes for inspiration.
Storing Your Aloe Vera Gel
When it comes to storing your aloe vera gel, whether you’re using a store-bought or homemade product, proper storage is crucial for maintaining its potency and shelf life. If you’ve opted for a pre-made gel, it’s essential to keep it in a cool, dark, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity. Under these conditions, the gel can remain viable for 2-3 years. If you’re working with fresh, homemade aloe vera gel, the fridge is your best bet.
The cooler temperature will help slow down any degradation of the gel, allowing it to stay fresh for up to two weeks. To ensure optimal storage, be sure to wrap your gel tightly in an oxygen-proof bag or bowl before placing it in the refrigerator. While freezing is another option for preserving aloe vera gel, it’s not necessarily recommended as the defrosting process can cause the gel to become watery and lose some of its beneficial properties.
Side Effects of Aloe Vera Gel
While rare, side effects from using aloe vera gel are still important to be aware of. Topical application can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. If you experience intense itchiness, a rash, or hives while using the product, discontinue use immediately. Additionally, it’s crucial to exercise caution when applying aloe vera gel to severe burns or post-surgical sites, as this could increase the risk of infection.
Before incorporating aloe vera gel into your routine, conduct a patch test on a small area of your forearm by applying the product and waiting 24 to 48 hours. If no adverse reaction occurs during this time, it is likely safe to use the gel on other areas of your body.
Enhance Your Self-Care Routine
Nature’s remedy for a multitude of skin and hair care conundrums lies in the extraordinary properties of aloe vera gel. When selecting a high-quality product, you can unlock its numerous benefits, including effectively moisturizing your skin, combatting acne, promoting wound healing, and imbuing your locks with a radiant sheen. By incorporating the ideal aloe vera gel into your daily self-care regimen, you’ll be poised to experience a transformative impact on your overall well-being.
