Aloe Vera
One of the oldest and most recognized soothing ingredients, used for millennia for burns, wounds, and skin irritation. Aloe vera gel contains over 75 active compounds including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It provides immediate cooling, hydration, and anti-inflammatory relief. The evidence is strongest for wound healing, sunburn recovery, and moisturization.
Concentration & Usage
Apply pure aloe vera gel or products containing high concentrations (>50% aloe). For sunburn: apply liberally and frequently. For daily use as a soothing moisturizer: apply after cleansing. Refrigerating aloe gel provides additional cooling relief.
Application
Topical (gel, cream, lotion). Pure inner leaf gel or standardized extracts. Apply to clean skin.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Acemannan (acetylated mannan polysaccharide) is the primary bioactive—it binds to macrophage mannose receptors and stimulates macrophage phagocytosis, cytokine release (IL-1, TNF-α), and fibroblast proliferation via growth factor induction, accelerating wound healing and granulation tissue formation. Acemannan also promotes keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Aloesin (a chromone) inhibits tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), providing mild brightening. Aloe-emodin has antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and antiviral effects. Salicylic acid naturally present in aloe inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX), providing mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The gel matrix forms a semi-occlusive film that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Aloe contains glucomannan, which acts as a humectant. Proteolytic enzymes (bradykinase) may contribute to anti-inflammatory activity. Use inner leaf gel to avoid anthraquinones in the latex that can cause irritation.
Ingredient Interactions
Both are anti-inflammatory and soothing. Excellent for sensitive, irritated, or post-procedure skin. No pH conflicts or interactions.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Also used as an OTC skin protectant and wound care product.
Risks & Safety
Common
May cause drying if used alone (aloe lacks occlusive properties, so moisture can evaporate).
Serious
None from topical use.
Rare
Allergic contact dermatitis (especially to compounds in the latex/outer leaf, not the inner gel). Oral aloe vera is a separate concern with laxative effects.
Compare Aloe Vera With
Research Papers
10Published: October 17, 2021
AI Summary
Adding A. vera to wound dressing has become an ideal way. This review will describe the process of skin injury and wound healing and analyze the role of A. vera in wound healing.
Published: April 1, 2025
AI Summary
As an emerging research direction, plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDNPs) show promise in combating aging. Aloe vera, known for its natural active ingredients that benefit the skin, aloe-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (ADNPs) have not yet been studied for their potential in delaying skin aging.
Published: January 22, 2019
AI Summary
Aloe vera is an herbaceous and perennial plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family and used for many medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to systematically review clinical trials regarding the effect of Aloe vera on the prevention and healing of skin wounds.
Published: March 12, 2020
AI Summary
In particular, new pharmacological data research has shown that most studies refer to anti-cancer action, skin and digestive protective activity, and antimicrobial properties. The promising results of these studies in basic research encourage a greater number of clinical trials to test the clinical application of Aloe vera and its main compounds...
Published: October 15, 2024
AI Summary
We also emphasize the recent progress in identifying the aloe metabolite biosynthesis pathways and the associated enzyme machinery. The hyperproliferation of Propionibacterium acnes causes acne, and acemannan plays a significant role in its cure.
Published: September 18, 2019
AI Summary
An antioxidant activity was shown for leaf's skin, flowers and gel of aloe. In this work the future of A. vera as effective antioxidants is primarily discussed and expected trends are summarised.
Published: June 1, 2024
AI Summary
This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of AV's bioactive compounds, pharmacological activities, potential applications, its toxic and adverse effects, as well as the clinical evidence supporting AV's efficacy in disease prevention.
Published: November 2, 2008
AI Summary
Aloe vera is a natural product that is now a day frequently used in the field of cosmetology. Though there are various indications for its use, controlled trials are needed to determine its real efficacy.
Published: July 12, 2018
AI Summary
Aloe vera has been used to treat wounds since ancient times. However, data regarding the efficacy of aloe vera for burns and split-thickness skin graft donor sites are inconclusive.
Published: March 8, 2017
AI Summary
These conditions can be serious enough to significantly impact on a patient's quality of life and may result in severe clinical complications (such as infection). An exploration for the potential use of aloe vera directly or indirectly (as an adjunct to medical devices such as wafers) in stoma patients is presented with the view that this use ma...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloe Vera used for?
One of the oldest and most recognized soothing ingredients, used for millennia for burns, wounds, and skin irritation. Aloe vera gel contains over 75 active compounds including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It provides immediate cooling, hydration, and anti-inflammatory relief. The evidence is strongest for wound healing, sunburn recovery, and moisturization.
What are the side effects of Aloe Vera?
Common: May cause drying if used alone (aloe lacks occlusive properties, so moisture can evaporate). Serious: None from topical use. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (especially to compounds in the latex/outer leaf, not the inner gel). Oral aloe vera is a separate concern with laxative effects.
How is Aloe Vera administered?
Aloe Vera is administered via topical (gel, cream, lotion). pure inner leaf gel or standardized extracts. apply to clean skin..
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