Aloe vera

Botanical1–10%

The clear inner-leaf gel of the aloe plant, used to hydrate, cool and refresh skin, especially after sun.

What it is

Aloe vera juice comes from the gel inside the leaves of Aloe barbadensis, purified and often concentrated. Its water-binding sugars help skin feel hydrated and cool, with a light, non-greasy finish. It is a familiar name in after-sun gels, body lotions, baby products and hair care.

Good for

Sun-exposed skinDry skinDehydrated skinSensitive skin

How it works

Aloe gel is almost entirely water plus polysaccharides such as acemannan, which hold water on the skin and leave a light, cooling film. It also carries small amounts of vitamins, amino acids and plant compounds that may calm the look of redness.

Ratings

Evidence

2/5

Mostly small or anecdotal studies, so clinical evidence is limited.

Gentleness

4/5

Gentle in decolourised inner-leaf grades, but aloin can irritate.

Formulation difficulty

2/5

Water-phase addition that needs cool-down and robust preservation.

Cost

2/5

Low to moderate, with organic and certified grades costing more.

Popularity

5/5

A highly recognised botanical in body, sun and baby care.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

None noted.

Formulations it suits

After-sun gel Gel Lotion Baby wash Shampoo Conditioner and hair mask Body wash

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	After-sun gels stay cosmetics if they claim to cool and moisturise; claims to treat or relieve sunburn or burns make them therapeutic goods that must be on the ARTG.
United States	California's Prop 65 lists non-decolorised whole-leaf aloe extract as a carcinogen, so use inner-leaf gel or decolorised juice to avoid cancer-warning labels on California sales.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

1–10%0525%

pH window

pH 4.5–6.52 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-soluble

Sensitive to

HeatLight

Creams and lotions use 1–10%, and after-sun gels can be mostly aloe. Levels assume single-strength juice, so 10× and 200× concentrates are diluted back.

INCI	Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Also known as	Aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera gel
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Water phase, added during cool-down.

Stability

Specify decolourised inner-leaf juice that meets the CIR aloin limit, and keep heating below 40 °C to protect the polysaccharides. Preserve robustly, as it is prone to microbial growth and browning.

Regulatory, Australia

Cosmetic ingredient in Australia (AICIS). CIR considers aloe ingredients safe when anthraquinones (aloin) are 50 ppm or less.

Claims to take care with

Cosmetic claims include 'hydrates' and 'cools and refreshes skin after sun', while 'soothes sunburn', 'treats burns' or 'repairs psoriasis patches' are therapeutic (TGA). A hero 'with aloe' claim should reflect real aloe content, which varies widely by supplier.