Aloe Vera Gel & Juice

DeNisha M.
Apr 18
5 min read

Meet the “plant of immortality,” as the Egyptians called it – aloe vera.

If you snap an aloe leaf, you’ll find a cool, soothing gel that’s instantly calming on the skin. From grandma’s sunburn remedy to the latest moisturizer, aloe vera gel has earned a permanent spot in the holistic wellness hall of fame.

It’s incredibly hydrating, gentle, and naturally packed with vitamins (like A, C, and E) and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Whether applied fresh from your houseplant or from a store-bought bottle, aloe vera gel is like a hug for angry skin.

Wellness Benefits

Soothes Burns and Irritated Skin:

Aloe vera gel is most famous as a quick-relief for minor burns – especially sunburns. The moment you smooth that cool gel on a burn, it gives an instant calming sensation.

Aloe contains compounds that fight inflammation and bacteria, helping burns heal faster with less redness, itching, and pain.

It even creates a protective layer to lock in moisture as the skin repairs. If you spent a bit too long at the beach or got splashed with hot oil in the kitchen, pure aloe gel can be your skin’s best friend.
Hydration Hero for Skin:

Aloe vera is 99% water and exceptionally rich in polysaccharides, which act like a natural humectant.

When applied to dry or sensitive skin, aloe gel sinks in without a greasy feel and helps hydrate the skin’s deeper layers.

It helps skin stay moist from within. Regular use can leave skin feeling plump and soft.

Some people even use aloe gel in place of a lighter moisturizer, to alleviate dry, itchy skin conditions like eczema.
Acne and Blemish Care:

Aloe vera can inhibit bacteria growth and has been noted to help regulate oily skin by reducing oil production triggered by high cortisol (stress hormone).

In practice, dabbing aloe gel on pimples can reduce redness and swelling. Its salicylic acid content and sulfur help gently exfoliate and unclog pores, while its hormones (gibberellins) promote wound healing – meaning that popped pimple might heal a bit faster with aloe’s help.
Scalp and Hair Health:
Aloe isn’t just for skin – your scalp loves it too. The gel’s enzymes can help remove dead skin cells, and its anti-inflammatory effects calm itchy scalp conditions.

In fact, research on seborrheic dermatitis (a common cause of dandruff) found that aloe vera significantly decreased scaliness and itchiness on the scalp . By balancing the scalp’s environment, aloe can indirectly promote healthier hair growth.

Many natural hair masks include aloe to boost shine and moisture. It acts as a light conditioner that leaves hair feeling soft, thanks to its high water content and nourishing vitamins.
Digestive Aid (when Ingested Carefully):

Internally, food-grade aloe vera gel (often taken as aloe juice) is used as a traditional digestive tonic.

It’s known to contain compounds (like aloin, found in the latex) that can have a laxative effect to relieve occasional constipation.

Some people drink small amounts of aloe juice to help with acid reflux or to generally “soothe” the gut lining.

Important: Pure aloe latex (the yellow sap) is a strong laxative and can be harsh; reputable aloe juices are usually decolorized to remove most latex due to safety concerns.

Always choose products labeled for internal use and follow dosing instructions.

Best Practices for Use

Skin Application:

Use aloe vera gel as a daily moisturizer or calming serum. You can take a fresh aloe leaf, slice it open, and scoop out the gel – or use store-bought 100% pure aloe gel (check that it’s free of added dyes or alcohol).

Apply a generous layer to clean skin on your face or body and let it absorb. It makes a fantastic after-sun lotion or post-shave soother.

For an extra cooling treat, keep your aloe gel in the fridge before using.

DIY Face Masks:

Mix aloe gel with other natural ingredients for a hydrating mask.

For example, combine 2 tablespoons of aloe gel with 1 teaspoon of raw honey and a splash of rosewater. Apply to your face for 15 minutes to quench dry skin and rinse off.

Aloe’s jelly-like consistency also makes it a great base for blending in a few drops of essential oils (like tea tree for acne) – ensuring they’re diluted and safe.
Scalp Treatment:

If your scalp is itchy or flaky, try an aloe vera scalp massage. Apply fresh aloe gel directly to your scalp, rub it in, and leave it for about 20 minutes before shampooing.

Aloe’s enzymes will help break down dead skin, and it feels incredibly refreshing (you can even mix in a couple drops of peppermint oil for a cooling sensation).

This is an easy remedy for dandruff and to reduce scalp inflammation naturally.
Hair Conditioner:

Use aloe vera gel as a lightweight, leave-in hair conditioner.

After washing, while hair is damp, smooth a small blob of aloe gel through your strands (avoid the roots if you’re prone to oiliness). It helps detangle and add shine.

You can also mix aloe gel with a bit of your regular conditioner for extra hydration, or with oils (like argan or jojoba) for a deeper conditioning mask.
Internal Use (Juice):

Only consume edible, prepared aloe vera juice – do not eat gel straight from the plant unless properly prepared, as the latex residue can cause cramps. Start with a small serving (2–4 ounces) of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach to see how your body reacts.

Some people drink it in the morning for regularity or mix it into smoothies. Ensure the product says “aloin-removed” or “decolorized” (indicating the laxative component is largely taken out). As with any supplement, moderation is key.

Cautions

Allergic Reactions:

Even though aloe is natural and generally very gentle, a few people can be allergic.

If you’ve never used it on your skin before, do a patch test by applying a bit of gel to your inner arm and waiting a day to see if any rash develops.

Also, if you have an allergy to plants in the lily family (garlic, onions, tulips), be extra cautious – there’s some cross-reactivity that could make an aloe allergy more likely.
Avoid Deep Wounds:

Aloe vera is great for minor cuts and burns, but you shouldn’t apply it to deep, open wounds or serious burns.

There’s a possibility it could impede deep healing or introduce bacteria in those cases.

Stick to superficial skin issues for aloe, and seek medical attention for serious wounds.
Internal Use Warnings:

Ingesting aloe latex (the bitter yellow sap) can cause cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances.

The FDA actually banned over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe latex due to safety concerns.

If you experience abdominal pain or diarrhea after drinking aloe juice, stop using it.
Pregnant women should not ingest aloe latex, as it could stimulate uterine contractions (risking miscarriage).

Breastfeeding moms should also avoid internal aloe due to unknown effects on infants.
Medication Interactions:

Aloe juice can potentially lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

If you’re on diabetes medications or antihypertensives, consuming aloe could add to those effects and drop your levels too low.

It might also interfere with how some medications are absorbed.

Always check with a healthcare provider if you plan to drink aloe vera juice regularly, especially if you take other meds.
Quality of Products:

Not all aloe gels and juices are created equal. Some commercial gels contain only a small percentage of real aloe (the rest might be water and fillers).

Look for products that list aloe vera as the first ingredient and that are free from unnecessary additives.

For juices, opt for those that are certified organic and processed to remove aloin.

As a rule of thumb, more natural is better – pure aloe vera gel will spoil, so if it’s shelf-stable for years, it probably has very little real aloe in it.
Storage:

Fresh aloe gel (straight from the plant) spoils quickly – within a day or two in the fridge.

Store-bought pure gel usually has preservatives to last longer; keep it in a cool place.

If it develops an off smell or color, toss it.

For aloe juice, refrigerate after opening and use within the recommended time (often 1 month).