Aloe vera is an incredibly popular ingredient primarily used in a gels and other moisturizers intended to soften and soothe the skin. Aloe is in countless skincare products, and with good reason. To better understand the advantages and uses, read on and learn everything you need to know about aloe vera gels.
Where Does It Come From?
Originally, Aloe vera came into popularity in the Arabian Peninsula but now also grows in the dry regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. As aloe vera is a succulent, it thrives in dry temperatures and grows primarily in arid deserts . Contrary to what one would think, aloe vera contains high levels of water because it grows in the desert. Any moisture that the plant is able to soak up is retained to ensure its survival in dry environments. Aloe’s naturally evolved water conservation response makes it a great hydrating ingredient for your skin. .
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant scientifically known as aloe barbadensis miller. The outside, known as the rind, is a vibrant green.. In between the rind and that iconic, translucent jelly center is the sap, also known as aloe latex, which is also an ingredient frequently used in skincare.
The inner gel is 99% water and contains amino acids, lipids, and vitamins. These fibers, fats, and acids are essential building blocks for our skin. For example, lipids are naturally found in the epidermis of the skin and act as a barrier to retain moisture and keep skin at its best in the sun. . Amino acids are also naturally present in the skin and help the skin to produce collagen. The more collagen and amino acids in your skin, the higher the cell turnover rate and levels of protein that are used to build cells.
The middle layer is made of latex, which is is an entirely natural rubberwhen extracted from the aloe vera plant. Aloe latex is a yellow, stretchy, and sticky sap, primarily composed of glycosides and anthraquinones, a simple sugar compound, and a potent laxative compound.
What’s the Science?
Aloe vera is very jelly-like naturally , but when the juice is extracted from the leaf, purified, and refined, it loses its jelly texture. However, when mixed with carbomer, a synthetic polymer, aloe can regain that thick jelly texture. But don’t let the words “synthetic polymer” scare you: carbomer has been documented as a zero-risk ingredient and has been used in cosmetics for over 50 years. This thickening agent is suitable for sensative skin, and makes the application of the gel much easier.
Because of their natural ability to conserve water, , aloe vera is a humectant. Humectants are a critical type of skin moisture, , as they draw water from the environment to your skin. .
In addition, aloe vera is a top-tier emollient, and can help skin feel moisturized and smooth.
It is important to note that aloe vera is not always enough to hydrate the skin on its own. You may need to pair aloe vera with another heavier emollient, like Sea Buckthorn Berry or Jojoba Oil.
Aloe vera contains many important nutrients that benefit the body, such as vitamins A, C, and E.
Aloe vera is also comprised of potent antioxidants, which can help guard your skin against environmental pollutants as well as the appearance of aging.
What Are the Uses?
There is a myriad of uses for aloe vera gel.They can be combined with menthol to create a refreshing and cooling sensation on the skin. Capsicum and camphor oil can also be combined with aloe vera to create a muscle gel that relaxes stressed and sore muscles. Aloe vera gel is a a wonderful product to pair with other products or ingredients that might cause skin dryness or irritation on their own.
Aloe vera gel can also be used in combination with petroleum jelly or another strong occlusive to make a hydrating overnight face mask. On social media, this technique is known as “slugging.” Because occlusives (like petroleum) themselves aren’t enough to hydrate the skin, adding an Aloe vera gel as a base can pull water from the skin while the thick layer of occlusive keeps it there. For those interested in trying this trend, we highly recommend using our castor jelly as a plant-based petroleum alternative.
Aloe vera gel is also a key ingredient in hair care products, like hair gel. Because of its natural vitamins, aloe vera is great at keeping your hair healthy and moisturized. Even better, styling gels made with aloe are less likely to cause the strands of your hair to crack or break. Aloe will also aid in sealing in moisture in the strands of your hair and on your scalp.
You may also have noticed a lot of hand sanitizer brands contain aloe vera as well. Because these sanitizers often contain alcohol (which can be drying to the skin in high amounts), aloe vera is added to keep your skin from feeling too dried out.
Intrigued? Essential Wholesale & Labs sells a variety of aloe gels. Shop now to find the perfect one for your beauty brand!
