Aloe Vera : the benefits

Used for thousands of years around the world, Aloe Vera is today one of the most popular ingredients in cosmetics. Soothing, hydrating, and versatile, it provides an ideal base for creating your own natural skincare products, suitable for many skin types.

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant native to hot and dry regions. Since antiquity, various cultures have used it for skin and body care as well as in traditional medicine (India, China, Japan, etc.). This traditional knowledge has endured over time, and Aloe Vera is now at the heart of many modern cosmetic formulations, as well as in food industry and certain pharmaceutical products.

Aloe Vera grows as long, thick leaves. Inside these leaves is a gel, composed of 90% water but enriched with numerous naturally occurring compounds. More than 75 biologically active molecules have been identified in Aloe Vera gel, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and salicylic acids.

This composition gives Aloe Vera gel and extracts medicinal and cosmetic properties that are supported by scientifically documented clinical evidence.

Although often called “gel”, the “juice” or extract used in cosmetics is simply the liquid obtained from this gel, retaining its bioactive compounds.

Hydrating: Helps compensate for water loss in the skin while providing essential vitamins and trace elements. Rich in polysaccharides (notably acemannan), it has hydrating, softening, and nourishing properties.

Regenerating: Particularly suitable for skin prone to redness, irritation, and itching. Its firming and regenerating effects make it a recognized ingredient for mature skin care: some of its active compounds are known to stimulate collagen synthesis, fibroblast growth, and hyaluronic acid production. Regular application of Aloe Vera products also improves skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and gives the skin a smoother, more refined texture.

Protective: Although highly penetrating, Aloe Vera gel forms a protective film on the skin’s surface, helping shield it from external aggressors such as wind, salt, sun, or pollution particles. It is also known to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and delay their formation on the face and hands.

Antimicrobial: Aloe Vera has recognized antimicrobial activity, making it particularly useful for acne-prone skin. Studies have shown that it inhibits the growth of bacteria involved in acne, such as Staphylococcus aureus, while also exhibiting antifungal and antiviral properties. These actions help limit microbial proliferation and assist in preventing skin imperfections.

Numerous studies also report other beneficial biological effects of Aloe Vera, including wound healing, modulation of inflammatory processes, antioxidant activity (thanks to vitamins A, B12, C, and E), as well as support in managing certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

Hydrating and protective: In serums, thanks to its small, easily absorbed molecules, Aloe Vera nourishes the hair shaft and follicles and improves elasticity. It also helps maintain hydration and protects hair from environmental aggressors such as sun and pollution.

Stimulant: Aloe Vera increases blood flow to the scalp, helps maintain healthy roots, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing irritations that can trigger hair loss.

Hair loss: Recent studies suggest that regular use of formulations containing Aloe Vera is promising in reducing hair shedding, particularly with concentrations of 5–10% over several weeks; however, these results still require further research for full confirmation.

Purifying: In shampoos, Aloe Vera extract removes impurities and excess sebum while providing natural hydration. Its proteolytic enzymes help eliminate dead skin cells that clog hair follicles, promoting better scalp circulation.

This unique combination of properties allows Aloe Vera to leave hair soft and silky, protect and hydrate it, while also helping to define curls with improved structure and bounce.

This juice/gel is used in cosmetics as:

• Water base
• Hydrating active
• Carrier for other actives (e.g., in serums)
• After-sun active or in sunscreen creams

For cosmetic use, the gel is carefully extracted to avoid the irritating parts of the leaf and to retain only the softest and most beneficial portion for the skin.

Sources :

• W. J. Martínez-Burgos et al., « Aloe vera : From ancient knowledge to the patent and innovation landscape – A review ».
• S. U. Nagrik, N. S. M et al, « Role of aloe vera in skincare : exploring its therapeutic benefits, formulations, and future innovations »
• S. Kumar et al, « Recent advances in therapeutic and biological activities of Aloe vera »
• R. E. Elnady et al, « The Future of Alopecia Treatment : Plant Extracts, Nanocarriers, and 3D Bioprinting in Focus »