Aloe Vera Gel

INCI: Aqua, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Glycerine, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Sodium hydroxide, Benzyl alcohol

Aloe gel is used in ointments and creams for healing wounds, burns, eczema and psoriasis, and is a common ingredient in cosmetic products. It binds water in lotions and sunscreen gels, shaving creams, lip balms, nourishing creams and facial cosmetics.

Aloe gel accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. It works by superficially protecting the wound with its mucilage while simultaneously allowing air circulation. The gel keeps the damaged skin moist, while the substances in the gel soothe inflammation. Aloe gel is also said to produce a so-called emollient effect — protecting the wound from external irritants.

Studies with aloe gel have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against the most common bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Aloe gel is thought to prevent wound infections and thus enable faster healing.

Today, the greatest amount of aloe gel is used in cosmetics. Research has shown that the use of aloe extract in creams increases the amount of soluble collagen in the skin. This likely involves stimulation of fibroblasts, which under the influence of certain substances from aloe gel produce more collagen. It is believed that this effect may slow down skin ageing. The skin is composed of an outer layer, a thicker layer of dermis (corium) and consists mostly of collagen. This is arranged in bundles of fibres and, together with elastic fibres, gives the skin its elastic suppleness. Collagen in the skin is produced by specialised cells called fibroblasts. With ageing, both elastic and collagen fibres are lost from the skin, causing it to thin and become wrinkled.

Aloe for hair:

Aloe vera contains an enzyme that stimulates the growth of new hair. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it beneficial for androgenic alopecia or baldness. Caribbean natives and Indigenous peoples have used it for centuries to strengthen hair. Aloe vera also treats already damaged hair by balancing the pH of the hair.
One of the main effects of aloe vera is also that it treats seborrhoea. This is an increased and pathologically altered secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands. When sebum and dirt mix on your scalp, scales form that prevent the hair from being properly nourished. Severe seborrhoea can also lead to hair loss.

For optimal results, you will need to be very persistent and apply aloe vera gel twice daily for several months, while for hair strengthening three applications per week are sufficient.

The gel contains B complex vitamins, vitamin C, carotene and folic acid or vitamin B9. It contains mild preservatives without parabens, so the product will keep under normal storage conditions (in a dry, cool and dark place) for two or three years as well.

The gel is completely colourless and odourless so you can scent it with your chosen essential oil (3–7 drops per 100 g of gel), or you can also colour it with water-soluble cosmetic or food dyes (approx. 1–5 drops per 100 g of gel). The consistency of the product is a medium-firm gel.

Aloe Vera ointment for cooling feverish skin after sun exposure:

Aloe Vera and lavender provide immediate relief to damaged skin and also shorten healing time, while peppermint effectively cools and refreshes it.

120 g Aloe Vera gel
15 drops Essential Oil Lavender
5 drops Essential Oil Peppermint
10 drops Vitamin E

Mix all ingredients well and store in a suitable clean jar. Apply to skin as needed and as frequently as you wish. For an enhanced cooling effect, store the ointment in the refrigerator.