The benefits of aloe vera for skin and hair

Aloe vera is acclaimed in cosmetics for its numerous aesthetic virtues. We tell you all about its effects and the best way to use it.

Updated article, published on November 28, 2021

Cultivated since ancient times for its medicinal and cosmetic virtues, theAloe Veraand more precisely its pulp, it is adored by the admirers of natural beauty who recognize a soothing, plumping and firming effect incomparable.

It is so popular that it even surpasses retinol and vitamin C in the number of Google queries, ranking # 1 in cosmetic ingredient searches in 2021. Not bad for a plant that only grows in arid and desert areas. !

The benefits of aloe vera gel for the skin

Aloe vera gel is a “Swiss army knife” product that has the particularity of being suitable for all skin types, but also of being able to respond to various skin problems such as dehydration and irritation.

Emilie Jolibois, Aroma-Zone’s head of ingredient research and development, explains to Madmoizelle:

” Aloe vera gel is mainly used for its moisturizing, soothing and restorative character. It is also highly valued by damaged skin because facilitates the regeneration of the epidermis.

Its cooling effect is very pleasant, especially after prolonged exposure to UV rays or a rather sharp razor stroke. “

Its non-greasy texture is its own anti-inflammatory properties they also make it an interesting product for suffering skinacne o excessive sebum production:

” Aloe vera gel soothes inflammation and repairs injuries. Like him naturally contains salicylic acidit is also credited with purifying properties. “

Due to its richness in polysaccharides, it also helps fight the signs of aging thanks to a tensor effect that smoothes fine lines and firms the epidermis. In short, if it passed the vacuum cleaner it would be really perfect!

The benefits of aloe vera for skin and hair — © Nati Melnychuk

Benefits of aloe vera gel for hair

The virtues of aloe vera gel are also very interesting hair and scalp care. According to the expert:

“ In addition to hydrating the lengths, aloe vera gel has a slight styling effect which helps shape curls and control frizz, especially in the presence of humidity. Obviously it doesn’t have the properties of a real fixing gel, but it gives a little hold to the hairstyle “.

And it’s not just the tips that benefit: thanks to its freshness and its undeniable soothing power, It is also very good for sensitive, itchy and / or punctured scalp.

How to integrate aloe vera into your beauty routine?

To incorporate aloe vera gel into her beauty routine, Emilie Jolibois recommends use it raw : ” it is the best way to enjoy all its benefits “.

For the face, you can use it instead of moisturizeralone or mixed with a few drops of vegetable oil (jojoba, argan etc.), or like a serum, before applying your regular care cream or oil. Applied in a thick layer to the face, it can also act as a moisturizing mask.

For the hair, you can warm a small amount of gel between your palms and spread it on dry or lightly towel-dried lengths before combing your hair. Guaranteed hydration and discipline!

If you want to soothe the scalp, you can apply aloe vera to the roots, pure or mixed with vegetable oils that are also soothing or regulating (neem, hemp, etc.).

If you prefer more conventional beauty products, you can opt for a cream, lotion, serum or conditioner that includes aloe vera among its key ingredients.

In the INCI lists it is found under the name of “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice”, even if the term “juice” can be misleading! The expert in cosmetic ingredients details:

” Can be freeze-dried or atomized native aloe vera juice powder depending on the quality of the asset. The first technique is the only interesting one because it allows to preserve the properties of the gel as much as possible.

Unfortunately for consumers, the method used is never specified on the label. “

In order for the skin to truly benefit from the virtues of aloe vera, we would tend to rely on the position of the active ingredient on the INCI product list. It’s actually more complicated:

” In a conventional cosmetic product, it’s best if aloe vera tops the list, but if it’s not, that doesn’t mean the product isn’t interested. !

In case of the powder rarely represents more than 1% of the formula, so there is nothing abnormal about finding it at the end. The only concern is that, for confidentiality reasons, we do not know the exact amount of aloe vera contained in the product. “

Last tip: beware of products that promise a high percentage of aloe vera but contain no juice, just crushed leaves (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder), with uninteresting virtues.