Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of those classic ingredients that just works. It’s on par with green tea, rose water, and tea tree to me. Aloe vera is known for being healing, soothing, and moisturizing. Someone who has irritated skin, redness, sunburn, or acne-prone skin will benefit from using products with this ingredient.

You might find aloe vera listed in your skincare ingredients as aloe barbadensis, aloe indica, aloe perfoliata, vera, or aloe vulgaris. Skincare products typically incorporate aloe vera gel, extract, or juice from the leaf.

If you’ve ever had an aloe plant, you know that you can literally cut open a leaf and scoop out some of the gel to use on your skin. It’s an ingredient that is affordable on its own, easy to grow, and great to use in DIY skincare.

Quick hair tip: You can use the gel from the leaves as a pre-poo on your scalp. It helps remove debris and moisturize the scalp before you shampoo. Simply cut open the leaf, and rub onto your scalp. It feels so nice!

Aloe vera has a plethora of skin benefits; it helps heal burns, acne, eczema, and sunburn. That’s why I love this ingredient! It’s so helpful for sunburns in the summertime, but it’s also great for keeping your skin moisturized in the winter. Aloe contains vitamins A, B, C, and E. There are also antioxidants and polysaccharides (which you can thank for the healing properties).

As I mentioned before, aloe can easily be used straight from the plant. Don’t have the patience? Is DIY not your thing? Don’t despair! There are so many skincare products out there with aloe in them. Take a look at my recommendations:

Benton, Fermentation Eye Cream

Photo: sokoglam.com

$27

This eye cream by Benton is one of the better eye creams I have tried. It contains fermented ingredients, ceramides, aloe leaf extract, and adenosine. The product has a smooth, creamy texture with no scent. The tube makes application very easy. You can either apply directly to your eye area, or squeeze some onto your ring finger and apply; a little goes a long way. I love how moisturized the skin around my eyes feel with this cream.

I know an eye cream is bomb when I wake up and my eyes aren’t dry and crusty. TMI, but true! It is also great at de-puffing your eyes, and I did notice some gradual brightening to my under eyes. This cream lasts forever, so it’s definitely worth the price. Find it on Soko Glam.

Aloe Sheet Masks

$2.40 and up

If you read my previous post on sheet masks, then you already know how important they are. In bundles like this one from Amazon, there is typically one or two masks with aloe in them. I gravitate towards an aloe sheet mask when my skin is angry and inflamed. Keep them cool in the fridge for amplified soothing.

I always see a dramatic difference when I remove the mask, and even more so the next morning. Not to mention it’s a great way to relax and cool down, especially during the summer! Some sheet masks have stronger fragrances than others. I’ve found that it’s all about trial and error when searching for sheet masks you like. You can find single aloe sheet masks on Soko Glam, or check out this other bundle with aloe included on Amazon. Sheet masks at these prices are always worth it.

Benton, Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

$19

This is a gel moisturizer that is highly raved about because of its diversity. It’s meant to benefit all skin types. Benton formulated this moisturizer with aloe leaf juice, propolis extract, aloe leaf extract, cucumber extract, green tea extract, and more. All these ingredients are extremely soothing, especially for acneic skin. The propolis adds in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties too.

I’ve only tried this moisturizer once or twice because I just received it in the new Soko Glam Gym Set. It’s too early to tell if I can see brightening or any fading scars, but I can tell you how it made my skin feel. I definitely understand the hype over this moisturizer. The gel consistency feels so nice when you apply. It soaks into your skin almost immediately. I found this product to be just moisturizing enough without being greasy. It almost gives you a matte finish with a little glow.

There is no scent to this moisturizer, which is great for those who are sensitive to fragrance. I do want to test this one out a little longer, but if you want to give it a try I’d say it’s worth it! The size pictured is smaller because of the gym set it came in, but the full size contains 3.38 oz. of product. Check it out on Soko Glam.

COSRX, Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++

Photo: wishtrend.com

$12.87

This was the first true SPF I tried and it’s always the one I recommend to people just starting a skincare routine. Not only is it protecting your skin from UV rays, but it’s also soothing irritation with aloe leaf extract. It’s genius! I thought this sunscreen was super moisturizing; it’s hard to find an SPF that leaves you looking dewy, not greasy, but this product got the job done! It had no white cast and absorbed right into the skin. There is a bit of a scent, but I liked it. It has a clean smell, which I found comforting.

When I first purchased this sunscreen, it was about $11 on Amazon. It’s gone up a little since then, but I think it’s still very affordable. The product contains 1.69 oz. which is pretty good for an SPF at this price point. If you want a sunscreen that is simple, applies really well, and leaves you looking dewy fresh, give this one a try!

What other skincare products or DIYs have you guys seen with aloe used in them? I’d love to know!