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Aloe vera has been gaining in popularity, but what’s all the fuss about? What are the benefits and what can it be used for? Find out with Holland & Barrett.
Summary
1Aloe vera may help relieve heartburn
Acid reflux is a common condition that causes a burning sensation (heartburn) in your chest…
2Aloe vera may soothe sunburn
Aloe vera gel contains over three anti-inflammatories which act to relieve pain, inflammatory swelling, burns and cuts…
3Aloe vera may help with acne
In recent years, an increasing number of medicines and cosmetics designed to treat acne have been made from aloe vera gel…
Have you been hearing more about the benefits of aloe vera and wondering what the deal is? You’ve come to the right place. Many people incorporate aloe vera into their daily routine, from skincare to supplements.1 But what is it and why are people loving it?
What is aloe vera? Get the lowdown
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates, such as certain parts of the United States and North Africa, the Middle East, the Southern Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.2 The leaves of each plant consist of two parts, an outer green rind and an inner clear gel.3
It’s the gel which has a long history of being used to anecdotally treat skin problems, such as burns and wounds, as well as certain digestive diseases.2,3 However, recent emerging research has indicated that there may be further potential benefits in using aloe across a wide range of wellness problems and needs.4
Possible benefits of aloe vera
Aloe vera has been found to contain multiple vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid and essential amino acids.3,4 Consequently, it’s sometimes consumed as a food.4
As well as this, aloe vera has been shown to have antimicrobial properties when examined in a petri dish.4 Some early evidence suggests that it may provide benefits for the skin. For example, some limited research found that topical aloe vera may provide a youthful glow (who wouldn’t want that?) and even help with acne (more about that later).4,5
However, the research exploring the topical effects of aloe vera is in its infancy, so larger clinical trials are needed to confirm if aloe vera is really effective at treating skin conditions.
It is possible to eat the gel from the aloe vera plant or via pre-made food products e.g. drinks or supplements. However, please consume in moderation as it could have laxative effects and other side effects.3,11 Aloe vera skincare products must never be ingested.
Aloe vera uses: 5 ways aloe vera may help you
Now that you know the possible benefits of aloe vera, you’re probably wondering how you can actually use it. Aloe vera’s very versatile and can be used in several different ways, making it a great addition to your bathroom cabinet.
Let’s take a look at some of aloe vera’s potential uses.
1. It may help with heartburn relief
Acid reflux is a common condition that causes a burning sensation (heartburn) in your chest.5 This is caused by stomach acid travelling back up towards your throat.6 However, the good news is that aloe vera may potentially help calm heartburn.2
According to a 2015 study, 79 participants who took 10ml of aloe vera syrup per day self-reportedly had reduced heartburn and acid reflux compared to the placebo group.2,7 These findings are still in their infancy, but the researchers acknowledged that their promising findings open the door for further studies using aloe vera for the treatment of these symptoms.
2. Sunburn soother
Aloe vera is used extensively in the cosmetic industry as the main ingredient in sunburn relief creams.8
This is because aloe vera gel contains over three anti-inflammatories which act to relieve pain, inflammatory swelling, burns and cuts.3 On top of this, since aloe vera gel is 99% water, it can promote moisture retention and has been found to be useful in soothing burns.9
3. Natural laxative
Aloe vera happens to be a natural laxative.3,11 Its laxative effects work through three mechanisms:3
- by increasing intestinal water content
- by stimulating the inner linings of certain organs to produce secretions
- by increasing the contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract
However, daily intake of aloe juice should not exceed 30–40 ml, as its natural laxative effects may become too strong and even become toxic over that amount (and nobody wants that).11
4. It may help with acne/spot aid
In recent years, an increasing number of medicines and cosmetics designed to treat acne have been made from aloe vera gel.12
A recent scientific study with 64 patients, designed to confirm whether a new treatment for acne containing aloe vera is effective, found that treating acne with this new therapy may contribute to reducing acne lesions.12
Furthermore, a recent review found that aloe vera’s antibacterial properties mean it has great potential as a treatment for acne.5 So, while the evidence in this area is limited (there isn’t really enough research to draw any firm conclusions), it is so far very promising.
5. It may help with hair care and repair
As well as having potential benefits for our skin, aloe vera is also said to have the ability to protect our hair from damage.
For example, aloe vera is thought to act as a protective shield for hair as it contains aloin, which has the ability to absorb 20% of ultraviolet (UV) light.14 Without protection, the protein in hair can absorb UV light, which is extremely damaging.14 However, the research which suggests aloe vera’s protective benefits for hair is quite old, so newer research is needed to confirm these findings.
Aloe vera risks
The side effects of using aloe vera can vary from person to person and will likely depend on the way it’s used (whether it’s applied to the skin or consumed) and how much is used or taken.3
For instance, aloe vera applied to the skin can result in an allergic reaction.3 So, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to aloe vera and stop using it if you experience adverse effects.
As well as this, there have been some reports of toxicity when aloe vera is consumed.3,15 For instance, small doses of aloe vera when consumed have been associated with diarrhoea, electrolyte imbalances and kidney dysfunction in some people.3 Very high doses of aloe vera have also been reported to cause more severe reactions.15
As a result, you should exercise caution when consuming aloe vera and only consume the dosage specified on the product label.3 If you’re planning on consuming an aloe vera supplement or food product, speak to your doctor before you do so and always stick to the dosage on the product label.3 Much more research is needed to fully understand how safe aloe vera is to consume.
The final say
Aloe vera has been used – and loved – for hundreds of years for its natural beneficial properties that may support skin hydration, among other things.2,3,4 The beauty of aloe vera is that it can be applied to your skin or your hair and it can even be consumed as a drink (but make sure you don’t consume more than the dosage on the label).4,8,9,14
This article only touches on just some of the potential aloe vera benefits – there may be more of them out there. You can find out more about aloe vera in our aloe vera benefits, usage, doses and side effects article.
Alternatively, if you’d like to try out some of aloe vera’s benefits for yourself, you can shop our full aloe vera range here.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please note scientific evidence for the health benefits of aloe vera is very limited and although there are emerging studies, more clinical research needs to be conducted. While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Minjares-Fuentes R, et al. Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements. Chapter 4: aloe vera. 2019;145–52. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-812491-8.00020-5
- Sanchez M, et al. Pharmacological update properties of aloe vera and its major active constituents. Molecules [Internet]. 2020;25(6):1324. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061324
- Ibrahim AM, et al. Clinical uses and toxicity of aloe vera: an evidence-based comprehensive retrospective review (2007-2017). Pharmacognosy Journal. 2019;11(2):424–428. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2019.11.66
- Sonawane SK, et al. A comprehensive overview of functional and rheological properties of aloe vera and its application in foods. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2021;58:1217–1226. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-020-04661-6
- Efe Ekakitie. Aloe barbadensis leaf juice in skincare for acne: Journal of Knowledge Learning and Science Technology ISSN 2959-6386. 2024;3(4):125–32. https://doi.org/10.60087/jklst.vol4.n3.p125
- NHS. Heartburn and acid reflux. [Internet] [Cited 2024 Jul 11]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
- Panahi Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of Aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2015;35(6):632–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
- Hendrawati TY, et al. The effects of aloe vera gel addition on the effectiveness of sunscreen lotion. Jurnal Rekayasa Proses. 2020;14(1):101–107. Available from: https://doi.org/10.22146/jrekpros.45247.
- Hekmatpou D, et al. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019;44(1):1–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety [Internet]. [Cited 2024 May 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
- Hęś, M., Dziedzic, K., Górecka, D. et al. Aloe vera (L.) Webb.: Natural Sources of Antioxidants – A Review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 74, 255–265 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-019-00747-5
- Zhong H, et al. Efficacy of a new non-drug acne therapy: aloe vera gel combined with ultrasound and soft mask for the treatment of mild to severe facial acne. Frontiers in Medicine. 2021;8:662640. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.662640
- Setiawan PBA, et al. The effectiveness of using aloe vera facial soap and aloe gel on the degree of acne vulgaris in students of SMA Negeri 2 Bayang.’ Jurnal EduHealth. 2020;11(1):39–47. Available from: https://doi.org/10.54209/jurnaleduhealth.v11i1.151
- Tyagi N, et al. Unlocking radiance: the dynamic duo of flaxseeds and aloe vera in hair mask for bioactive brilliance’. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research. 2023;10(12):52-66 Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376797668_Unlocking_Radiance_The_Dynamic_Duo_of_Flaxseeds_and_Aloe_Vera_in_Hair_Mask_for_Bioactive_Brilliance
- Jangra A, et al. The dark side of miracle plant - aloe vera: a review. Molecular Biology Reports. 2022;49:5029–5040. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-022-07176-9
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