Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Aloe?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

Many people refer to the active ingredient or extract of Aloe Vera as Aloe. It's the sappy liquid that the succulent plant excretes when its stalks are cut open. A ubiquitous ingredient in countless cosmetics, sunscreen, lotion, burn ointments, and balms, Aloe is a powerful healing ointment, both topically and internally. Many scientific studies have shown that aloe is beneficial in speeding the healing of burns, sunburns, cuts, bites, rashes, and lesions, as well as other conditions like indigestion.

Unlike many purported natural, plant-based medicines or ointments, Aloe's positive health effects have been well-documented and studied. Aloe Vera has an anti-inflammatory chemical called B-sitosterol that effectively treats many skin conditions arising from insect bites, plant rashes like poison oak, allergic eruptions, etc. Along with another ingredient, salicylic acid, Aloe greatly reduces the time it takes for skin to heal from minor or severe burns. It is used as a topical treatment in the burn wards of hospitals across the world.

Hand lotions may containing aloe.
Hand lotions may containing aloe.

Aloe comes from the stalks of an entire family of succulents commonly known as Aloe. This cactus is part of the Lily family, so it has been called the "Lily of the Desert." One potent variety grows on the island of Aruba, but other kinds grow in the arid climates of Africa, India, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Southwestern United States. The medicinal plant is primarily cultivated for harvest to extract the aloe gel. You can probably find a variety that will grow as a house plant in your climate. When the need arises, you merely break off a stalk, strip the sharp points, and press the open leaf to your skin.

Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
Leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Laxatives used to include Aloe as their active ingredient in the days before researchers were able to synthesize the chemicals. However, Aloe is still recommended as a supplement to ease the symptoms of gastrointestinal discomforts such as constipation, peptic ulcers, upset stomach, etc. Of course, it can't be said to "cure" these ongoing conditions, but it lessens the symptoms with few side effects because Aloe has an ingredient that neutralizes the harsh acids found in the stomach. Like any plant material, allergies may arise, so be aware that you may develop a rash or congestion.

Aloe is sometimes added to nail polish remover to make it more moisturizing.
Aloe is sometimes added to nail polish remover to make it more moisturizing.

Pure Aloe gel can be purchased to use on sunburns, spider bites, bee stings, nettle stings, grass rashes, poison ivy and oak, blisters, small cuts, scrapes, and lesions. Since it is a clean, alcohol-free, mild, non-oily, and soothing balm, many parents keep it around for a pain-free treatment of every day skin irritations. Of course, aloe has been incorporated into almost every product designed for skin, from lip balm to sunscreen, moisturizing tissue to hand lotion, and from shampoo to nail polish remover.

Discussion Comments

anon322995

@post no. 2: Yes, aloe can. --Karla

anon322992

This website is great! I'm doing a big project for school on aloe shampoo, and this website will be a great resource. Thank you to the people/person who wrote this article.

anon43868

can the inside liquids of an aloe vera plant heal poison ivy skin rashes?

somerset

You can keep aloe vera as a potted plant indoors, or the plant can be grown outside in warm climates. The plant is easy to grow, and is rarely attacked by insects, or disease. It might be because aloe is bitter.

Some fisherman carry aloe with them to alleviate the pain of a possible Portuguese man of war sting.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hand lotions may containing aloe.
      By: Martinan
      Hand lotions may containing aloe.
    • Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
      By: cedrov
      Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
    • Aloe is sometimes added to nail polish remover to make it more moisturizing.
      By: travis manley
      Aloe is sometimes added to nail polish remover to make it more moisturizing.
    • Pure aloe may be used to treat bee stings.
      By: artist_as
      Pure aloe may be used to treat bee stings.
    • Aloe is found is some lip balm.
      By: Nazzu
      Aloe is found is some lip balm.
    • Aloe can be used to treat poison oak outbreaks.
      By: fabfotos
      Aloe can be used to treat poison oak outbreaks.
    • Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
      By: joanna wnuk
      Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
    • Aloe may help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.
      By: rob3000
      Aloe may help relieve symptoms of peptic ulcers.
    • Many soaps contain aloe for moisturizing and soothing the skin.
      By: samantha grandy
      Many soaps contain aloe for moisturizing and soothing the skin.
    • Aloe can be applied to small cuts.
      By: ia_64
      Aloe can be applied to small cuts.
    • Aloe helps heal skin irritations like sunburn.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Aloe helps heal skin irritations like sunburn.
    • Pure aloe gel can be used to treat poison ivy rashes.
      By: librakv
      Pure aloe gel can be used to treat poison ivy rashes.