Almost all of us have encountered it: it is present in after-sun products, moisturizers, gels, and many even keep a potted aloe vera plant at home.
But is it really as versatile as they say? What exactly can aloe vera do for the skin, and which claims should be treated with caution?
Aloe vera is primarily an interesting ingredient due to its moisturizing, cooling, and soothing properties . It can support healing in certain mild burns, but it does not replace sunscreen, and it will not eliminate pigmentation spots or acne scars on its own.
Let's take a look at what you should know about it!
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera, scientifically known as Aloe barbadensis Miller, is a succulent plant that primarily thrives in warm, dry climates.Although it may seem like a cactus at first glance, it is actually not a type of cactus.
The plant stores water in its thick leaves. If we cut an aloe vera leaf, we can separate three different parts:
- Outer shell: this is the green, hard protective layer.
- Yellowish sap or latex: found just beneath the shell, and may contain compounds such as aloin.
- Inner gel: this is the translucent, jelly-like part that is most commonly used in cosmetic products.
Aloe vera gel is largely composed of water. Additionally, it contains polysaccharides such as acemannan, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and other plant compounds.
The properties of the inner, gel-like part of the plant are primarily utilized in cosmetic products.
What does aloe vera do for the skin?
1. It can help hydrate the skin
One of the most well-known properties of aloe vera is its moisturizing effect.
The polysaccharides it contains can help form a thin film layer on the surface of the skin, which supports moisture retention. For this reason, products containing aloe vera can be pleasant for dehydrated skin and for those who prefer a lighter texture.
Aloe vera gels generally feel light, making them particularly popular for the care of oilier or combination skin.
However, it is important to note that aloe vera alone may not be sufficient for very dry skin. At this time, it is advisable to supplement the routine with a moisturizer that also supports the skin's protective layer.
A good choice for this could be the Maruderm Skin Protecting and Regenerating Barrier Moisturizer 200 ml, which contains panthenol and ceramide, targeting the hydration of the skin as well as supporting its barrier.
2. It can cool and soothe the skin
Many people love aloe vera gel precisely because it provides a pleasantly cooling sensation upon application.
This can be particularly beneficial, for example:
- after sunbathing,
- after shaving,
- in case of mild skin irritation,
- when the skin feels uncomfortably warm or tight.
The anti-inflammatory properties of some components of aloe vera have also been studied in laboratory tests, so the plant's soothing effect is not just a pleasant cosmetic experience.
If your primary goal is to soothe and hydrate the skin, it is worth looking for other skin-soothing ingredients in addition to aloe vera.
The Maruderm Centella Soothing Moisturizer contains Centella Asiatica, panthenol, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid, making it a good complement to a routine for more sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
3. It may support the regeneration of mild burns
One of the most studied cosmetic uses of aloe vera is related to minor burns.
Research indicates that the use of aloe vera can support wound healing in certain first- and second-degree burns. This also explains why it is often found in after-sun and skin-soothing products.
However, moderation is important.
In the case of extensive, blistering, or severe burns, do not attempt to solve the problem with aloe vera gel, but seek medical assistance.
For minor burns, the first step is to cool the skin with cool running water. Avoid direct application of ice.
4. It can help in the care of acne-prone skin
Due to its soothing properties, aloe vera is often found in products designed for acne-prone skin.
However, this does not mean that aloe vera alone will eliminate acne.
The formation of acne is a complex process that involves, among other factors, sebum production, clogged hair follicles, and inflammation. Aloe vera can be particularly useful in soothing and hydrating the skin, while other targeted active ingredients address the problematic skin.
If your skin is acne-prone, aloe vera can be a good supplement, but it does not replace targeted skincare.
Aloe vera and pigmentation spots – does it really eliminate them?
There are often claims regarding aloe vera that it lightens pigmentation spots.
However, it is worth thinking realistically.
Aloe vera is not considered a primary active ingredient for treating pigmentation spots, and significant spot-lightening effects are not expected from it alone.
If reducing pigmentation spots is your goal, consistent sun protection and the use of targeted active ingredients are much more important.
And here we arrive at one of the most important misconceptions about aloe vera.
Aloe vera ≠ sunscreen
Aloe vera can pleasantly cool irritated skin after sun exposure, but it does not replace sunscreen.
The use of aloe vera does not prevent sunburn and does not provide the UV protection your skin needs.
Therefore, the order is:
sunscreen for prevention → aloe vera or another soothing ingredient to support comfort.
As part of your daily routine, the Maruderm SPF 50+ Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream can be a practical choice.SPF 50+ and PA++++ provide UVA protection, and also contain ceramide, hyaluronic acid complex, green tea, and cucumber extract.
The essence: aloe vera does not replace SPF.
“The more natural, the better”?
Aloe vera is a plant-derived ingredient, but this alone does not mean it is automatically problem-free for everyone.
This is especially important if you want to use fresh plant leaves directly.
The yellowish latex found under the outer part of the leaf can irritate the skin, so it is not advisable to simply cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to your face.
In the case of cosmetic products – as always – it is not the individual ingredient's level of "naturalness" that matters, but the complete formula, the concentration of the ingredients and how your own skin reacts to it.
How can you use aloe vera in your skincare routine?
If you are using a product containing aloe vera, the simplest routine might look like this:
Morning:
- Gentle facial cleansing
- Moisturizing/soothing product
- Moisturizer as needed
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
Evening:
- Gentle facial cleansing
- Product containing aloe vera or other soothing ingredients
- Moisturizer
If your skin is very dry, it is worth complementing the light moisturizing effect of aloe vera with a barrier-supporting cream.
The Maruderm Skin Protecting and Regenerating Barrier Moisturizer contains, for example, 5% panthenol and 1.5% ceramide, making it well-suited for a routine based on hydration and barrier support.
Why is it worth looking for other soothing ingredients?
In skincare, there is rarely a single "miracle product." It is much more beneficial for individual ingredients to complement each other.
In addition to aloe vera, you can often find:
- panthenol, which is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties,
- hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain skin hydration,
- centella, which is primarily used in soothing and barrier-supporting formulations,
- ceramides, which are important for supporting the skin's protective barrier.
The Maruderm Centella Soothing Moisturizer for example, combines several of these ingredients in one formula.
If you use fresh aloe vera leaf at home
If you have an aloe vera plant at home and still want to try the fresh gel, there are a few things to pay attention to.
1. Choose a ripe leaf
The lower, thicker leaves of the plant usually contain more gel.
2. Let the yellowish sap drain
After cutting the leaf, place it vertically in a glass with the cut side down, and let the yellowish sap flow out.
Do not use this part on your skin.
3. Remove the outer skin
Carefully separate the gel from the green skin, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Test on a small skin area first
Before applying it to your face, test it on a smaller skin area.If you experience itching, burning sensation, redness, or any other discomfort, do not continue using it.
5. Do not store for long
Fresh aloe vera gel does not contain a preservative system like cosmetic products, so it can spoil quickly. If its color or scent changes, it is better to throw it away.
In summary
The popularity of aloe vera is not accidental: due to its moisturizing, cooling, and soothing properties it can indeed be a useful ingredient in skincare.
At the same time, it is not worth considering it a miracle cure.
It does not replace sunscreen, it will not eliminate pigmentation spots on its own, and it does not cure acne. Much more of a gentle, moisturizing, and soothing ingredient, that can complement a conscious skincare routine well in the right formulation.
And perhaps most importantly: in skincare, the goal is not always to use as many active ingredients as possible. Often, a well-structured, simple routine – with proper hydration, barrier support, and daily sun protection – does much more for our skin.