These 6 Aloe Vera Products Help Soothe and Nourish Your Skin

Aloe vera is probably one of the most overlooked skin care ingredients available — but it might surprise you to learn that its multitude of benefits include much more than just sunburn treatment. Once you've experienced its soothing and anti-acne powers, you'll wonder why you waited so long to buy these editor-approved aloe vera products.

Best Aloe Vera Products

Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe vera is a green plant with cactus-like leaves that contain a clear to light yellow gel that is chockful of antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. You can buy it in its gel form or find it infused in common beauty items like body washes, face creams, and cooling face mists. Given how readily available it is in beauty items, we researched the many skincare benefits of using aloe vera products.

Sunburn Treatment

Aloe vera is the most well-known sunburn treatment on the market, and with good reason. It's essential to use when you have sunburns or when you spend a full day lounging by the pool. You can also incorporate it into your post-sun skincare routine because it's anti-inflammatory, meaning aloe vera helps calm redness and soothes dry and irritated skin.

Banish Breakouts

“Aloe vera is a very safe topical for all skin types, even if you’re acne-prone. It contains salicylic acid, a mild antiseptic that fights against bacteria while also promoting exfoliation. It has immediate calming effects and can be reapplied throughout the day,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung, M.D.

Moisturize Skin

Cheung says aloe vera also contains antioxidants, enzymes, fatty acids, antimicrobials, glucomannan, and other mucopolysaccharides aka long-chain sugar molecules found in the body that calm irritation and lock moisture into the skin while promoting healing.

Fades Dark Spots

Hyperpigmentation can be rough, but if you want a gentle alternative to chemical peels, azelaic acid, retinol, hydroquinone, vitamin C, and niacinamide, aka vitamin B-3, then regularly using aloe vera products could help even out your skin tone, as it helps inhibit tyrosinase activity to fade your dark spots.

Tips for Buying and Using Aloe Vera Products

• Read the label: Did you know that skincare ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration? This is why Cheung suggests using skincare products with “aloe barbadensis,” the scientific name for aloe vera, listed as the first ingredient.
• Keep them cool: Storing your aloe vera product in a skincare fridge will enhance its cooling effect and create a spa-like vibe from the comfort of your home. What could be better?
• Don't forget your head: You can also apply aloe vera products to your head or exposed part to help soothe your delicate skin. While data is limited, research shows that aloe vera has an anti-inflammatory effect, could help minimize dandruff, and possibly grow your hair. If you plan on using aloe vera products on your scalp, we recommend using a 99% to 100% pure aloe vera gel like our best overall pick.

Ready to help calm your red, sunburnt skin? Here are our six favorite aloe vera products that start at just $8! Each item featured in our guide was carefully evaluated for various attributes, including the quality of ingredients, smell, texture, and reading through hundreds of online reviews.