Is aloe vera good for skin? A dermatologist weighs in
Is aloe vera good for skin? While having a prickly appearance, inside the spiky green plant is a clear gel that can be particularly beneficial for those with dry, sensitive and irritated skin.
Want to know exactly how to use aloe vera as a skincare ingredient? We asked a dermatologist to get to the bottom of it – keep reading to find out how to integrate it into your skincare routine.
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What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a “succulent plant known for its soothing, hydrating properties,” says Dr Derrick Phillips, Consultant Dermatologist at OneWelbeck. “The clear gel inside its leaves helps calm and support the skin, which is why it’s widely used in skincare, particularly for sensitive or irritated skin.”
Aloe vera skincare benefits
A well-established skincare ingredient, aloe vera is particularly beneficial for cooling, hydrating and soothing the skin. “It has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm redness and irritation, making it particularly useful for dry, sensitive or stressed skin,” explains Dr Derrick. “Aloe vera can also help improve skin comfort and hydration, adding both functional and sensorial benefits to skincare products.”
A great ingredient to integrate into your routine, Dr Derrick advises using it as a supportive rather than a transformative product. “Its benefits are best seen when working alongside other proven skincare ingredients,” he adds.
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Aloe vera side effects
As mentioned, aloe vera is a great choice for those with sensitive skin and is generally well tolerated – according to Dr Derrick. However, as with any skincare ingredient, those with very sensitive skin and those with allergies to particular plant families may find that it causes some irritation. “In rare cases, it may cause redness, stinging or dryness, especially if used frequently or in high concentrations,” he explains. To avoid this, he advises patch testing first before applying more widely – great advice for introducing any new product or ingredient.
Is aloe vera good for all skin types?
The short answer is that aloe vera is suitable for most skin types, thanks to its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s unfortunately not a universal ingredient, though. “If you have conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, aloe vera may be helpful for some but irritating for others, so it’s best to proceed cautiously,” advises Dr Derrick. “Some people, particularly those with very sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies, can experience irritation or dryness.”
To try an avoid any adverse reactions, the dermatologist suggests looking for aloe gels that don’t contain added alcohol as this can dry and disrupt the skin barrier.
How to use aloe vera on skin
So, how is the best way to use aloe vera in your skincare routine? “For most people, aloe vera can be used daily, even multiple times a day, to hydrate and soothe the skin,” says Dr Derrick. “It works well both morning and night and can be layered comfortably under other skincare products.” Aloe vera pairs particularly well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and plays well with niacinamide and vitamin C too.
However, Dr Derrick advises caution when aloe vera is used alongside topical steroids or stronger actives like retinoids or exfoliating acids. “This is less about aloe vera itself and more about what it’s combined with,” he explains. “Added fragrances, dyes or alcohols in some gels can irritate the skin, and aloe vera can enhance penetration of certain prescription treatments.” To avoid this, introduce your aloe vera gradually.
For those into more natural beauty treatments, you can make your own aloe vera collagen gel as an alternative way of integrating it into your routine.
The best aloe vera products for skin
The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
This soothing serum is perfect for those with blemish-prone skin, helping to minimise the appearance of acne marks and leave it looking smoother.
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Perfect for very sensitive skin, this alcohol- and fragrance-free toner from Mario Badescu can be used twice daily to cleanse impurities and leave your skin glowing.
L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Aloe Water
Blending together aloe water and hyaluronic acid – two powerhouse hydrating ingredients – this lightweight moisturiser promises to deliver long-lasting nourishment without disrupting the delicate balance of your skin.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Borrowing from aloe vera’s soothing properties, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a great choice for those who want a lightweight SPF that doesn’t leave a white cast. Using Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, it can be used all year round to keep your skin hydrated and protected from the sun.
Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask
This healing gel mask is the best remedy for soothing sensitive, irritated and sunburnt skin thanks to a cocktail of cooling ingredients including cucumber, papaya, chamomile, and aloe vera.
The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Toner
Made for sensitive skin, this soothing toner from The Body Shop is perfect for removing any impurities from the skin at the end of the day without striping essential moisture.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel
Instantly calm your skin with Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel – a formula that is boosted by additional skin-loving purslane and panthenol.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Combining green plum water and mung bean extract – traditional Korean medicine ingredients – with aloe vera, this toner smooths and cleanses skin while preparing it for the following skincare products.
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Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist
Need a quick fix of skin soothing? Small enough to carry around with you, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Skin Soothing Hydration Mist is jam-packed full of aloe extract, centella asiatica, allantoin, cucumber extract, panthenol and squalane to provide instant refreshment.\
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Aloe vera alternatives
While aloe vera is an ingredient that is safe to use for skincare, there are alternative ingredients that offer similar soothing and hydrating benefits says Dr Derrick. “Colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and chamomile are all good options. Colloidal oatmeal is particularly helpful for calming irritation and supporting the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid boosts hydration. Shea butter helps soften and protect the skin, and chamomile is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory properties.”
