Aloe vera gel – the clear jelly inside the leaves – has reasonable evidence for helping minor burns and sunburn heal and for soothing irritated skin. The yellow latex just beneath the leaf skin is a different substance: a strong laxative that is no longer approved as an over-the-counter laxative in the US. Aloe is also one of the easiest houseplants to grow, needing bright light and very little water.
Key takeaways
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) is a succulent from the Arabian Peninsula, grown worldwide.
- The inner gel soothes skin; the yellow latex (aloin) is a harsh laxative.
- Systematic reviews suggest aloe may speed healing of first- and second-degree burns.
- Drinking whole-leaf aloe is not recommended; non-decolourised extract caused tumours in rats.
- As a houseplant, water only when the soil is completely dry.
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a stemless succulent with thick, fleshy, grey-green leaves edged with small teeth. It probably originated in the Arabian Peninsula and has been cultivated for so long – it is depicted in ancient Egyptian art, where it was called the “plant of immortality” – that it no longer grows truly wild. There are over 500 species of Aloe, but Aloe vera is the one used commercially.
The three parts of an aloe leaf
| Part | What it is | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Outer skin | Tough green rind | Discarded |
| Latex (sap) | Thin yellow layer under the skin containing aloin | Strong laxative; irritant – avoid |
| Inner gel | Clear, slippery pulp, 99% water plus polysaccharides | Skin care, burns, cosmetics, food |
The gel’s key compound is acemannan, a polysaccharide that may support wound healing and hydration, along with vitamins, enzymes and salicylic acid.
Evidence-based uses of aloe vera
Burns and sunburn
A systematic review found that aloe vera gel helped first- and second-degree burns heal faster than some conventional dressings in several trials, though study quality was mixed. Its cooling effect makes it a popular after-sun treatment. For serious, large or blistering burns, seek medical care.
Skin conditions
- Psoriasis: a few small studies found aloe cream reduced plaques.
- Acne: aloe gel combined with tretinoin improved results in one trial.
- Dry skin and irritation: aloe is a gentle moisturiser.
Mouth and gums
Aloe mouthwash and gel have helped mouth ulcers, lichen planus and gum inflammation in small studies.
Digestion – with caveats
Aloe latex was once sold as a laxative, but in 2002 the US FDA removed it from over-the-counter laxatives because of insufficient safety data. Decolourised (aloin-removed) aloe juice is sold as a drink and has been studied for IBS with mixed results. Drinking whole-leaf aloe is not advised: a US National Toxicology Program study found non-decolourised whole-leaf extract caused intestinal tumours in rats.
How to harvest aloe gel at home
- Choose a thick outer leaf from a mature plant and cut it close to the base.
- Stand it cut-end down in a cup for 10–15 minutes to let the yellow latex drain away.
- Rinse, slice off the serrated edges, then fillet the leaf to remove the green skin.
- Scoop out the clear gel. Rinse it to remove any remaining yellow residue.
- Use immediately, or blend and store in the fridge for up to a week.
How to grow aloe vera
- Light: bright, indirect light or a sunny windowsill; can go outdoors in summer, acclimatising gradually to avoid scorching. Outdoors year-round only in frost-free climates (USDA 10–12).
- Water: water deeply, then wait until the compost is completely dry. In winter, water once a month or less. Overwatering causes root rot – the number one killer.
- Soil: cactus or succulent compost with added grit; terracotta pots help moisture evaporate.
- Propagation: remove offsets (“pups”) when they have a few leaves and roots, let them dry for a day, then pot up.
- Problems: thin, curling leaves mean thirst; brown, mushy leaves mean overwatering; flat, pale leaves mean too little light.
Safety summary
- Topical gel: safe for most people; stop if irritation develops.
- Do not apply to deep wounds – one older study found it slowed healing of surgical wounds.
- Avoid oral aloe latex, and avoid aloe products by mouth in pregnancy, breastfeeding and children.
- Oral aloe may lower blood sugar and potassium; take care with diabetes medicines, diuretics and digoxin.
- Aloe is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Frequently asked questions
Is aloe vera good for sunburn?
Yes. Aloe vera gel cools and moisturises sunburned skin and may help minor burns heal faster. For severe or blistering sunburn, seek medical advice.
Can I put aloe vera directly from the plant on my face?
Yes, if you first drain the yellow latex and patch-test the gel. Some people are allergic to aloe.
Is it safe to drink aloe vera?
Decolourised aloe vera juice with the aloin removed is sold as a drink, but whole-leaf aloe and aloe latex are not recommended due to laxative effects and safety concerns.
How often should I water an aloe vera plant?
Water deeply only when the compost has dried out completely – usually every two to three weeks in summer and once a month or less in winter.
Why is my aloe plant turning brown?
Brown, soft leaves usually indicate overwatering and root rot. Brown, dry tips may come from sunburn or underwatering.
Sources and further reading
- NCCIH – Aloe Vera
- Maenthaisong R et al. (2007) The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns.
- Royal Horticultural Society – Aloe vera
