If there is one thing that has been a staple in cosmetics and skin care products, it is aloe vera gel, which is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It is often touted as a skin superfood because of its many benefits, from treating sunburns to acne.
Down below, we've provided a guide for you on how to choose the best aloe vera gel to ensure your skin gets the TLC it needs with some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. We've also included our top picks for aloe vera gels to narrow down your options.
Quick List - Top Aloe Vera Gels
Nature Republic
Multi-Purpose Aloe Vera Gel for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails
Fresh Skinlab
An Icy-Cool Aloe Vera Gel to Help You Achieve Glass Skin
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Often called the burn plant, lily of the desert, or wonder plant, aloe vera has multiple benefits. It is used for topical application and has hydrating properties, which is great if you have dry skin, as it forms a protective layer on your skin that locks in moisture. It is also known for its cooling effects; that is why it is often used to treat sunburn.
It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties, which help combat acne as well as fade dark spots and acne scars. It is also the reason why it provides relief from psoriasis and eczema by reducing redness and soothing the inflamed skin.
When choosing an aloe vera gel for sensitive skin, check its purity level and ingredient list carefully; fewer ingredients are generally better. To prevent irritation, it's recommended to do a patch test before use. For a more comprehensive understanding, you can read our detailed buying guide below.
One thing thing you should keep in mind is the purity level of your aloe vera gel, a.k.a how much aloe vera is used. A product should list aloe vera is as its primary ingredient as this means it is the most used ingredient.
Read through the label to check, which usually lists its ingredients in descending order. If the first component is water, then it means majority of its contents is made of water mixed with only a little bit of aloe vera gel.
While 100% aloe vera gel is rather difficult to come by due to the plant's delicate shelf life, it should contain at least 90% for it to be effective. Otherwise you are just applying water on your skin.
Aloe vera has been incorporated in a vast number of skincare products. However, the growing aloe vera industry needs reliable testing protocols to assess the quality and quantity of bioactive chemicals in the final products. Product claims have yet to be tested by clinical trials to ensure their efficacy and safety.
When browsing about aloe vera gels, you may have noticed some of them claim to have cooling effects. However, some brands use alcohol for a quick dry downtime or to achieve that cooling sensation.
This may irritate those with sensitive skin and cause dryness in the long run. So, if you have sensitive skin, you want to try to opt for alcohol-free products.
Before adding a new player to your skincare regimen, it's always good to be a label reader, regardless of your skin type. Make sure to check the components in the new product you're applying. This is very important, especially if you have sensitive skin.
When you have sensitive skin, it means that you have higher chances of reacting to a product and developing signs of inflammationーbe it redness, flushing, stinging, acne-like eruptions. Several aloe vera gels contain alcohol as an ingredient. Alcohol can be drying for the skin and may cause irritation. Definitely, a patch test is a must to see whether or not your skin reacts to the product.
Let's face it, your aloe vera gel is mixed in with fillers and water, it's a necessary ingredient to produce a product with a stable-enough life to be distributed commercially. Nonetheless, read the ingredients list to make sure it uses a minimal number to ensure less additives and preservatives. That way, you could still get the most out of your product.
The same thing goes, be a label reader. Definitely, the aloe vera products would be mixed with a bunch of other ingredients. Most of the time water (aqua) would be a big component. Other products usually can have glycerin, allantoin, panthenol, preservatives, and sometimes even a fragrance. Take home message: patch test, patch test, patch test!
If you have not tried using an aloe vera gel, then it is advisable to do a patch test on your arm first and wait for 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction. This is to avoid possible irritation, especially if you are going to apply it to your face.
You can do a simple version at home before adding a new player to your skincare regimen. Apply the product to a small area behind the ear, side of the neck, or on the underside of your jaw. Wait for 24-72 hours to see if there is any allergic reaction taking place. Remember, individual results can vary, but this is a good way to test a product before adding it to your regimen.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aloe Percentage | Alcohol-Free | Packaging | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel | ![]() | Multi-Purpose Aloe Vera Gel for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails | 92% | No | Tub | 300 mL | |
2 | Luxe Organix Aloe Vera & Snail Soothing Gel | ![]() | Repair Damaged Skin With Aloe Vera and Snail Slime | 95% | Yes | Tub | 300 mL | |
3 | Aloderma Pure Aloe Vera Gel | ![]() | No-Frills Aloe Vera Gel That's Packed With Benefits | 99% | Yes | Tube | 114 g | |
4 | Fresh Skinlab Jeju Aloe Ice Niacinamide Soothing Gel | ![]() | An Icy-Cool Aloe Vera Gel to Help You Achieve Glass Skin | unknown | No | Tube | 230 mL | |
5 | Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel | ![]() | Get Brighter Skin With Aloe Vera and Propolis | 80% | Yes | Tube | 100 mL | |
6 | Missha Premium Cica Aloe Soothing Gel | ![]() | Combination of Cica and Aloe Ideal for Dry and Sensitive Skin | 95% | Yes | Tube | 300 mL | |
7 | Innisfree Aloe Revital Soothing Gel | ![]() | Non-Sticky Soothing Gel With Madecassoside for All-Over Body Hydration | unknown | Yes | Tube | 300 mL | |
8 | Naturals by Watsons Aloe Vera Soothing Gel | ![]() | 99% Certified Organic Aloe Vera for Healthy, Radiant Skin | 99% | Yes | Tube | 200 mL | |
9 | The Face Shop Jeju Aloe Fresh Soothing Gel 95% | ![]() | Versatile Aloe Vera Gel Perfect for Product Multi-Taskers | 95% | No | Tub | 300 mL | |
10 | Strip It! Soothing & Moisturizing Aloe Vera Gel | ![]() | Ideal for Soothing the Skin After Waxing | unknown | Yes | Spray | 100 mL |
Undoubtedly one of the most notable brands of aloe vera gels, Nature Republic’s aloe vera gel is what most likely comes to mind when you think of the product. And it is what probably started the hype as well! It is made from 92% certified organic aloe vera extract from California and is suitable for all skin types. It has a soothing, hydrating, and non-sticky formula that is quickly absorbed by the body, which several users love.
Aside from aloe vera, it is infused with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that hydrates and keeps the skin plump. It also contains calendula flower extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Moreover, this versatile product can be used as a face mask, moisturizer, hair mask, and body lotion. It can also be applied to your nails and hair for added hydration and nourishment.
Aloe Percentage | 92% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | No |
Packaging | Tub |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
If you've been dealing with breakouts lately, Luxe Organix's aloe vera gel is here to help your skin. This gel not only contains aloe vera that soothes your skin but it also has snail secretion that's known for skin-healing properties. What's more, it offers anti-aging benefits, giving you excellent value for your money.
The formula contains collagen, which works wonders in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving your skin's overall appearance. Moreover, it is infused with arbutin, which can help you achieve a brighter complexion. With all these beneficial ingredients, reviews stated that this product will leave your skin hydrated, supple, and radiant in no time!
Aloe Percentage | 95% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tub |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
Aloederma's pure aloe vera gel is a minimalist skincare product that's ideal for those who want very few ingredients in their routine. It contains only a few necessary additives and preservatives to prolong its shelf life, yet it's still packed with benefits.
This lightweight gel moisturizes, nourishes, and repairs the skin while infusing it with essential nutrients and protecting it from pollution. It's especially beneficial for people with oily skin, as it's not sticky and won't clog pores. Reviewers also attested that it can help treat acne and soothe skin irritations, such as insect bites and sunburn.
Aloe Percentage | 99% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 114 g |
Aloe Percentage | unknown |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | No |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 230 mL |
Benton's soothing gel is a unique product that combines the hydrating and calming properties of aloe vera with the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis. This makes it ideal for those with irritated, inflamed, or oily skin. It can also be used as a spot treatment for pimples.
The gel is free of parabens, synthetic preservatives, and alcohol, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. According to reviews, one of the things that makes Benton's soothing gel unique is that it is more concentrated than other aloe vera gels. This is because it does not use any water in its formula, resulting in a thicker gel that provides more intense hydration.
Aloe Percentage | 80% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
This product by Missha contains not only 95% aloe vera but also cica or centella asiatica, which is excellent for soothing and hydrating dry and sensitive skin. To enhance its hydrating and refreshing effects on the skin, it's also processed using a special low-temperature technique.
This product offers versatility, as it's suitable for both your face and body. It also doesn't leave any sticky residue behind. Moreover, you can use it as a hair essence for healthier hair or apply it to your legs after shaving for silky smooth skin. You can even mix it with a foundation for a radiant, dewy, glass skin effect!
Aloe Percentage | 95% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
Aloe Percentage | unknown |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
If you're looking for a skincare addition that can help soothe, rehydrate, and protect your skin after sun exposure, this product from Naturals by Watsons is the perfect choice for you. This soothing gel contains 99% Certified Organic Aloe Vera, known for its soothing and healing properties.
It is infused with green tea extract with antioxidants that combat aging signs, organic avocado oil to keep your skin moisturized, and cucumber extract to refresh the skin and enhance its elasticity. Many users also agree that this product made their skin look healthy and radiant without feeling sticky or greasy.
Aloe Percentage | 99% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Tube |
Net Weight | 200 mL |
The Face Shop is another notable brand for Korean skincare and cosmetics, with the majority of its products formulated with natural ingredients. This particular product is formulated with aloe barbadensis leaf extract from Jeju that helps draw moisture into your skin. It is also made without parabens and artificial coloring!
It is an excellent multi-tasker, so it's a perfect pick for those who like to keep their skincare routines minimal. It can be used for your skin, hair, and nails as a moisturizer, mask, and after-sun treatment. However, some have noted the product to be somewhat sticky, so it is best to apply them on areas that need hydration the most, like your elbows.
Aloe Percentage | 95% |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | No |
Packaging | Tub |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
Made with aloe vera and peppermint oil, this gel moisturizes the skin, relieves pain and itching, and has antibacterial properties. It also contains vitamin E, which helps protect the skin from damage and speeds up the healing process of wounds, rashes, insect bites, and sunburns.
This product is versatile, making it a go-to choice for addressing a variety of skin concerns. It's also perfect for soothing and cooling the skin after sugaring, shaving, or waxing. Users claim that its gentle formula certainly makes it suitable for all skin types, ensuring everyone can enjoy its benefits for healthy, refreshed skin.
Aloe Percentage | unknown |
---|---|
Alcohol-Free | Yes |
Packaging | Spray |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Below, Dr. Katrina answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that check out button, have a read to make sure you make informed decisions!
Unfortunately, aloe vera does not remove dark spots! Its high water content makes it a good lightweight moisturizer though.
If you like it and tolerate it, then yes! No problem with using it daily.
Unfortunately, it's a no as well for whitening the skin!
They say you must have a solid foundation before you are able to build anything. Start with a clean face before you go on with your skin care routine. These products will help prep your skin to ensure it gently cleans without being harsh.
Author: J. Cuizon
Re-editor: D. Trinidad
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Nature Republic|Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel
No. 2: Luxe Organix|Aloe Vera & Snail Soothing Gel
No. 3: Aloderma|Pure Aloe Vera Gel
No. 4: Fresh Skinlab|Jeju Aloe Ice Niacinamide Soothing Gel
No. 5: Benton|Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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