A Portrait of the medicinal plant
Image: pixabay
Aloe vera is a very healing plant that can be used externally on the skin and is also edible, which I learned about as a child from my grandmother. Whenever there were burns, she would cut open a leaf, remove the small thorns and place the halved leaf or the severed leaf on the wound. The very next day, the wound had already contracted. After applying the leaf, you immediately noticed a cooling effect. I have been very interested in this plant ever since.
Origin & botanical classification
Aloe barbadensis Miller, commonly known as Aloe vera, originally comes from the Arabian Peninsula but is now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Botanically, it belongs to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae and is a succulent perennial [1].
Image: pixabay
Active ingredients & mechanisms
The clear gel inside the leaves contains over 200 bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (mainly acemannan), phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones (e.g., aloin, emodin), vitamins (A, C, E, B12), enzymes, and minerals. These components exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. Acemannan, in particular, promotes skin cell proliferation and wound healing [2].
Application & health effects
Skin Care & Healing
When applied topically, Aloe vera gel can reduce itching, support the healing of sunburns, minor wounds, acne, psoriasis, and eczema, improve skin hydration, and help prevent premature skin aging [1].
It can be used as a makeup remover: Cotton balls soaked in aloe vera gel can effectively remove makeup.
Internal applications & metabolism
When ingested, studies indicate potential benefits for blood glucose control, lipid reduction, gastrointestinal protection, and immune support [3]. However, clinical evidence remains limited.
Safety & Side Effects
Topical use of Aloe gel is generally considered safe but may cause allergic reactions. Oral consumption, particularly of latex or whole leaves, can cause gastrointestinal issues, liver toxicity, or even carcinogenic effects with long-term use [3].
My knowledge of use
internally:
blend some aloe gel with honey and citrus juice and drink it. It is important that it is the original aloe vera wich is eatible without the skin. You can buy an aloe vera leaf at a health store.
externally:
Cut off a piece of the leaf, divide it horizontally in the middle, cut off small spines and, in the case of sunburn, place on the area and fix with a bandage, leave on for a few hours or preferably overnight so that all the active ingredients can be absorbed into the skin. Also works well on small cuts. For serious injuries, please consult a doctor.
Otherwise, for another time, run one half of the cut aloe vera leaf over the face, also over the eyelids if the eyes and mouth are closed. Allow to absorb and then rinse with water. Gives the skin beautiful moisture and elasticity.
Beautiful products for external use
Aloe vera gel.
Product tip:
Aloe Vera Gel for fresh summer skin
If your skin is tight or reddened after a sunny day,Aloe Vera Gel is like a little freshness boost. Personally, I like to use a product that is without alcohol and fragrances– ideal for sensitive skin.
My favorite: The Aloe Vera Gel from Balea at dm. It contains 96% Aloe Vera, is vegan. It’s formulated without any unnecessary additives. The texture is light, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin feeling pleasantly cared for.
Transparency Notice: This page contains affiliate links.
You can buy another brand on amazon. This one is drinkable because it is also organic. You can also apply it on your skin: https://amzn.to/4g2yca4
Tip: Stored in the refrigerator, the gel becomes the perfect after-sun product!
Legal notice:I recommend this product based on personal experience.
Fresh aloe vera leave: https://amzn.to/4n7Dy6w
Product tip:
Fresh organic aloe vera leaf – directly from Denns Bio Markt
For all those who prefer to make their own natural cosmetics: A fresh Organic Aloe Vera Leaf is a true all-rounder. Whether used as a soothing after-sun treatment or as an ingredient in DIY masks, the gel from the leaf has a cooling, moisturizing, and regenerating effect.
My tip: Stop by your local Denns BioMarkt – you’ll regularly find fresh organic aloe vera leaves in the produce aisle. The quality is top-notch, the origins transparent, and the shopping experience is simply pleasant. But if you don’t have any nearby, there are also good sources online, see the link above.
Tip: The leaf will keep in the refrigerator for several days – ideal for small skincare rituals in between!
DIY recipe: Soothing aloe vera mask for radiant skin
This mask is ideal for dry, irritated, or sun-stressed skin. It has a cooling effect, moisturizes, and restores balance to your skin.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh aloe vera gel (straight from the leaf)
1 tsp organic honey (soothing & antibacterial)
Optional: 1 tsp yogurt or quark (for extra care)
Preparation:
1. Scrape the aloe vera gel out of the leaf with a spoon.
2. Mix with honey (and yogurt if desired) in a small bowl.
3. Apply to cleansed face and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and care as usual.
Tip:For an extra kick of freshness, place the aloe leaf in the refrigerator for a short time beforehand!
Product tip: Pure Aloe Vera Gel – cosmetic raw material from Vitalia
If you mix your own skincare or rely on minimalist cosmetics, pure Aloe Vera Gel is a true all-rounder. It provides intensive moisture, soothes irritated skin, and is perfect as a base for DIY masks, serums, or after-sun products.
My tip: The Santaverde Aloe Vera Gel pure without fragrance at Vitalia. It contains 90% pure aloe vera juice from certified organic farming in Andalusia – completely free of fragrances, oils, or emulsifiers. Ideal for sensitive skin and purist skincare fans.
Tip: The gel can also be used as a cooling facial toner or soothing shaving care.
DIY recipe: Moisturizing aloe vera serum
This serum is light, soothing, and perfect for daily care—morning or evening under your cream.
Ingredients:
2 THE Santaverde Aloe Vera Gel pur
4 drops of jojoba oil (for smooth skin)
4 drops of almond oil or olive oil
Optional: 2 drops of lavender oil (soothing, fragrant – only for insensitive skin)
Preparation:
1. Pour aloe vera gel into a small glass or bottle.
2. Add jojoba oil, almond oil or olive oil and, if desired, lavender oil.
3. Stir or shake well until combined.
Application:
Apply to face and neck after cleansing.
Pat in gently, do not rinse.
Then care for it as usual.
Tip:When stored in the refrigerator, the serum has a particularly refreshing effect – ideal after sunbathing or for irritated skin.
All recipes you can find under blog/ recipes:
Conclusion
Aloe barbadensis Miller is a fascinating medicinal plant with a broad spectrum of active ingredients and potential health benefits—particularly in skin care. However, caution is advised for oral use: While there is promising evidence, the research is inconclusive. Consultation with a medical professional is advisable.
Relevant scientific studies (Open Access)
- Levin et al., 2022 – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Burn Wound Healing Time Between Aloe Vera and Silver Sulfadiazine PMC9621733
- Hęś, 2019 – Aloe vera (L.) Webb.: Natural Sources of Antioxidants PMC6684795
- Guo et al., 2016 – Aloe vera: A review of toxicity and adverse clinical effects PMC6349368