Can I Use Just Aloe Vera As My Moisturizer?

Aloe vera is an incredible ingredient and is best known for its anti-inflammatory, burn soothing and hydrating properties. But as a moisturizer alone? Ehh, it’s so-so. Here’s why…

Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are wonderful for the skin, but in its pure form is about 99% water. Anything that contains that much water evaporates very quickly on the skin. (This is why it feels cooling.) To much surprise, aloe vera is actually mildly astringent which temporality constricts blood vessels leaving the skin feeling tight or even dry. While this sounds great for oily skin types, long-term it can actually dehydrate the skin and cause other skin issues.

Saying all of that, pure aloe vera is simply not a complete or very good moisturizer for the skin. The skin needs moreeee! The good news is it’s one of those ingredients that is best used within a formula at appropriate concentrations with other skin-loving ingredients. Think of it as an ingredient that is better with friends. That way you will reap all of the phenomenal benefits of aloe vera.

Here are some great ways to use it:

• Apply pure aloe to the skin first followed by a moisturizer to lock it in or mix it in your moisturizer.

• Look for moisturizers that contain aloe as one of the main/first few ingredients but also contain other skin-benefiting ingredients.

• If you use a dry clay mask mix in aloe vera gel instead of water.

Lastly, if you are purchasing your aloe, look for 100% pure aloe vera gel. Many commercial brands contain simple drying alcohols, fragrances, dyes, and sometimes even menthol which can be irritating to the skin.