Did you know that aloe vera has been used for thousands of years in terms of medicinal uses? Another fun fact is that there are actually over 400 species of aloe plants, but the most common one is Aloe vera Burm.
Summer is just around the corner. The season where we over-expose ourselves to the sun because the weather is so beautiful, vacations are booked, and we just want to be outside.
Each time we get too much sun we immediately reach for an aloe vera product.
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Today we are going to discuss the benefits of choosing an organic aloe vera gel, determine what is wrong with conventional aloe vera, and share our favorite products that are worth checking out.
Don’t miss the section where we suggest other ways you can use aloe vera, some of these may come to you as a surprise!
If you haven’t caught on yet, your aloe plant is more than just a succulent on a shelf that looks pretty!
Why Choose Natural or Organic Aloe Vera Gel
First and foremost like many conventional products, not all aloe vera gels are created equally. Even labels that report it is 99% organic, you still need to investigate the ingredients.
Conventional aloe can be marketed as a natural product because it comes straight from a plant, but during the manufacturing and packaging process, nasty chemicals are smuggled in.
Dyes, artificial fragrances, and phthalates are just a few to name. Most additives that are toxic are considered preservatives that are designed to extend the shelf and keep bacteria from growing.
However, as long as you use organic aloe vera gel in a reasonable time, many of these chemicals aren’t needed.
When you are checking out the label, be aware that there could be parabens, triclosan, and sulfates present, all of which pose harmful health risks after chronic exposure and are even considered endocrine disruptors.
Always remember, your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs just as much topically and environmentally as we do internally with our noses and mouths.
The Best Natural & Organic Aloe Vera Gels
Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel
This organic aloe vera gel is proudly grown in Texas and is harvested from fresh-cut plants versus powders. Rather than adding xanthan, Seven Minerals has chosen a seaweed extract so that it absorbs faster without leaving a sticky residue!
Natur Sense Aloe Vera Gel
This cold-pressed organic aloe vera gel checks off so many boxes when it comes to shopping for natural products! It dye and fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and its packaging is free of BPA making it extra eco-friendly. With the absence of thickeners, this gel has a thinner and silky consistency!
Beauty By Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Beauty by Earth is being totally transparent by showing you exactly what their organic aloe vera gel is made of. It’s also worth mentioning that once it is opened, it has a 12 month expiration period. This is considerably more when comparing to other natural products. While their gel isn’t USDA Organic certified, their mission is to provide the highest quality of ingredients possible, without the use of harmful ingredients.
Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Looking for a certified aloe gel? This one is certified all-natural and organic by ECOCERT. No matter what skin type you are, this product is gentle enough even on the most sensitive skin. As it is certified you can guarantee it is free of preservatives, artificial colors, and fragrances, along with mineral oils.
Aromatics Aloe Vera Gel
Another great option that is 99.75% pure aloe, with the remaining ingredients being all-natural. It’s cold-pressed from whole leaves and free aloin. Aromatics recommends keeping it refrigerated and says it’s okay for internal and external use.
What Can You Use Organic Aloe Vera Gel For?
The aloe plant not only has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties in a topical application, it also comes in handy for some DIY recipes!
The most common use for aloe vera that everyone has heard of is that it is great for burns, including the kind from sun exposure. Speaking of sun exposure, don’t forget to protect your lips with a natural lip balm!
Did you know that organic aloe vera gel has also been designed to treat acne, which is also better for sensitive skin? The antibacterial properties help to reduce the bacteria that cause breakouts and helps to reduce the inflammation around the area.
Aloe vera gel is also great for just moisturizing your skin even if it isn’t burned and can take the place of other moisturizers you use routinely.
Because of its gel-like consistency, you can also apply it to a cotton ball and use it to remove your makeup, which is a great non-toxic option. Experts recommend testing a spot on your arm first before getting the gel near and around your eyes.
You can create an aloe-based body scrub by adding sugar, salt, and oatmeal together which helps to exfoliate your skin. During this season, who doesn’t want smooth, silky, legs?
There are tons of DIY recipes for shaving gels that contain aloe vera as well.
Don’t forget that the next time you have an itchy bug bite that aloe vera gel can help with that too!
We hope that we have narrowed down your options as you start shopping for organic aloe vera gel. We can’t wait to see which you chose, so come back and tell us in the comments which one is your favorite!
