Aloe vera gel is among the most popular natural cosmetic treatments. Appreciated by all, this ingredient is particularly favoured by men for its positive effects on the beard. It is even said to promote rapid hair regrowth. Myth or reality? Learn more here.
Aloe vera for beard growth?
Published on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Aloe vera gel, a growth booster for the beard: true or false?
The aloe vera is a coveted natural treatment due to its rich composition and its numerous benefits for the skin. The many properties attributed to it result from the combined actions of the 200 active elements that make up its composition, among which are 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and nearly 20 essential minerals for the well-being of the skin and hair. Overall, the aloe vera gel is primarily used for its hydrating and healing action, whether it is present within a cosmetic formulation or used in its pure state.
No clinical trial conducted to date on aloe vera can definitively state that the gel from its leaves affects the growth of beard hair.
However, a study in vitro has shown that malic acid, one of the molecules found in aloe vera gel, could promote cell proliferation at the hair follicle, the biological structure where the hair roots, which could encourage its growth. Furthermore, it appears that aloe vera gel may also stimulate blood circulation. In doing so, it would promote the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair bulb, the exchange area at the base of the follicles, a crucial step to ensure hair growth. This property of aloe vera gel, however, does not have consensus within the scientific community.
Furthermore, another study conducted with rats examined the effect of a 1% aloe vera gel microemulsion on their hair growth. This was applied once a day for three weeks to the backs of half of the rats, which had been previously shaved. The length of the rats' hair was measured after 7, 14 and 21 days. The results are compiled in the table below.
| Group of rats | Hair length (mm) after 7 days | Hair length (mm) after 14 days | Hair length (mm) after 21 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rats without aloe vera | 1.83 ± 0.10 | 3.80 ± 0.74 | 5.23 ± 0.57 |
| Rats with aloe vera | 3.15 ± 0.24 | 6.40 ± 0.19 | 7.98 ± 0.57 |
Évolution de la longueurs de poils de rats avec et sans application d'aloe vera.
Source : FIDRIANI I. & al. Microemulsion formulation of aloe vera gel and apium graveolens ethanol extract for optimizing hair growth promotion. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (2015).
While this study appears to indicate a strong potential for aloe vera to stimulate rat hair growth, it is important to bear in mind that it is not guaranteed to have the same effect on human beard hair. Clinical trials are still required to assert that aloe vera promotes beard growth, although the initial results are promising.
Tip : While it's not certain that aloe vera gel can promote beard growth, it remains an excellent ingredient for maintaining its health. Hydrating, nourishing and softening, it can make beard hairs more supple and shiny.
Sources
FIDRIANI I. & al. Microemulsion formulation of aloe vera gel and apium graveolens ethanol extract for optimising hair growth promotion. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (2015).
PUSHPAKUMARI R. & co. Pharmaceutical, nutritional and cosmetic uses of the Aloe vera plant. International Journal of Herbal Medicine (2021).
TASLEEM G. & al. The Impact of Aloe Vera Gel on Skin and its Pharmacological Properties. Scholars International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology (2022).
