What are the benefits of aloe vera for the skin?

The aloe vera gel is mostly water, but its hydrating capacity does not rely solely on this high aqueous content. It also contains hygroscopic polysaccharides, which can hold water within the stratum corneum and limit insensible water loss. By forming a lightweight film on the skin’s surface, these compounds help maintain a favourable environment for skin barrier integrity and cutaneous comfort, which explains the frequent use of aloe vera in treatments intended for dry or dehydrated skin.

A study investigated the hydrating effect of a formulation combining aloe vera, shea butter and vegetable glycerine in 27 adults. Skin hydration was measured using a moisture meter after applying the gel-lotion. The results show a significant increase in hydration levels. Moreover, the formulation exhibited a physiological pH close to 5 and was well tolerated by participants. These data suggest that aloe vera, when incorporated into a suitable formula, can effectively contribute to maintaining skin hydration.

The aloe vera gel is traditionally used to relieve minor superficial burns, sunburn or mild skin irritations. This use is based both on its moisturising properties, which quickly restore skin comfort, and on its ability to limit local inflammatory reactions responsible for redness, as well as sensations of warmth and tingling.

On a biological level, the soothing activity of aloe vera is explained in particular by an anti-inflammatory action targeting certain key mediators of inflammation. This ingredient specifically inhibits the production of prostaglandin F2 by intervening in the arachidonic acid degradation pathway via the inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX). This modulation of inflammatory cascades reduces vasodilation, cellular infiltration and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Combined with its hydrating effect, this action contributes to soothing weakened skin.

Sometimes referred to as a natural dressing, the aloe vera gel can support the repair of minor superficial wounds. One of the main components is acemannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe vera that is capable of accelerating wound closure and cell proliferation. This effect appears to involve activation of the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, which is involved in angiogenesis—that is, the formation of new capillaries necessary for delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Meanwhile, the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, major constituents of the cutaneous extracellular matrix, is stimulated, contributing to the restoration of the structure and strength of damaged skin. The aloe vera gel also contains glucomannan, which acts on the TGF-β1 growth factor and increases fibroblast activity, thereby promoting the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which is essential for proper skin repair. Additionally, aloe vera maintains a moist environment, which is favourable to healing and helps to reduce the burning or tightening sensations frequently experienced after an injury.

It should be noted, however, that aloe vera is suitable only for superficial, limited lesions: in cases of deep, open, infected or painful wounds, medical management remains essential before any topical application.

The aloe vera gel could also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by acting on several parameters. Some data suggest it stimulates collagen synthesis, limits its breakdown and improves both skin elasticity and hydration. More supple, better moisturised and endowed with a denser dermal network, the skin will tend to appear smoother.

A double-blind clinical study evaluated the efficacy of a gel containing 90% aloe vera, applied twice daily for 12 weeks to the peri-orbital region of 22 participants aged approximately 50 years. Each volunteer applied the aloe vera gel to one side of their face and a placebo to the other. The results showed a significant improvement in wrinkles on the side treated with aloe vera, as well as an increase in skin elasticity, confirmed by instrumental measurements and follow-up photography. Moreover, no adverse effects were reported, demonstrating the good topical tolerance of the aloe vera gel, even on the sensitive eye contour.

Some research also suggests an effect of aloe vera taken orally on signs of skin ageing. However, the results remain heterogeneous and further studies are needed.

Aloe vera is also studied for its antimicrobial properties, which stem from its rich biochemical composition. Among the molecules found in aloe vera, aloe-emodin and quercetin exhibit a strong affinity for certain bacterial targets involved in microbial survival and in modulating the host immune response, such as matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9 and caspase-3. These interactions suggest that aloe vera could act both by disrupting bacterial metabolism and influencing local immune mechanisms. Aloe-emodin is notably capable of altering the outer membrane of bacteria, causing structural deformities, loss of permeability and, ultimately, cell death, particularly in Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, certain phytochemicals in aloe vera inhibit the formation of biofilms, the protective structures that favour bacterial persistence and resistance to treatments.

Moreover, a cross-sectional study conducted over several months evaluated the antibacterial activity of an ethanolic aloe vera leaf extract via various microbiological methods. The extract showed measurable inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacterales, with mean inhibition zones of approximately 13 mm and 16.7 mm, respectively, indicating genuine activity against these bacteria involved in infections of wounds.

In addition to hygiene measures, aloe vera gel can serve as an adjunctive treatment to support the antimicrobial protection of injured skin.

The moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel, combined with its favourable skin tolerance, have led researchers to evaluate it in various inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, eczema or even psoriasis. Several clinical studies suggest that it may help to relieve symptoms, improve skin hydration and support the repair of the skin barrier. Nevertheless, aloe vera gel can only be regarded as an complementary treatment, and not as an alternative to appropriate dermatological management in cases of skin disease. Some clinical studies illustrating these effects are presented in the table below.

• WEINRAUB S. T. & al. Anti-inflamatory C-glycosyl chromone from Aloe barbadensis. Journal of Natural Products (1996).

• AFZAL M. & al. Management of psoriasis with aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Tropical Medicine & International Health (1996).

• DAL'BELO S. E. & al. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).

• VAN RENSBURG & al. A comparison of the leaf gel extracts of aloe ferox and aloe vera in the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in Balb/c mice. Inflammopharmacology (2015).

• AMINIYAN A. & al. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2019).

• CHOKDEESUMRIT W. & al. The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of periorbital wrinkle. Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (2019).

• BARKATE H. & al. Clinical assessment of novel plant-based moisturizer “Elovera” in management of dry skin conditions. International Journal of Research in Dermatology (2021).

• JEPPU U. & al. Antibacterial effect of aloe vera on bacteria isolated from cases of wound infection. Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets (2024).

• KA'ARAYENO A. J. & al. Aloe vera and shea butter gel lotion: A formula for skin hydration. Care : Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Kesehatan (2025).

• WALI M. & al. Antibacterial potentials of Aloe Barbadensis Miller and citrus limon plant extracts against skin infecting Propionibacterium acnes: Both in-vitro and in-vivo attempts. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation (2025).