Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60–100 centimetres (24–39 inches) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. Aloe vera is typically obtained from the leaves of aloe plants. Historically, it has been believed that Aloe improves wound-healing and skin inflammation. Aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, cold sores, or dry skin.
["Skin Health: Aloe vera gel is commonly used to treat skin conditions such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, cold sores, or dry skin.", "Constipation Relief: Aloe vera latex, found in the semi-liquid substance of the plant, has laxative properties and can help relieve constipation.", "Skin Conditions: Aloe vera gel is effective in treating skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, or rashes, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.", "Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Aloe vera contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect against cellular damage and reduce inflammation.", "Skin Conditioning: Aloe-derived material functions primarily as skin conditioning agents and are typically included in cosmetics only at low concentrations."]
Aloe vera is suitable for all skin types.
["Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to aloe vera, such as contact dermatitis with mild redness and itching, difficulty with breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.", "Digestive Issues: Consuming aloe vera orally may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea or hepatitis. Long-term use can lead to hematuria, weight loss, and cardiac or kidney disorders.", "Phototoxicity: Although the phototoxicity of anthraquinone components of aloe plants has been demonstrated, several clinical studies of preparations derived from Aloe barbadensis plants demonstrated no phototoxicity, confirming that the concentrations of anthraquinones in such preparations are too low to induce phototoxicity."]
["Oral Ingestion: Orally ingested non-decolorized aloe vera leaf extract is listed as a possible carcinogen by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.", "Drug Interactions: Aloe vera may interact with prescription drugs, such as those used to treat blood clots, diabetes, heart disease, and potassium-lowering agents (such as Digoxin), and diuretics, among others.", "Anthraquinone Levels: In aloe-derived ingredients used in cosmetics, regardless of species, anthraquinone levels should not exceed 50 ppm."]
Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that they were safe for use in cosmetics. The CIR Expert Panel noted that aloe-derived ingredients may contain anthraquinones, which can be of concern if present at high levels. However, the data available for review by the CIR Expert Panel supported the conclusion that the manufacturing process is well-established and that current controls followed during production are adequate to ensure that anthraquinones remain below levels that would be of concern.
Aloe-derived ingredients enhance the appearance of dry or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Aloe-derived material has fungicidal, antimicrobial, and antiviral activity, and has been effective in wound healing and infection treatment in animals. The aloe leaf consists of pericyclic cells, found just below the plant’s skin, and the inner central area of the leaf, i.e., the gel, which is used for cosmetic products. The pericyclic cells produce a bitter yellow latex. The gel contains polysaccharides, which can be acetylated, partially acetylated or not acetylated.