What are the benefits of aloe vera on the skin?

The aloe vera gel is primarily composed of water, but its moisturizing capacity does not rely solely on this high water content. It also contains hygroscopic polysaccharides, capable of retaining water within the stratum corneum and reducing transepidermal water loss. By forming a light film on the skin's surface, these compounds help maintain an environment conducive to skin barrier integrity and skin comfort, which explains the frequent use of aloe vera in products intended for dry or dehydrated skin.

A study examined the moisturizing effect of a formulation combining aloe vera, shea butter and vegetable glycerin 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. Furthermore, the formulation exhibited a physiological pH close to 5 and was well tolerated by the participants. These findings suggest that aloe vera, when incorporated into an appropriate formula, can effectively support skin hydration.

The aloe vera gel is traditionally used to relieve minor superficial burns, sunburns, or mild skin irritations. This indication relies on both its hydrating capacity, which rapidly restores skin comfort, and its ability to limit local inflammatory reactions responsible for redness and sensations of warmth and tingling.

From a biological standpoint, the soothing activity of aloe vera is notably explained by its anti-inflammatory action targeting specific key mediators of inflammation. This ingredient particularly inhibits the production of prostaglandin F2 by acting on the arachidonic acid degradation pathway via inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). This modulation of inflammatory cascades reduces vasodilation, cellular infiltration, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Combined with its moisturizing effect, this action helps to soothe compromised skin.

Sometimes referred to as a natural bandage, aloe vera gel can support the repair of minor superficial wounds. One of its main active agents is acemannan, a polysaccharide found in aloe vera that is able to accelerate wound closure and cellular proliferation. This effect appears to involve activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which is implicated in angiogenesis, i.e., the formation of new capillaries necessary for oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Simultaneously, the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, key components of the skin’s extracellular matrix, is stimulated, contributing to the restoration of the structure and tensile strength of damaged skin. Aloe vera gel also contains glucomannan, which acts on the growth factor TGF-β1 and enhances fibroblast activity, thereby promoting the synthesis of elastin and collagen—critical elements for skin remodeling. Additionally, aloe vera maintains a moist environment, which is conducive to wound healing and helps alleviate the burning or tight sensations often experienced after an injury.

However, it should be recalled that aloe vera is suitable only for superficial and limited lesions: in the case of a deep, open, infected or painful wound, medical attention 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 that it stimulates collagen synthesis, limits its breakdown, and improves both skin elasticity and hydration. More supple, better hydrated, 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 periocular area of 22 participants aged approximately 50 years. Each volunteer applied aloe vera to one side of their face and a placebo to the other. The results showed a significant improvement in wrinkles on the side where aloe vera had been used, as well as an increase in skin elasticity, confirmed by instrumental measurements and follow-up photography. Furthermore, no adverse effects were reported, demonstrating the good topical tolerance of the aloe vera gel, even on the sensitive area of the eye contour.

Some studies have also suggested an effect of aloe vera taken orally on signs of skin aging. However, the results remain heterogeneous and further research is needed.

Aloe vera is also studied for its antimicrobial properties, which derive from its rich biochemical composition. Among the molecules present in aloe vera, aloe-emodin and quercetin show a strong affinity for certain bacterial targets involved in microbial survival and in modulating the host’s immune response, such as the metalloproteinase MMP-9 or caspase-3. These interactions suggest that aloe vera could act both by disrupting bacterial metabolism and by influencing local immune mechanisms. Aloe-emodin is notably capable of disrupting the outer membrane of bacteria, causing structural deformations, loss of permeability, and ultimately cell death, especially in Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, certain phytochemicals from aloe vera inhibit biofilm formation, the protective structures that promote bacterial persistence and resistance to treatments.

Furthermore, 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 demonstrated measurable growth inhibition 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 wounds.

As a complement 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 excellent skin tolerance, have prompted researchers to evaluate it in various inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, eczema , and psoriasis. Several clinical studies suggest it may help soothe symptoms, improve skin hydration, and support the repair of the skin barrier. However, aloe vera gel can only be considered an adjunctive treatment and not an alternative to appropriate dermatological care for skin diseases. 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).