To provide our salon partners and customers with additional insights, we regularly take a closer look at the ingredients we use. This time, the focus is on aloe vera: a versatile plant extract that has been used for centuries in skincare and is now a staple in professional cosmetics.
What is aloe vera?
Aloe vera, botanically known as Aloe barbadensis Miller, is a succulent that is native to dry, warm regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America. Thanks to its thick, fleshy leaves, the plant can store large amounts of moisture to survive extreme drought.
For cosmetic applications, the transparent gel from the inner part of the leaf is used. This gel consists of more than 99% water, but also contains a wide range of biologically active substances that help nourish and support the skin.
The Composition of Aloe Vera
The power of aloe vera lies in its complex composition. The gel contains, among other things:
- Polysaccharides, including acemannan. These are complex sugars that help the skin retain moisture. They support hydration and help keep the skin feeling supple.
- Amino acids are essential building blocks for skin renewal. They play a key role in maintaining healthy, strong skin.
- Vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
- Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
- Phytosterols and flavonoids, which contribute to the extract’s soothing properties. These are plant-based lipids known for their soothing and calming properties. They help support the skin barrier and protect against harmful external influences. In skincare, they help protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
This combination makes aloe vera a multifunctional ingredient that both moisturizes and nourishes.
Hydration and support for the skin barrier
One of the most important properties of aloe vera is its ability to intensely moisturize the skin. The polysaccharides it contains form a moisture-binding network on the skin, which helps retain water and prevents dehydration.
In addition, aloe vera supports the skin’s natural barrier. A properly functioning skin barrier helps limit moisture loss and protects the skin from external factors such as temperature changes, dry air, and friction.
Soothes sensitive or irritated skin
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties. As a result, it is widely used in products for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin.
The extract helps reduce redness and tightness and immediately leaves the skin feeling cool and comfortable. This makes aloe vera a popular ingredient in products used after exposure to sunlight or other external stressors.
Suitable for virtually any skin type
Thanks to its gentle nature, aloe vera is suitable for virtually all skin types. It provides hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, making it suitable for use in both dry skin care products and formulas for combination and oily skin.
In addition, aloe vera has a low allergen profile, which means it is often well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Aloe Vera in Professional Skincare
In professional cosmetics, aloe vera is widely used in hand creams, body lotions, masks, gels, and after-sun products. This ingredient blends exceptionally well with other moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients, making it a valuable base for a wide variety of skincare formulas.
Thanks to its combination of hydrating, soothing, and skin-supporting properties, aloe vera remains one of the most versatile and proven ingredients in modern skincare.
Wondering which products contain aloe vera? Check out our selection and discover the nourishing power of this special plant extract.
