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Soothing agents

Aloe vera

Also listed as Aloe barbadensis leaf water, aloe leaf juice, aloe gel

A cooling, water-rich plant ingredient with some evidence for healing minor burns. 'Leaf water' is a diluted form that mostly serves as a pleasant base.

Limited evidence

What it is

Aloe gel from the inner leaf contains polysaccharides (notably acemannan) that hold water and show anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects in lab studies. Aloe barbadensis leaf water is a watery, diluted form used in place of plain water in a formula; how much active polysaccharide it carries is usually unknown and likely small.

It feels cooling and soothing, which is most of what you notice from an everyday product.

How strong is the evidence?

Limited evidence

A 2007 meta-analysis of four trials (371 patients) found aloe shortened healing of first- and second-degree burns by about 9 days, but products and methods varied widely. A systematic review of randomized trials found no evidence that aloe prevents radiation skin reactions. Evidence for sunburn relief and everyday cosmetic benefits is weak.

What it's used for, checked

Minor burns

Mixed

Faster healing in a meta-analysis of small, varied trials.

Sunburn relief

Unproven

Feels soothing; controlled evidence of faster recovery is lacking.

Preventing radiation skin reactions

False

Randomized trials reviewed together showed no benefit.

Hydration

Mixed

Its sugars act as mild humectants; the rest of the formula matters more.

Who should be careful

  • Allergy is uncommon but occurs; stop if itching or a rash appears.
  • Don't use raw aloe latex (the yellow sap just under the leaf skin) on skin; it irritates. Cosmetic aloe is processed to remove it.

The studies

Every citation is checked against its PubMed record.

  1. The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review.
    Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Niruntraporn S, Kongkaew C · Burns · 2007 · Systematic review + meta-analysis

    Four controlled trials (371 patients) suggested aloe shortened healing of first- and second-degree burns by about 9 days, but differing products and outcomes limit firm conclusions.

  2. Aloe vera for preventing radiation-induced skin reactions: a systematic literature review.
    Richardson J, Smith JE, McIntyre M, Thomas R, Pilkington K · Clinical Oncology · 2005 · Systematic review

    Five published and two unpublished randomized trials gave no evidence that topical aloe vera prevents or reduces radiation-induced skin reactions in cancer patients.