BOTANICAL/INCI  NAME
Aloe barbadensis

EXTRACTION METHOD
Extract of the inner leaf ‘gel’ in glycerin. 

SUGGESTED USE
Therapeutic; beauty, cosmetics and hair products 

BENEFITS

Aloe has 96–99% water content that is held in a natural ‘gel’ within the robust casing of the aloe leaves.  The gel is rich in bio-active substances including B-sisterole, which can help to slow and inhibit inflammation – making it beneficial for treating aching, stiff joints and improving flexibility.  Its ‘cooling’, anti-inflammatory property also makes it ideal for treating burns, especially sunburn, as well as soothing itching.  The aloe treats the epithelial (outer) level of skin cells that cover the body, acting as a protective layer and replenishing moisture.  Due to aloe’s nutritional and antioxidant properties, the skin heals more quickly.  The healing of the epithelial layer is beneficial for reducing stretch marks.

Aloe’s other active ingredients include sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol, all of which are anti-microbial and form a ‘team’ against pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses that may cause infection on the skin.

The gel is also rich in vitamins, including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6 and, rarely found in plants, B12.  The plethora of minerals includes: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

Further, aloe gel contains 18-20 amino acids (the building blocks of protein) out of the 22 that are necessary to the human body, as well as a range of fatty acids that includes capesterol, linoleic, linolenic, mysteric, oleic, palmitic and stearic.

• Disinfectant
• Anti-biotic
• Anti-microbial. Germicidal. Antibacterial.
• Anti-septic,
• Anti-fungal  
• Anti-viral
• Skin.  May be beneficial in treating eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, sores and genital herpes.  Moisturizing without being greasy; suitable for oily complexions
• Aftershave treatment (soothing, healing for small cuts)
• Anti-aging (due to antioxidants, including beta-carotene and vitamins C and E); moisturizing and supports collagen and elastin repair.
• Astringent (causes contraction of body tissues) – aids wound healing.
• Scalp and Hair.  Proteolytic enzymes repair skin cells on the scalp. Soothes itching scalp.  Reduces dandruff.  Aloe has a chemical make up similar to keratin, rejuvenates the hair and promotes hair growth; makes a good conditioner, leaves hair shiny and nourished. Combine aloe vera gel with liquid coconut oil to create a nourishing hair pack.
• Acne treatment.  The bioactive properties that reduce inflammation and promote skin healing make it ideal as an acne treatment/additional ingredient in home-made acne treatments.

PRECAUTIONS
May cause skin sensitivity after prolonged/repeated exposure. If an allergic reaction does occur, seek medical attention.