It probably won’t surprise you to hear that aloe vera is a great ingredient to use on your skin, with its soothing and cooling properties. Find out the main benefits of aloe vera for skin, how aloe is used and some of our favourite products formulated with aloe vera.

Is aloe vera good for skin?

Yes, aloe vera is generally considered to be good for the skin, due to its calming properties. It has been used for centuries in various cultures to aid a wide range of ailments, including skin concerns. 

It is understood that the Egyptian queens Nefertiti (c. 1370 to c. 1330 BC) and Cleopatra (69 to 30 BC) used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. It truly has stood the test of time! 

5 benefits of aloe vera

1. Moisturising

One of the main benefits of aloe vera on skin is its hydrating properties. A natural effective ingredient for improving skin hydration, possibly through a humectant mechanism, aloe vera is a common ingredient in many skincare formulations. 

Humectants are substances that attract water, so if aloe vera does in fact use a humectant mechanism, it not only moisturises the skin, but also helps to draw water into the skin. 

2. Healing

Aloe vera also contains compounds like polysaccharides – major classes of biomolecules forming long chains of carbohydrate molecules – that can help in the regeneration of skin cells. 

As a result, aloe vera is often used to treat burns, cuts, and other skin wounds.

3. Anti-inflammatory

The plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin inflammation and redness. This makes it especially useful for conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Many body and face moisturisers incorporate aloe vera to help soothe these conditions, while nourishing the skin. 

4. Antimicrobial

Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections. This is particularly handy in skincare to help combat acne and breakouts. 

5. Cooling effect

Aloe vera is renowned for the cooling sensation it causes when applied to the skin. Anyone who’s experienced a painful sunburn will recall the relief felt when aloe vera gel was applied topically to the burn. 

This ingredient works to cool the skin, add essential moisture and reduce the discomfort associated with sunburns.

Uses of aloe vera for skin

1. Does aloe vera help acne?

Aloe vera can help with the appearance of breakouts and discomfort acne causes. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera reduce swelling and redness of the skin, while its antimicrobial effects help fight acne-causing bacteria. 

Aloe vera also promotes wound healing – which can be helpful for particularly angry breakouts – and reduces the appearance of scars.

2. Aloe vera for hyperpigmentation

Aloe vera can help reduce hyperpigmentation due to its aloin (a natural compound that inhibits melanin production) and aloesin (prevents formation of new excess melanin deposits) content. 

Applying aloe vera infused moisturisers to affected areas can gradually lighten dark spots and promote an even skin tone. 

3. Aloe vera for insect bites

Aloe vera can be effective for soothing insect and mosquito bites. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce any swelling and redness, while its cooling effect alleviates itching and discomfort. 

The ingredient’s antimicrobial properties can also help prevent infection in the affected area. 

UpCircle’s products with natural aloe vera

Knowing all the hydrating benefits of aloe vera, it’s a staple in many of our products, from moisturisers and cleansers to SPF and face masks. You’ll find aloe vera listed on our product ingredients as ‘Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract’, which is just the botanical name for aloe vera leaf extract. 

1. Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder + Aloe Vera

This gentle cleanser repairs and restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types, this everyday vegan face cleanser leaves your skin feeling buttery soft.

Our multi-award winning Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder has a milky, creamy formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin. 

The cleansing milk is formulated with upcycled oat powder that works with the natural skin barrier to gently cleanse and protect. The polysaccharides – the most abundant naturally occurring macromolecular polymers – restore the moisture barrier while antioxidants work to protect the epidermis from free radical damage.

Working to calm inflammation and irritation, this cleanser is suitable for acne-prone skin. 

How to use: Massage between your fingers and onto a damp face in upward circular motions. Rinse with warm water. YouTube Video.

Upcycled ingredient: The face cleanser is formulated with oat powder upcycled from the food and drink industry.

2. Kaolin Clay Face Mask

Drawing out impurities and gently detoxifying the skin to combat bacteria, our Kaolin Clay Face Mask calms the skin and reduces redness.

Our face mask invigorates the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and bright. Anti-inflammatory upcycled olive powder is combined with rejuvenating white kaolin clay, coconut powder and baobab oil.

Multi award-winning, the gently-detoxifying clay face mask helps to fight blackheads, minimise pores and prevent breakouts – leaving cleansed, refreshed and balanced skin.

How to use: Apply the mask to damp skin in a thin layer and relax for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water or a damp cloth to reveal fresh, cleansed skin. Suitable for use several times a week. YouTube Video.

Upcycled ingredient: This mask is made with the finely ground powder of discarded olive stones – from the olive oil industry – which provides a new revenue stream for the growers.

3. Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E

Our fan-favourite Face Moisturiser is formulated with vitamin E rich argan powder, combined with skin-soothing cocoa butter, aloe vera and blood orange

Light and protective yet deeply nourishing, the multi-award winning hydrating face moisturiser works to soothe and brighten the skin.

How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin then massage in until the cream absorbs. Suitable for all skin types and for daily use. YouTube Video.

Upcycled ingredient: This facial moisturiser is made with finely-ground powder of discarded argan shells, a natural by-product of the argan oil industry and rich in antioxidant Vitamin E.

4. Natural Body Cream with Cocoa Butter

If you’re seeking deep moisturisation from a non-greasy moisturiser, then our Natural Body Cream with Aloe Vera will do the trick. 

With a rich, lightweight formula that soothes even the most sensitive skin, this hydrating body cream is suitable for all skin types with nourishing shea butter, olive oil, and date seed extract which is clinically proven to reduce redness.

How to use: Apply this moisturiser morning or evening to clean, dry skin. Massage gently into skin in circular motions. YouTube Video.

Upcycled ingredient: This body cream is made with the anti-inflammatory extract of leftover date seeds, a by-product of date farming.

Discover our full selection of natural skincare.