Active ingredient

Aloe Vera

INCIAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

7% to 90%Typical concentration

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Aloe vera is a succulent leaf extract used in skincare to soothe irritated skin, calm post-sun erythema, and lightly hydrate the surface. Its mucopolysaccharide complex draws water into the stratum corneum while polyphenols and acemannan dampen inflammatory mediators. Effective at 5% to 100% across gels, masks, and after-sun formulations. Pairs broadly with most actives. No major conflicts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Topical aloe vera is considered acceptable during pregnancy and lactation per Mother to Baby and LactMed. Oral aloe latex (anthraquinone fraction) is contraindicated in pregnancy, but topical leaf-gel preparations do not contain that fraction in cosmetic-grade extracts.

Mechanism in detail

What Aloe Vera does

Botanical humectant used as a comforting base across serums, baby care, and cleansers. High concentrations deliver noticeable cooling and hydration.

Evidence

What the research says

moisture+Topical aloe visibly boosts skin moistureIn this topical forearm trial, an aloe-extract cream significantly raised stratum-corneum water content versus its vehicle, measured by Corneometer. One to two weeks of daily use hydrated skin without disrupting the barrier.Read the study →Dal'Belo SE, Gaspar LR, Maia Campos PMBG. Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Res Technol. 2006;12(4):241-246.

From the BIOSAR catalog