Active ingredient

Aloe Vera

INCIAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

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. 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

2 weeksAloe extract raised skin water content vs its vehicleIn 20 women, creams with freeze-dried aloe vera extract raised the water content of the outer skin layer on the forearm versus the same cream without it, after two weeks of daily use. Water loss through the skin did not change.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.

Where it helps