Aloe in cosmetology

A basic ingredient with a medicinal past

2026-02-12

Aloe is one of the oldest medicinal plants, used by humans for over 3,000 years. It was valued as far back as Ancient Egypt: aloe juice was considered an elixir of longevity and was used to treat wounds, burns, and skin lesions. According to legend, Alexander the Great even captured the island of Socotra for the sake of aloe plantations - such was its value in the ancient world.

Aloe was used in medicine long before the advent of cosmetology, and in the 20th century it received a new wave of popularity, in particular in ophthalmology and dermatology. At the same time, it is important to understand: not every “home” aloe is the same ingredient used in professional products. The main type for cosmetology is Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), and not Aloe arborescens (Aloe arborescens), which often grows on window sills.

The uniqueness of aloe lies in its composition. The juice and cells of the leaves contain more than 200 biologically active components: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and polysaccharides. It is this complex that determines the multifunctional effect of aloe on the skin.

The main roles of aloe in cosmetology

Moisturizing and maintaining the barrier

Aloe polysaccharides form a thin hydrophilic film on the surface of the skin, which attracts water molecules and reduces its evaporation. At the same time, the skin "breathes" and the barrier functions are not disrupted.

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