References to aloe vera’s healing properties date back to biblical times, and Cleopatra is said to have bathed in its juice for its skin benefits. This article explores what science now tells us about how aloe vera skin care - and hair care - benefits us – and what’s special about the aloe vera skin care at Odylique.

Aloe Vera Skin Care Benefits: Repairing, Soothing, Hydrating, Antioxidant

You can watch aloe vera’s ‘healing’ ability in action. Just break an aloe leaf and see how the leaking juice or gel juice seals the cut. This aloe vera gel gets to work in a similar way to repair skin. Its enzymes help form a protective layer, which also helps retain moisture.

The enzyme and fatty acid content of the gel can also help reduce inflammation and irritation.

In a 2018 clinical trial, deodorants with aluminium chloride were shown to be significantly less irritating when aloe vera was added to them.

This ability to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation makes aloe vera juice ideal for sensitive or eczema‑prone skin, as well as burns.

A 2023 study confirmed aloe’s anti‑inflammatory and wound‑healing role in dermatitis. Korean researchers also found that ingesting aloe vera gel improved atopic dermatitis by reducing inflammation and restoring skin cell function.

With its cooling and anti-inflammatories properties, it is one of the most natural remedies for sore skin.

 

A Potent Punch of Antioxidants

More than ‘just’ a skin repairer, aloe vera can help protect us from premature ageing. It is rich in antioxidant compounds like flavonoids, anthraquinones and polysaccharides that neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

One recent review suggests aloe’s antioxidant potential is equivalent in some cases to the synthetic antioxidant BHT, depending on extraction methods.

A 2021 Indonesian study found fresh aloe solution could neutralise around 35% of DPPH free radicals and inhibit 50% of lipid peroxidation.

In other words, this antioxidant activity helps protect skin and scalp from the premature aging effects of pollution and UV damage.

Aloe Vera Hair & Scalp Advantages: Soothe, Moisturise, Strengthen

Research says that Aloe Vera can also be beneficial for the hair due to its:

• Enzyme and fatty acid content which can help reduce inflammation
• Moisturising effect - aloe’s enzyme blend helps clear dead cells and supports the scalp’s natural barrier.
• Vitamins C, E, B-12, Folic Acid, and Choline content that can help nourish and strengthen the hair.

All these benefits are why aloe is a key ingredient in Odylique shampoos and conditioners.

Why Aloe Vera Quality Matters in Skincare

Not all aloe vera extracts are equal.

There are different species of aloe vera - 300 in fact, and bioactive content varies.

Different extraction methods – how aloe is grown and processed also affects the level of antioxidants. Organically grown crops are proven to generally have higher levels of antioxidants. Hexane-based or heated extraction methods lower the antioxidant yield.

Preservation: Fresh gel must be preserved— artificial chemicals may irritate. Freeze- drying avoids preservatives and retains antioxidants longer.

Aloin: Some aloe vera, including ours, is processed to remove the aloin content in the outer leaf to ensure safety.

At Odylique, we only use aloe vera that has been grown and processed to maximise the benefits of the plant.

Or to paraphrase the Marks & Spencer advert, "This is not just aloe vera, this is pure, organic, freeze-dried super-strength aloe vera"! 

Discover our aloe vera skin care: Repair Lotion and other moisturisers, shampoos, deodorant and bodywashes.