10 Different Ways You Can Use an Aloe Vera Gel

This gooey stuff is a champion multitasker that can do so much more than just soothe a sunburn. You can pick up a bottle of aloe vera gel—or buy a potted plant and use the juice from the cut leaves—and use it on EVERYTHING, from acne all the way to making your own DIY hand sanitiser! Here are some of our favourite aloe vera beauty hacks:

1. Makeup remover

Ran out of your favourite cleansing balm? Because aloe vera is gentle on the skin, is moisturising, and has a gel-like consistency, it works well as a natural makeup remover, especially for sensitive skin types. Smooth it on and wipe off with a washcloth to cleanse and moisturise at the same time. Afterwards, don't forget to follow up with a water-based cleanser!

2. Natural remedy for breakouts

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and other antiseptic compounds that can kill off acne-causing bacteria, says Francesca Fusco, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Just apply the gel on any areas with acne, and your zit is guaranteed to be more calm the next day!

We would recommend using the Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel, as it contains two star ingredients, Aloe Vera and Propolis, known for their antibacterial and healing properties to heal irritated and troubled skin.

3. Sleeping mask

Aloe vera gel has soothing benefits to help reduce redness on the skin. Just apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel like the Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel to the entire face before you sleep. After waking up, rinse it off, and your skin will feel smoother, supple, and glowing.

4. Physical Exfoliator

It might seem like a far-fetched idea, but apparently you can also use aloe vera gel the next time you need an emergency DIY exfoliator. The trick is to mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with an equal amount of olive oil and three spoons of sugar.

While this is a popular recipe, we would always recommend keeping DIY recipes for emergencies, or only for the skin on your body. This is because while they may seem simple, they're also very, very easy to screw up unless you're a pro!

5. Helps cracked heels

A simple remedy to keep your feet moisturised and crack-free is to simply apply a good amount of aloe gel on your feet, massage until it gets absorbed, and then put on socks on your tootsies. In winters, you can also add aloe vera gel to your foot cream or petroleum jelly to boost its softening benefits.

6. Hand sanitiser

Hand sanitisers help ensure our hands stay clean of germs and bacteria. If you can't find one in your nearest pharmacy, you can always make your own with only aloe vera gel, alcohol and essential oil. Read the full recipe here.

7. Hair Mask

Yes, your favourite aloe vera gel can also double as a hair mask! Just apply the gel to your scalp and hair, and let sit for around 30 minutes until the hair feels a bit stiff. Rinse until clean, and your scalp will feel healthier, and your hair not easily tangled.

8. Soothing cream

Freeze an ice cube tray with aloe vera gel and voila, you have an aloe vera gel cube! Rub it on your face for a refreshing boost of freshness or to simply soothe any skin burns.

The Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel is a non-sticky soothing gel containing organic aloe vera to help soothe sensitised skin that have been exposed to harmful environmental factors, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and calmed.

9. Helps with cold sores

Dabbing on an aloe vera cream could get that pesky lesion to go away faster due to those antiviral properties, some past research have suggested. 

10. Shaving gel

Aloe vera gel is an excellent alternative for shaving cream because it is soothing, goes on smooth and provides the perfect amount of slip without leaving you prone to pesky shave bumps.

Do you know any other beauty hacks you can do with aloe vera? Share them with us!