Aloe vera gel is valued worldwide for its soothing properties. To receive the maximum benefits from this natural healer, search for products that are as pure as possible. Pure aloe vera options are available at affordable prices from a number of brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.
Shopping Options
There are many options for purchasing pure aloe vera gel. However, even the products labeled 100% pure will have some preservatives, as the only fully pure aloe vera gel comes directly from the plant. When purchasing commercially available products, look closely at the label to make sure that the primary ingredient is aloe vera, and that any additives are natural.
Vitamin Stores
Vitamin and supplement shops are good resources for buying a variety of natural products. You will find more choices at this type of store than a pharmacy.
- VitaminShoppe offers certified organic Lily of the Valley aloe vera gel. This aloe is advertised for external and internal use. Reviewers state the taste if fresh and pleasant while those using it for hair conditioner and skincare are pleased with its absorption.
- Swanson's Vitamins features its brand name as a Swanson Premium Aloe Vera Gel to use not just as a skin and hair treatment, but also as a gastrointestinal tonic for digestion and proper kidney and urinary tract health. Around $8 for 32 oz.
Drug Stores
Your local pharmacy will likely carry aloe vera gel in the skin care or sun care aisle.
- Lucky Vitamin offers a 6.8 oz tube of Real Aloe Aloe Vera Gelly for around $5. The organically grown aloe vera gel is 100% vegetarian, unscented with no gluten, animal byproducts. It is non-GMO and can be used topically as a moisturizer.
- In addition to pharmacy chains, you can also check your local independent pharmacies for some great pure aloe vera gel finds.
Mass Merchandisers
Mass merchandisers often carry pure aloe vera in the "natural" section of the cosmetics aisles or in the health-food aisles.
- Amazon's #1 Best Seller is Seven Minerals' Aloe Vera Gel. This is organic 100% pure aloe comes directly from freshly cut aloe plants. Unlike some products that contain Xanthan as a thickening agent, Seven Minerals uses 100% natural seaweed extract instead. This provides greater absorption. Customers love this product and share how they use it for things such as facials as well as sunburns, hair dressings and hair conditioner treatments. The 12 oz bottle sells for around $19 with Prime free shipping. Other sizes available include 2 oz travel size around $10 Prime and gallon size around $95 (not Prime eligible).
- Amazon.com offers Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel from organic cold pressed aloe. Among the typical uses, it is also recommended for cuticles treatments. The manufacturer offers a 100% money-back guarantee with no questions asked, and no returns necessary. You can purchase 8 fl. oz. for around $15.
Beauty and Skin Care Retailers
Cosmetics shops and sites carry lotions and creams which include aloe vera, but 100% pure gel may be rarer at these locations.
- The shopping site YesStyle offers IPKN Pure Aloe Vera Gel 98, a product of South Korea that is 98% pure aloe extract in a 180ml (6 oz) tube for around $30. The company offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee plus customs fee refunds should a customer be dissatisfied.
- Exotic Cosmetic carries Puretem Purevera Soothing Aloe Gel with 100% organic aloe vera. A 100 milliliter jar runs just under $30. It's a pricier option, but it's designed specifically for sensitive facial skin.
Organic Markets
Vendors with a focus on organic produce typically stock a nice assortment of pure products.
- Whole Foods Market carries a wide variety of organic beauty products. Locate a Whole Foods near you to explore.
- Your local co-op grocery store is also a good bet. Consult the Co-op Directory Service Listing to locate a cooperative market near you.
- There may also be a vendor at your local farmer's market. You may be able to buy the gel or the plant itself.
Make Your Own
The purest form of aloe comes directly from the plant. Fortunately, aloe vera plants are hearty and easy to tend - even for those without green thumbs. You can cut open a plant leaf and immediately apply its gel to your skin to promote healing and find relief from common burns and itches. Or, you can follow simple instructions for making your own aloe vera gel. Visit your local nursery to purchase your plant and enjoy the benefits!
The Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular species of the resilient aloe family due to its healing properties. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aloe vera has various antiseptic properties that help inhibit fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In addition, it has been used for thousands of years as a topical agent to help heal wounds. While further study is needed to prove its benefits, most sun worshippers will swear by aloe vera gel as a soothing remedy for sun-weary and sunburnt skin. Regardless of how you're using the gel, finding it in its purest form should be easy.