Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Pure Aloe Vera Gel

Last Updated on May 11, 2021

Aloe Vera is such a versatile ingredient that growing an aloe plant at your home makes sense. Pure aloe vera gel helps moisturize your skin and hair, soothe sunburns and other skin irritations.

However, since it is not possible for everyone to grow a plant, store-bought aloe vera gels are the next best options available. 

There are hundreds of brands in India selling aloe vera gel. But most of these brands sell aloe vera gel mixed with filler ingredients to increase their shelf life and make them look appealing to customers. 

Want to learn how to identify if the aloe vera gel you bought is really pure or just a concoction of unnecessary ingredients? Here are 5 points to consider before buying aloe vera gel from the market. 

How to Identify Pure Aloe Vera Gel?

1. Read the Label Carefully

Less is more when it comes to the ingredients. And pure aloe vera gel will have just 3-4 ingredients in it.

The first ingredient should always be aloe vera juice followed by a thickening agent and a preservative. Skip the product if the label mentions ‘base q.s’ in the ingredient list.

2. Percentage of Aloe Vera

Ready-made aloe vera gel cannot be 100% pure as it needs some preservatives and thickeners (no matter what the brand claims on the packaging). The purest and best aloe vera gels will consist of at least 99% aloe juice. 

Anything less than 95% of aloe vera juice should be unacceptable. And try to purchase an organic product(even better if it is certified organic by USDA or Ecocert).

3. Colour and Odour

Pure Aloe vera gel is always clear and odourless. So if the aloe vera gel is green in colour or has a strong fragrance, it is not pure.

You should refrain from buying such green-coloured gels as they contain synthetic additives like dyes and fragrances which are unnecessary.

4. Preservatives and Thickeners

Fresh aloe gel will last maximum a week when stored in the refrigerator. So store-bought aloe vera gels require preservatives to make them last beyond a week. 

Look for a gel with safe preservatives like Salinatural, TCLS, Potassium Sorbate, Malic Acid etc. 

Also, aloe vera gel needs a gelling/thickening agent to form a uniform consistency. The commonly used natural thickeners include xanthan gum, sclerotium gum or seaweed extract. 

The popular thickening agent called Carbomer found in aloe vera gels is petroleum-derived, so stay away if you prefer using plant-based cosmetics only.

5. Packaging and Shelf Life

The shelf life of the aloe vera gel generally varies from 6-24 months. When it comes to packaging, a squeeze-tube or bottle although hard to upcycle is hygienic and easier to use. 

But most brands sell aloe vera gel in plastic or glass jars. So use a clean spoon to scoop out the product and avoid contamination. 

 The Best Pure Aloe Vera Gel in India

Here are some brands in India you can trust to find the best and pure aloe vera gel.

• Bonsoul
• Bon Organics
• Rustic Art
• Blend it Raw Apothecary
• Bliss of Earth
• Vilvah
• Bubblefarm

You can use code DEMURE20 to get 20% off your orders over Rs.500 on Vanity Wagon.

Also Read: Bon Organics Aloe Vera Gel Review

I have personally used Rustic Art, Bonsoul and Bon Organics and find them equally wonderful. If you want to buy aloe vera gel in bulk, Bonsoul offers it in pouch packaging for 400 grams and 1kg.

Comment below which brand do you prefer for buying best aloe vera gel?

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