Aloe vera gel has become an essential part of many skincare routines. Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe can be great for oily, dry, or sensitive skin. With so many aloe gels on the market, it can be tricky to know which ones live up to the hype. After testing countless formulas, I’ve rounded up the 5 best aloe vera gels for face in 2024.
What Makes Aloe Vera Gel So Beneficial?
Aloe vera contains active compounds like polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that provide a host of benefits:
- Hydration – Aloe seals in moisture and contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin.
- Soothing – It has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated or sunburned skin.
- Healing – Aloe encourages skin cell regeneration and can reduce acne scarring.
- Anti-Aging – Its antioxidants like vitamin C and E fight free radicals and slow signs of aging.
For these reasons, aloe gels work for all skin types. Oily complexions benefit from aloe’s lightweight hydration without clogging pores. Dry skin drinks up its soothing moisture. And sensitive skin appreciates its gentle, cooling properties.
When shopping for an aloe gel, look for a high concentration of pure inner leaf aloe vera for maximum benefits. formulas around 70-90% pure aloe deliver the most bang for your buck.
Reviews of the Top 5 Aloe Vera Gels
After testing countless gels, here are my 5 favorite aloe vera formulas for face in 2024:
1. Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel
- 97% organic aloe vera – Highest concentration aloe on this list
- Light gel-cream hybrid texture
- Absorbs quickly without stickiness
- Soothes and hydrates without oiliness
- cruelty-free, vegan formula
With nearly 100% aloe, Seven Minerals delivers major hydration without clogging pores. It calms irritation and redness while protecting skin from environmental damage. The gel consistency spreads easily but feels surprisingly creamy.
This is my top choice for an everyday aloe gel that works for all skin types. The high aloe content means you get great value for money with each bottle.
2. Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
- 99% pure aloe
- Thick, sticky gel
- Deeply hydrating
- Calms acne and rosacea
- Absorbs slowly
This extra-thick aloe vera gel is perfect for dry skin in need of heavy-duty hydration. It contains 99% pure aloe plus antioxidant vitamin E for scar treatment and anti-aging benefits.
The dense gel texture sits on the surface longer, allowing more time for nutrients to absorb. If you dislike sticky textures, this one may not be for you. But for extremely dry or damaged skin, this works brilliantly as an overnight mask.
3. Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel
- 90% aloe vera
- Light gel with silky finish
- Hydrates without oiliness
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Soothes razor burn
With 90% aloe vera, Amara Organics’ fast-absorbing gel is packed with hydrating and healing benefits. It goes on light then forms a silky barrier against moisture loss.
Vitamin C, E and B5 work together to improve elasticity and even skin tone. The gel consistency spreads easily and plays well under makeup without pilling. For oily and acne-prone skin, this is a great oil-free hydrator.
4. Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly
- 99.5% inner fillet aloe
- Super-light liquidy gel
- Maximum hydration
- Paraben and dye-free
- Certified organic
Lily of the Desert’s Aloe Gelly delivers elite-level aloe with 99.5% inner fillet concentrate. The liquid-gel texture absorbs in seconds without any sticky residue.
This gelly is ideal for applying toners, serums and creams afterward, since it doesn’t dilute their performance. It’s an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin needing light hydration that won’t clog pores.
The minimal ingredients and pure organic aloe make this a fantastic soothing and reparative gel. Just add your favorite treatment products after application to customize your routine.
How to Use Aloe Vera Gel on Your Face
Using aloe gel is simple:
- Cleanse – Start with clean, dry skin. Aloe gels work best on bare skin.
- Apply – Dispense a dime-sized amount and pat gently onto face and neck. Avoid rubbing.
- Let soak – Allow gel to absorb fully before applying other products, usually 1-2 minutes.
- Follow with treatments – Serums, moisturizers and sunscreens work great layered over aloe gel.
- Repeat – Use aloe gel 1-2 times per day after cleansing. You can also use it as an overnight mask.
Aloe gels are very versatile. Use them as light moisturizers, under other products, to soothe irritation, or as hydrating masks. Play around to see what works for your skin type and concerns.
One tip: refrigerate aloe gels for an extra cooling sensation when applying!
Give Your Skin Some Aloe Love
Aloe vera gel deserves a spot in every skincare routine. It hydrates skin without clogging pores, soothes irritation and redness, speeds healing, and fights signs of aging – all in one plant-powered package.
Give your face some aloe love by working one of these top gels into your daily regimen. Your skin will thank you! Which aloe gel are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments!
