Aloe vera gel has the best evidence on the skin: it can help soothe minor burns, sunburn and dryness. Aloe vera drinks are made from the inner-leaf gel, which is about 99% water, so they hydrate but are not a proven cure for digestion, diabetes or weight loss. Avoid aloe latex (the yellow sap), which is a strong laxative.
What is in aloe vera?
The clear inner gel is about 99% water. The rest includes polysaccharides such as acemannan, small amounts of vitamins (A, C, E), minerals and plant compounds. Just under the skin of the leaf is a yellow latex containing aloin, which has a strong laxative effect. Food-grade aloe drinks use inner-leaf gel and are processed to remove or limit aloin.
What are the proven benefits of aloe vera?
| Use | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Minor burns and sunburn (gel on skin) | Moderate: several studies suggest faster healing of first- and second-degree burns |
| Dry skin (gel on skin) | Good as a moisturiser; widely used in cosmetics |
| Acne (gel on skin) | Limited: small trials show benefit when combined with standard acne creams |
| Blood sugar (oral) | Limited: small studies show modest effects; not a treatment for diabetes |
| Digestion and constipation (oral) | Latex is a laxative but is no longer allowed in US over-the-counter laxatives due to safety concerns |
| Weight loss and “detox” (oral) | No good evidence |
How to use aloe vera on skin
- Patch-test on a small area first; some people are allergic to aloe.
- Apply a thin layer of pure aloe gel to clean, dry skin.
- For sunburn, keep the gel in the fridge for a cooling effect and reapply 2–3 times a day.
- For acne, use alongside, not instead of, your usual treatment.
Are aloe vera drinks good for you?
Aloe vera drinks are refreshing and popular in Asia, often with chewy aloe cubes in a lightly sweet fruit juice. They count towards daily fluid intake, and the gel pieces add texture. But the benefit mostly depends on the recipe: many aloe drinks contain 8–12 g of sugar per 100 ml, so look for reduced-sugar versions if you drink them often.
Popular aloe vera drinks
- Aloe vera with rock sugar: a traditional homemade Vietnamese drink.
- Bottled aloe vera juice: aloe pieces in flavoured juice, sold in PET bottles and cans.
- Aloe with fruit: grape, mango, lychee, pomegranate or strawberry.
ACM produces a wide aloe vera juice range for private label; see also aloe vera juice in functional beverages.
Who should avoid aloe vera?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid oral aloe latex and whole-leaf products.
- People taking diabetes medicines, diuretics or heart medicines should ask a doctor before regular oral use.
- Anyone with a known allergy to plants in the lily family.
- Children should not take aloe latex.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink aloe vera every day?
An aloe vera juice drink made from inner-leaf gel is generally fine as part of a balanced diet. Avoid products containing aloe latex or aloin for daily use.
Does aloe vera help with weight loss?
There is no good evidence that aloe vera causes weight loss.
Is aloe vera good for acne?
It may help calm redness and works best together with standard acne treatments.
What is the difference between aloe gel and aloe latex?
Gel is the clear inner part used in skincare and drinks. Latex is the yellow sap under the skin of the leaf and acts as a strong laxative.
