Theo Nash
Aloe vera gel is a popular skincare product used for its soothing and moisturizing properties. However, many people are surprised to find that commercial aloe vera gels often contain alcohol as one of the main ingredients. This can be misleading for consumers who expect the product to be purely made of aloe vera. The presence of alcohol in aloe vera gel is often used to create a cooling sensation on the skin, especially after sunburn. However, this can also have a drying effect, which may be counterproductive for those seeking the moisturizing benefits of aloe vera. To avoid this, consumers can opt for pure aloe vera gel, which can be obtained by growing and preparing the plant at home or purchasing it from select organic stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol in aloe vera gel | Alcohol is added to create a fake aloe vera "cooling effect". |
| Alcohol evaporates and gives a cooling sensation, which feels nice on sunburnt skin. | |
| Alcohol is used as a stabiliser to make the product commercially viable. | |
| Pure aloe vera gel | The only way to get totally pure aloe vera gel is to grow a plant or make it yourself. |
| Homemade aloe vera gel doesn't last long and gets suspect-looking. | |
| Some companies trick consumers by rearranging words on the label to give the impression that the product is 100% aloe vera gel. | |
| Aloe vera gel is light golden in colour. If it is green, it has been artificially coloured. | |
| Aloe vera gel without alcohol, when refrigerated, provides the same cooling effect without drying the skin out. |
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What You'll Learn
Companies use alcohol to create a fake cooling effect
Many companies use a deceptive marketing strategy to sell their aloe vera gels. They rearrange the words in their product names from "100% Aloe Vera gel" to "Aloe Vera 100% gel", which gives consumers the impression that the product is made entirely of aloe vera. However, this is not the case. The actual amount of aloe vera in these products can be very low, and they may contain a higher proportion of other ingredients, such as alcohol and water.
Alcohol is often added to aloe vera gels to create a fake cooling effect. Once the product is applied, the alcohol evaporates, providing a pleasant sensation, especially after sunburn. However, this can also have a drying effect on the skin. To avoid this, consumers can opt for alcohol-free aloe vera gels and store them in the fridge to achieve the same cooling effect without the skin-drying side effect.
Some aloe vera gels also contain artificial colours. Pure aloe vera gel is a light golden colour, so if a product is green, it has likely been artificially coloured. This means that the product is not as natural as it may seem.
To ensure that you are purchasing a pure aloe vera product, look for labels that state "100% Pure Aloe Vera" or "99% Pure Aloe Vera". The order of ingredients on the list is also important, as it indicates the proportion of each ingredient in the product. If aloe vera is listed as the first ingredient, it is the most prominent component. However, if it appears further down the list, it means that the product contains more of the other ingredients and less aloe vera.
It is worth noting that some companies use water as the main ingredient in their aloe vera gels, so it is important to read the ingredient lists carefully to ensure you are getting a product with a high enough concentration of aloe vera to be effective.
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Alcohol is added to make the product commercially viable
The addition of alcohol to aloe vera gel serves multiple purposes, and one of the primary reasons is to make the product commercially viable. Here are several factors that contribute to its commercial viability:
Stabilization
Stabilizers are necessary to extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel and prevent it from spoiling or deteriorating. Alcohol acts as a preservative, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and maintaining the product's stability over a longer period. This characteristic of alcohol makes aloe vera gel more commercially viable by increasing its durability and reducing the risk of spoilage during storage and transportation.
Cooling Sensation
The presence of alcohol in aloe vera gel creates a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. This effect is particularly appealing to consumers seeking relief from sunburn or looking for a refreshing skincare experience. The perception of a cooling sensation enhances the product's desirability and marketability, making it more attractive to consumers and, thus, commercially successful.
Consistency and Texture
Alcohol can also play a role in modifying the consistency and texture of aloe vera gel. By adjusting the alcohol content, manufacturers can create a gel with a smoother and less greasy feel. A product that is easy to apply and absorbs quickly is often preferred by consumers. This preference drives the commercial success of the product, as consumers are more likely to purchase a gel with a pleasant texture and application experience.
Sanitization
In some cases, aloe vera gel is combined with alcohol to create hand sanitizers or sanitizing gels. Alcohol, particularly isopropyl alcohol, is an effective sanitizing agent, killing germs and bacteria. By incorporating alcohol, aloe vera gel can be transformed into a multi-purpose product, appealing to consumers seeking both sanitization and skincare benefits. This versatility expands the product's market reach and commercial potential.
While the addition of alcohol can enhance the commercial viability of aloe vera gel, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Some individuals may find that alcohol-based aloe vera gels dry out their skin or cause irritation. Therefore, it is essential to read product labels carefully and choose gels with lower alcohol content or explore alternative options, such as natural aloe vera gels or gels with moisturizing alcohols, to suit individual skin needs.
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Alcohol is a cheap dupe for aloe vera
Many companies use alcohol to create a fake aloe vera "cooling effect". Alcohol is often listed as the second ingredient in aloe vera gels, even though it is counterproductive as it dries out the skin. Alcohol is added to give a cooling sensation when the product is applied, as it evaporates quickly. However, you can get the same cooling effect from a gel without alcohol by simply storing it in the fridge.
Some companies also trick consumers by rearranging the words on the label. For example, instead of "100% Aloe Vera gel", they write "Aloe Vera 100% gel", which gives the impression that it is 100% aloe vera when it is not. In reality, the product contains more of the other ingredients and therefore less aloe vera. Water is often the main ingredient in these products.
To get totally pure, 100% aloe vera, you would need to grow a plant or make it yourself. However, homemade aloe vera gel doesn't last long and is time-consuming to make. For commercial viability, stabilisers need to be added to aloe vera gel.
Some people also make their own aloe vera hand sanitisers by mixing pharmaceutical-grade isopropyl alcohol with aloe vera gel.
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Alcohol is added to act as a preservative
Alcohol is added to aloe vera gel to act as a preservative. Aloe vera gel does not last long and gets suspect-looking, which is not commercially viable. Therefore, stabilisers need to be added to the gel.
One of the reasons why alcohol is added to aloe vera gel is to create a cooling effect. Once the product is applied, the alcohol evaporates, giving a cooling sensation, which feels nice when one has a sunburn. However, this can also lead to the skin drying out.
Some companies use water as the main ingredient in their aloe vera gel, which means that their product contains more of the other ingredients and less aloe vera. Alcohol is often listed as the second ingredient in aloe vera gel, which can be counterproductive as it dries the skin out.
To make aloe vera gel effective as a sanitizer, the finished product must be at least 62% alcohol. People have made their own aloe vera gel sanitisers by mixing 70% isopropyl alcohol with 30% aloe vera gel.
It is important to note that some companies trick consumers by rearranging the words in their product descriptions. For example, instead of "100% Aloe Vera gel", they write "Aloe Vera 100% gel", which gives consumers the impression that it is 100% aloe vera.
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Alcohol is added to create a sanitizer
Alcohol is added to aloe vera gel to create a hand sanitizer. To make an effective sanitizer, the final product must contain at least 62% alcohol. A common recipe for making aloe vera gel sanitizer involves mixing 70% isopropyl alcohol with 30% aloe vera gel. The resulting mixture has a smooth consistency and dries quickly without leaving a greasy residue, similar to regular hand sanitizers.
Some companies add alcohol to their aloe vera gel products to create a cooling effect, which can be soothing for sunburns. However, this can also have a drying effect on the skin. To avoid this, consumers can opt for alcohol-free aloe vera gel and store it in the fridge to achieve the same cooling sensation.
It is important to note that not all aloe vera gel products are created equal. Some companies use misleading labeling practices, such as rearranging the words to imply that the product is made of 100% aloe vera when it is actually a lower concentration. Consumers should be cautious and carefully read the ingredient lists to ensure they are purchasing a product that meets their needs and preferences.
Additionally, when making homemade sanitizer with aloe vera gel, it is crucial to use a blender or immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency and to prevent clogging in the pump. The mixture should be shaken or blended until it is thoroughly combined, and any stringy pulp should be strained out.
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Frequently asked questions
Companies use alcohol to create a fake aloe vera "cooling effect". However, you can get the same cooling effect by putting your aloe vera gel in the fridge, without drying your skin out.
Check the ingredients list. If aloe vera is not the first ingredient, it means the product contains more of the other ingredients and therefore less aloe vera.
Fruit of the Earth brand aloe vera gel is alcohol-free and can be found at Walmart.
If you have ever cracked open an aloe vera leaf, you will know that the gel is a light golden colour. So, if your aloe vera gel is green, then it has been artificially coloured and is not as natural as you think.
The only way to get 100% pure aloe vera gel is to grow a plant or make it yourself.
