Last Updated on October 10, 2024
Aloe vera is becoming one of the most common alternative treatments to various minor and common concerns because of its many uses. Due to its versatility, many products have been derived from it, especially skincare products. The most common of which are gel and lotion.
However, which form should you use to address your concern: gel or lotion? In this article, we will discuss this specific matter: aloe vera gel vs lotion. Discerning this will both help find the optimal form of product and maximize the benefits they offer.
Table of Contents
Aloe Vera Plant
Before we jump in, let us briefly discuss first the most common use of aloe vera.
For centuries now, mankind has been using aloe vera for therapeutic purposes. It dates back to 16th century BC India. Nowadays, it is commonly known as an effective aid to burns and as a great moisturizer. But what are the other uses of aloe vera?
Dental Care
Aloe vera has qualities that heal and aids with pain reduction, the same quality that helps with burns. However, scientists noted that not all products possess these qualities. Thus, it should be considered with care.
Antioxidant
A study shows that aloe vera contains formidable antioxidants and even antibacterial qualities. The plant contains compounds that prevent the development of certain infectious bacteria.
Bowel Movement Disorders
Whether it’s diarrhea or constipation, aloe vera can remedy it. It contains qualities that regulate both digestion and bowel movement.
Ultraviolet Light Protection
A study in South Korea concludes that one-month-old aloe shoots have components that help protect our skin from damages caused by UV.
Canker Sore Treatment
At one point in our lives, we have experienced or we may experience canker sores or mouth ulcers. Using aloe vera as treatment may help hasten the healing process of mouth ulcers.
Blood Sugar Level
Although it’s still in its early stage, many studies find traces and evidence that aloe vera can help regulate blood sugar levels. Aloe vera as a treatment to diabetes type 2 has been practiced in South America longer than insulin.
Depression?
Aloe vera has been tested on mice in a study, and as a result, the mice display various effects, like alleviated depression and enhanced memory after using aloe vera. It may only be a matter of time before studies on humans may pop out.
Aloe Vera Gel vs Lotion
Now that we’ve discussed the common use of aloe vera, let us now continue with comparing aloe vera gel with aloe vera lotion.
Aloe vera gel and lotion have their differences and similarities. Before we compare them, we should first identify their similar and different qualities by discussing them separately.
Aloe Vera Gel
Before we proceed, let us first make it clear that aloe vera gel can mean two things: gel that is extracted directly from the plant and gel that is a skin care gel. We are now discussing the skincare product.
- Paybacks
Aloe vera gel is generally not safe to ingest; it contains ingredients not targeted for ingestion but shelf life and improved texture and appearance. It is mainly used to:
- Moisturize the skin
- Remove makeup
- Alleviate discomfort from burn and sunburn
- Ease itch and other skin irritations
- Reduce swelling
It is generally purer than lotion and is also marketed as such. The purer the aloe vera gel is, the better it is. Nowadays, the best-rated aloe vera gels are the pure ones or the ones that are 100% aloe vera gel.
Aloe vera gel is the usual substitute if you can’t find a plant. So, make sure that you buy 100% pure aloe vera gel without added chemicals, like alcohol and scents. If you’re looking for an organic replacement to aloe vera plant or you simply just want a natural remedy, aloe vera gel is your best bet.
- Drawbacks
Aloe vera gel only has one known drawback, since it’s not the plant itself; there is an insignificantly higher – but still small – chance that it may cause some allergic reactions to some people who have very sensitive skin.
If you’re allergic to 100% aloe vera gel then most probably you’re also allergic to an aloe vera plant and you should probably opt out of using any aloe vera products. This is because aloe vera gel is the closest there is to the plant itself.
Aloe Vera Lotion
Aloe vera lotion is a bit more complex than the gel. It uses base oils to optimize aloe vera’s moisturizing capabilities. These oils can be natural or chemical, so make sure to check the ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, for it may cause allergic reactions.
- Paybacks
Lotions also tend to have a targeted intended use. For example, in moisturizing lotion, the intended use is to moisturize, while sunscreen is intended to protect you from the sun. Unlike gels which have general uses.
In general, aloe vera lotions have the same use as the gel form, except it is infused with chemicals and compounds intended to boost their envisioned purpose.
- Drawbacks
Aloe vera lotion is not as versatile as the gel for it is infused with other substances. Moreover, these substances may sometimes be harsh chemicals that could trigger allergic reactions at a significantly higher rate.
These allergic reactions and side effects may include the following:
- Redness
- Stinging and burning sensation
- Other forms of irritation
To avoid this, a basic patch test should be exercised.
Conclusion
Aloe vera undoubtedly has various treatments which is why many products have been derived from it. In our aloe vera gel vs lotion, we bore that, in terms of versatility and general safety of use, the gel is the much safer choice compared to lotion.
However, this does not disavow the fact that lotions are specifically formulated to address certain concerns. This, at times, make lotion more effective than the gel, but with the greater risk of having allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Knowing this, we can deduce that gel is handier and more adaptable; it has universal use and is much safer and less prone to cause skin irritation. However, for specific and more technical usage, the lotion has the edge.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment.
Lacey is an environmental enthusiast and passionate advocate for living green and sustainable. She believes that everyone can make a difference, no matter how small. Lacey is dedicated to reducing her own carbon footprint and educating others on the importance of living greener. She is an advocate for green energy and sustainable practices. She is an active member of her local community, volunteering with local conservation efforts, and taking part in sustainability initiatives. Lacey is a firm believer that the only way to ensure a sustainable future is to work together and make small, but important changes.