Known as the “plant of eternity,” both Cleopatra and Nefertiti reached for aloe’s nourishing juice and used it as a part of their daily beauty routine. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-soothing effects were documented as early as 1,505 BC. Today, the healing properties of aloe continue to make it a superstar ingredient to calm inflamed skin, revive dry tresses, and treat acne, sunburns and skin irritations. For sensitive, dry or post-summer skin and hair pampering, these 13 products count aloe as an unrivaled healer and soother.
For Dry, Itchy Skin:
Cetaphil Soothing Gel-Cream with Aloe ($15)
The gel-cream texture makes it glide on smoothly without leaving fingers feeling sticky or greasy, making this cream the ultimate year-round soother for thirsty skin anywhere on the body. The paraben and fragrance-free formula is suited for all skin types.
For an Instant Refresh:
Herbivore Botanicals After Sun Skin Soothing Aloe Mist ($20)
While the name on the label implies this mist has a limited use to treat post-sun skin, the combination of aloe with cooling mint, lavender and witch hazel also makes it a perfect companion for long days at the computer or the occasional hormonal hot flash. One mist and skin is immediately cooled and revitalized.
To Reduce Inflammation:
Plant People Nourish Body Lotion ($55)
Harnessing the powers of calendula flower, sunflower oil and aloe vera juice, this antioxidant-rich CBD body lotion smooths and protects while promoting skin cell turnover. The hyaluronic acid in the formula helps boost hydration to clear up dry patches and make skin irritation go away.
For Added Moisture and Sun Protection:
Rahua Enchanted Island Lotion Mist ($38)
Using sustainably sourced ingredients, this quick absorbing spray also contains plant-based UV protection. The rainforest-grown morete oil works as a UV barrier while aloe, guayusa extract, and guava and passion fruit help nurture skin and combat free radical damage.
To Remove and Soothe:
RiparCover Makeup Remover ($35)
Italian brand, Ripar Cosmetics, was founded more than 40 years ago from the need to cover up post-procedural skin after aesthetic and plastic surgery treatments. To treat the most sensitive and compromised skin, the line’s makeup remover uses soothing esters and Vitamin E along with aloe gel to moisturize while effectively removing every last drop of makeup.
To Gently Exfoliate and Cleanse:
Protocol Double Alpha Hydroxy Cleanser with Green Tea Extract and Aloe ($48)
Step one of Protocol’s four-step system, this cleanser is made to work with retinol and vitamin C serums to help keep skin balanced during the course of treatment without stripping it or drying it out. While the alphahydroxy acid formula helps to gently exfoliate skin, it’s the soothing aloe barbadensis leaf juice that gets top spot on the ingredients list.
To Tone Without Stripping:
Uma Deeply Clarifying Aloe Toner Mist ($60)
Rich in botanicals like infection-fighting tea tree, cooling mint, cinnamon to regulate oil production and tomato, which gives skin a boost of vitamin C for protection and healing—this is the toner to reach for if traditional toners leave you feeling dry. The rose water and aloe base helps lock in moisture, which makes it ideal for a mid-day facial wake-me-up.
For Acne Prone Skin:
Oxygenetix Hydro-Matrix Face Moisturizer with Acne Control ($95)
Two percent salicylic acid nabs the first spot on the ingredient list, but this moisturizer-slash-primer-slash-acne treatment is so gentle it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. While the maximum-strength medicinal ingredient helps open pores to clear out acne, the aloe-based formula works simultaneously to keep skin calm.
For Post Sun Skin:
Everyday Humans No Problemo Pre & Post-Sun Water ($14)
Shake well and spritz anywhere on the face and body for surge of hydration. Like the ultimate spa water for your face and body, the main ingredients are aloe juice, cactus extract and cucumber extract. While calming stressed skin is its main goal, it can also be used as a toner anywhere you need to for smoother skin.
For Smooth Underarms and Legs:
Schick Intuition Sensitive Care Natural Aloe Razor ($10)
With a natural aloe- and vitamin E–infused solid bar surrounding the 4-blade razor, this razor works double duty to leave skin hairless while lathering and moisturizing, too. There’s no need for shave gel or body wash and skin is left feeling like it’s been newly waxed for days.
For the Ultimate Shower Experience:
Captain Blankenship Sea Shine Shampoo and Conditioner with Aloe & Sea Mineral ($28 each)
Born from the hair care brand’s desire to maintain its sustainable, plant-based, truly clean model, the Sea Shine Shampoo and Conditioner take their place next to its Mermaid Dry Shampoo and Sea Salt Spray to become a new bathroom staple for all hair types. Organic Aloe Vera brings shine and moisture to strands while the organic lemongrass and lime essential oils transform your morning shower into an invigorating olfactory experience.
To Detangle Fine Hair:
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Detangling Spray ($24)
Especially formulated for those with fragrance sensitivities, this leave-in conditioner makes it easy to spray away tangles to achieve soft, manageable hair without leaving it greasy, oily or feeling too heavy. For superfine hair, spray on the ends and comb through from the middle of the hair length down to the bottom of your strands.
To Ensure Healthy Curls:
Herbal Essence Potent Mango & Aloe Curl Cream ($6)
Pair this curl cream leave-in treatment with its sulfate-free, real botanical Mango & Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner companions (they are endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens) for the ultimate curl defining experience that manages to also keep frizz at bay. Use on damp hair and reactivate second-day hair with just a spritz of water.