Aloe Leaf Extract

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about allantoin. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Aloe is the decolorized inner-leaf juice (or reconstituted juice powder) of Aloe barbadensis. It is used as a hydrating, soothing base in place of some or all of the water.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found aloe leaf juice and related ingredients safe in cosmetics when formulated to avoid irritation and when anthraquinone levels (such as aloin) do not exceed 50 ppm.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment of aloe ingredients.
- Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
  - What it shows: Review of aloe.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Aloe juice is filleted from the inner leaf, filtered, decolorized with charcoal to remove aloin, and pasteurized or freeze-dried to a powder. It is about 99% water with polysaccharides (such as acemannan), amino acids, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Verification: Supported. Aloe composition is well documented. ORY® requires decolorized, certified inner-leaf material.

Citations:

- Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules, 13(8), 1599–1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13081599
  - What it shows: Review of aloe composition.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Aloe suits all skin types.

Verification: Supported. Aloe is widely tolerated. Allergy is uncommon but possible.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: Safety data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, aloe adds light hydration and slip and helps the scalp feel comfortable.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of aloe on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules, 13(8), 1599–1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13081599
  - What it shows: General review.

5. Benefits

Claim: Aloe helps skin feel hydrated, soothed, and refreshed.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a study using skin measurement tools, creams with aloe extract increased skin hydration. A systematic review suggested aloe may help burns heal, but that is a medical use, and ORY® does not make burn, sunburn, or wound claims.

Citations:

- Dal’Belo, S. E., Gaspar, L. R., & Maia Campos, P. M. B. G. (2006). Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology, 12(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x
  - What it shows: Skin hydration study.
- Maenthaisong, R., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Niruntraporn, S., & Kongkaew, C. (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: A systematic review. Burns, 33(6), 713–718. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17499928/
  - What it shows: Systematic review of burn healing (a medical use).

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Aloe is used in all four ORY® product lines, including as the water in handmade soap.

Verification: Supported. Aloe juice is sugar- and water-rich, so products must be well preserved. In soap, it is frozen before the lye is added.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY® uses it
Skincare	1–100% juice; 0.1–1% 200× powder	Gels, toners, mists, serums, moisturizers, and masks.
Haircare	1–20% juice; 0.1–0.5% powder	Shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, and curl gels.
Handmade Soap	25–100% of the water phase	Aloe juice replaces some or all of the water.
Cosmetics	1–10%	Primers, setting sprays, foundations, and lip balms.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
  - What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.

7. Pros

Claim: A gentle, familiar hydrating base with a CIR safety conclusion.

Verification: Supported. Widely used and well tolerated.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: Aloe quality varies, it needs strong preservation, and only decolorized grades should be used.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Quality varies. Dilution and adulteration are common; certificates are required.
- Sugar- and water-rich.
- Only decolorized, low-anthraquinone grades are used.
- Modest effects. A supporting humectant, not a corrective active.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: Aloin limits.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
  - What it shows: Safety data.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

1. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe andongensis extract, … Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, … and Aloe ferox leaf juice extract. International Journal of Toxicology, 26(Suppl 2), 1–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810701351186
2. Dal’Belo, S. E., Gaspar, L. R., & Maia Campos, P. M. B. G. (2006). Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology, 12(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x
3. Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules, 13(8), 1599–1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13081599
4. Maenthaisong, R., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Niruntraporn, S., & Kongkaew, C. (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: A systematic review. Burns, 33(6), 713–718. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17499928/
5. Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines