Aloe Vera

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 vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) inner-leaf gel is about 99% water carrying polysaccharides, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. In ORY^® products it hydrates, helps skin feel cool and soothed, and serves as a gentle base.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found aloe-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing and when anthraquinone levels are kept very low. A controlled study found aloe extract creams increased skin hydration.

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 conclusion and anthraquinone limits.
- 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: Instrument-measured hydration study.
- 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’s uses in dermatology.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: Aloe gel is filleted from the inner leaf, filtered, decolorized to remove aloin, and used as juice or freeze-dried powder. ORY^® uses decolorized inner-leaf aloe.

Verification: Supported. Composition and processing are well documented.

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: Composition of aloe leaf gel.
- 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: Processing and anthraquinone content.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: Aloe vera suits all seven ORY^® skin types, adding oil-free hydration for oily skin and a soothing base for dry and sensitive skin.

Verification: Supported. Aloe is widely used and well tolerated in cosmetics.

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.
- 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: Hydration evidence.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, aloe vera is a hydrating base for leave-ins, curl gels, and detanglers and helps the scalp feel comfortable.

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no published clinical studies of aloe on the scalp or hair fiber. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to grow hair or prevent hair loss.

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 evidence, the basis for scalp use.

5. Benefits

Claim: Aloe vera hydrates, helps skin feel cool and soothed, and supports a comfortable skin feel after sun exposure or shaving.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Hydration is supported by a controlled study. A systematic review found aloe shortened healing time for first- and second-degree burns by about 9 days on average, but the included trials were few and of low quality. Burn and wound treatment are medical uses; ORY^® does not make healing or sunburn-treatment 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: 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 4 burn trials (371 people); authors urged caution due to low trial quality.
- 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 reported properties.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: Aloe vera is used in all four ORY^® product lines, including as a water replacement in handmade soap.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no data on how much of aloe’s active compounds survive soapmaking, so ORY^® makes no efficacy claims for aloe soap.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	1–100% juice; 0.1–1% 200× powder	Gels, toners, mists, serums, moisturizers, masks, and after-sun comfort products.
Haircare	1–20% juice; 0.1–0.5% powder	Shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins, curl gels, and detanglers.
Handmade Soap	25–100% of 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: Cosmetic use and safety.
- 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: Well tolerated, familiar, hydrating, and useful across every ORY^® line.

Verification: Supported. Supported by the CIR review and hydration research.

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:

8. Cons

Claim: Aloe quality varies, it needs strong preservation, non-decolorized aloe can irritate, and it is supportive rather than corrective for aging signs.

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

- Quality varies. Diluted aloe is common; ORY^® requires certificates of analysis.
- Sugars and water support microbial growth.
- Use only decolorized inner-leaf aloe.
- Modest anti-aging effect. Aloe hydrates; it does not correct wrinkles or dark spots.
- Uncommon but documented.

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: Anthraquinone and sensitization findings.

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.
- Do not confuse topical aloe with oral aloe latex products.
- 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 reviewed by the CIR.

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

You May Also Like

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines