Can I use aloe vera gel on my face every day?

Yes. Most people can use a gentle aloe vera gel morning and night, as a light moisturiser or under a cream. Patch test first, and add sunscreen in the morning.

Can I put aloe vera gel in my hair?

Yes. Smooth a small amount through damp lengths and ends as a light leave-in, or use it as a soft styling gel to tame flyaways.

Is aloe vera gel good for oily skin?

Aloe vera gel is light and non-greasy, so many people with oily or combination skin use it instead of a heavier cream.

What is in Vilvah Aloe Vera Gel?

Four ingredients: aloe vera juice, xanthan gum, guar gum and Geogard ECT, a natural preservative. It has no harsh alcohols, silicones or synthetic fragrance.

Aloe Vera Gel: How to Use It on Face, Hair & Body

Aloe vera gel is one of the most searched skincare products in the UK, and it is easy to see why. One jar can work as a light moisturiser, a cooling layer after a day outdoors, a leave-in for hair and an after-shower gel for the body. Here is what to look for when you buy it, and how to use it on your face, hair and body.

What is aloe vera gel?

Aloe vera gel comes from the clear, jelly-like inside of the leaves of the aloe plant (Aloe barbadensis on an ingredient list). It is mostly water, which is why it feels so light: it sinks in quickly and does not leave a greasy film. A good gel is clear or very pale, with a soft, wobbly texture that melts when you spread it.

What to look for in a jar

Aloe first on the list. The first ingredient should be aloe vera juice or aloe leaf extract, not water.
A short ingredient list. Aloe gels need little else: a thickener to make the gel and a preservative to keep it safe once opened.
No added fragrance or colour if your skin is sensitive. A green tint usually means a dye has been added.

Vilvah Aloe Vera Gel (100ml, from £9.99) ticks all three. Its full ingredient list is just four items: aloe vera juice, xanthan gum, guar gum and Geogard ECT, a natural preservative. It is free from harsh alcohols, silicones and synthetic fragrance, and it is made by Vilvah, one of our official partner brands, and dispatched from the UK.

How to use aloe vera gel on your face

As a light moisturiser. After cleansing, smooth a pea-sized amount over damp skin. On oily or combination skin this may be all you need; on dry skin, follow with your usual cream.
Under your serum or cream. A thin layer first gives your routine extra slip, and serums such as Vilvah Milk Drops (from £21.99) spread easily over it.
As a quick mask. Apply a thicker layer for 10 minutes, then rinse or press the rest into the skin. For clay, charcoal and powder masks, see our face mask guide.
After a day outdoors. A cool layer feels comforting on skin that has had a lot of sun or wind. Keep the jar in the fridge for an extra-cool feel.

In the morning, aloe gel is not a sunscreen, so finish with SPF, such as Vilvah Skin Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ (£17.99).

A simple routine with aloe vera gel

Cleanse with a gentle face wash such as Vilvah Fragrance-Free Cream Face Wash (£9.99) or the Vilvah Honey Face Wash (£12.99). Not sure which? See face wash for your skin type.
Tone with a mist of Deyga Pure Rose Water Toner (£11.99).
Hydrate with aloe vera gel.
Protect with sunscreen in the morning, or a richer cream at night if your skin is dry.

Prefer it ready-made? The Vilvah Sensitive Skin Kit (£29.99) pairs a steam-distilled rose toner with the aloe gel, and the Vilvah Anti-Acne Kit (£25.99) pairs the Honey Face Wash with the aloe gel for oily skin. You will find more routines on our routines page.

How to use aloe vera gel on your hair

As a light leave-in. Smooth a small amount through damp lengths and ends to tame flyaways and add shine without weighing hair down.
As a soft styling gel. Use it to smooth a ponytail or define curls, without the crunch of a styling gel.
With a serum. For very frizzy hair, mix a little gel with a drop of Vilvah Anti-Frizz Hair Serum (£28.99) and comb through with a wide-tooth neem wood comb (£13.99).

For more ideas, see our hair serums for frizzy hair and haircare.

How to use aloe vera gel on your body

After a shower, as a light, fast-drying layer on warm days.
After shaving or hair removal, for a cool, fresh feel on the skin.
Under body lotion on dry skin: let the gel sink in, then lock it in with a cream such as Vilvah Milk Body Lotion (£25.99), made with oat milk, ceramides and olive squalane.

Good to know

Patch test first. Apply a little to your inner arm and wait 24 hours, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Use clean hands or a spatula and close the jar after use, so the gel stays fresh. Check the pack for how long it lasts once opened.
Sunburn or a skin condition? Speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Aloe gel is a cosmetic, not a treatment.

Explore more natural skincare, or shop by need: sensitive skin, oily skin and dry skin.