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We’ve all been burned before, literally, but the best aloe vera gels can help quickly soothe skin when your sunscreen application has been lacking. Small but mighty, the aloe plant and its gel offer a range of skin benefits, including moisturizing, hydrating, and calming irritated skin.
Vogue’s Favorite Aloe Vera Gels
While it might be tempting to think all aloe vera gels are created equal, it’s important to look for one that lists aloe as the main ingredient and contains minimal additives, especially if you have sensitive skin or are treating a sunburn. Some gels are great for the body but may not be ideal for use on the face. There’s also a wide range in price points—some can be picked up at your local drugstore, while others are more of a splurge.
Below, with insights from leading dermatologists, we break down the 11 best aloe vera gels on the market, what to look for when shopping, whether it’s safe to apply aloe directly from the plant (spoiler: it is), and how to use it effectively.
In This Story
Vacation After Sun Gel
- Why We Love It: One of our favorite sunscreen brands, Vacation, also makes an aloe-based after-sun gel—for those moments when you either forgot to reapply or simply had too much fun in the sun. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Berry breaks it down: the active ingredients in this gel include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, prickly pear, and tremella mushroom—all of which are excellent for hydration and calming inflammation. The combination of humectants and antioxidants makes it a great option for sensitive or sun-exposed skin. Unlike some after-sun gels that contain alcohol or feel overly sticky, this one is alcohol-free and glides on smoothly without any residue. Plus, it smells delicious, with notes of aloe vera and cucumber water.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, niacinamide, glycerin, prickly pear, vitamin E, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom
- Size: 6 Fl oz.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel
- Why We Love It: While the price point of this gel is on the higher side, Dr. Berry assures us that “you’re paying for a clean, science-backed formulation” made with 90% pure aloe and antioxidant-rich ingredients like panthenol, fermented extracts, and biosaccharides. “This formula is elegant and great for barrier repair and hydration,” she explains, noting that it’s “gentle, non-irritating, and ideal for calming stressed or reactive skin.” You don’t even need to be sunburned to use it—it’s safe for daily use on both the face and body, especially if you’re looking for something cooling and soothing.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin
- Size: 4.2 oz.
Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel
- Why We Love It: This drugstore-friendly option is easy to grab in a pinch, and you know you’re in safe hands. Dr. Berry explains that it combines aloe with vitamin E and tea tree oil, making it both soothing and lightweight. She notes that it’s especially well-suited for oily or acne-prone skin that needs calming after sun exposure, so you can use it without worrying about breakouts. However, she does caution that the tea tree oil may be too strong for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E, tea tree oil
- Size: 8 Fl oz.
Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a truly simple, plant-based gel, Dr. Berry says this is “a great clean-beauty option with 96% certified organic aloe.” She adds, “The rosemary and anise extracts offer antioxidant benefits, and the formulation is very minimal, which I like for sensitive skin.” It’s a great bang for your buck given the size and versatility—it can also be used in your hair, as a conductive gel for your microcurrent devices, as an after-waxing treatment, or for post-shave care.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera
- Size: 300 mL
Fruit of the Earth Moisturizer Gel
- Why We Love It: At under $5, it feels almost irresponsible not to have one of these on hand in case of emergency. It’s fragrance-free and contains a high concentration of aloe, but Dr. Berry notes that it “contains preservatives like DMDM hydantoin and diazolidinyl urea, which can be sensitizing for some.” While it’s affordable and effective for occasional use, she doesn’t recommend it as a daily moisturizer for compromised skin barriers.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera
- Size: 12 oz.
Standard Procedure Aloe Vera Gel
- Why We Love It: Australian-made and reef-safe, this potent gel is great for targeting damage caused by sunburn, acne, and psoriasis. It’s non-greasy, dries clear, and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and refreshed. Pro tip: store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. However, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Teresa Song notes that it “contains fragrances and preservatives, which may not be ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.”
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera
- Size: 2 Fl oz., 3.4 Fl oz., 8.5 Fl oz., 16 Fl oz.
Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Gel
- Why We Love It: Affordable and easily accessible, Banana Boat is a classic for many families. While it contains alcohol and dyes, which can be drying or irritating if used too frequently, Dr. Song says it’s still worth keeping on hand. In a bind, it can help soothe sunburned skin instantly.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera
- Size: 16 Fl oz.
Isntree Aloe Soothing Gel Moisture Type
- Why We Love It: Alcohol-free and made with 80% aloe vera leaf extract from California, this gel gets the go-ahead from Dr. Song, who says it’s even “good for sensitive skin.” It’s super lightweight and absorbs easily, so you won’t have to spend extra time rubbing it in. Plus, it contains moisturizing powerhouses like hyaluronic acid and betaine, allowing it to double as a daily moisturizer.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera leaf juice
- Size: 150 mL
Holika Aloe Soothing Gel
- Why We Love It: With 99% aloe content, this gel is about as close as you can get to the plant in a bottle. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that feels soothing on dry, itchy skin and offers instant relief. However, Dr. Song notes that it contains fragrance, and some versions include alcohol, which may not be ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Holika aloe
- Size: 250 mL
Alba Botanica Aloe Vera Gel
- Why We Love It: After-sun gel is one of those products you typically need to apply generously, which is why this drugstore option is a favorite—it’s under $10 and contains 80% aloe vera. It also features cooling ginkgo biloba leaf and can double as an aftershave gel to soothe irritation from nicks or cuts. Dr. Song notes that while the formula is free of parabens, some versions contain small amounts of alcohol, so she recommends doing a spot test before applying it to your entire face.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, ginkgo biloba leaf
- Size: 8.5 Fl oz.
Ma:nyo Real Fresh Aloe Soothing Gel
- Why We Love It: If you’re already obsessed with Ma:nyo’s other bestsellers like their cleansing oil or cleansing foam, why not add their aloe vera gel to your routine? The Korean skincare brand is known for its focus on simplifying skincare routines, and this formula reflects that. It contains 90% pure natural aloe juice to help soothe inflamed, irritated skin.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice
- Size: 300 mL
Everything You Need to Know:
What is aloe vera & how does it benefit skin?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and skin-soothing benefits. Its gel contains a variety of ingredients that support skin health, and it has been used for centuries to calm inflammation, ease irritation, and promote wound healing. Dr. Berry says it is especially helpful for sunburns, minor cuts, and dry, flaky skin. “Interestingly, a study found that aloe vera was nearly as effective as 1% hydrocortisone cream in reducing inflammation and healing the skin barrier. This is impressive for a plant-based remedy with zero side effects,” she explains.
Dr. Song adds that aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, E, and B12, along with antioxidants and amino acids that help hydrate and protect the skin. “It’s often used for its soothing effects after sunburn or irritation, as it contains anti-inflammatory polysaccharides. It also has mild antimicrobial properties that can help reduce bacteria on the skin,” she says.
Do dermatologists recommend aloe vera?
Yes, both dermatologists agree that aloe vera is a great option for calming and hydrating the skin. “I often recommend it to patients dealing with irritation, inflammation, or a compromised skin barrier, whether it’s from a sunburn, dermatitis, or over-exfoliation,” says Dr. Berry. “While it’s not as strong as prescription creams, it can be a helpful standalone option for mild inflammation or used alongside other treatments to soothe the skin,” she adds.
However, Dr. Song notes that some versions of aloe vera contain alcohol, dyes, or fragrances, which can irritate sensitive skin.
What to Look For in an Aloe Vera Gel
Look for pure aloe vera with a high aloe content. One way to do this is by checking the percentage on the label or reviewing the ingredient list to ensure aloe is one of the first ingredients listed. “Look for a high percentage of aloe vera and minimal additives, and avoid artificial fragrances, alcohols, and dyes, as they can cause irritation, especially if your skin is already compromised,” says Dr. Berry.
What is the purest form of aloe vera gel?
The purest form of aloe is straight from the plant itself, says Dr. Berry. “You can cut open a fresh aloe leaf and apply the gel directly to your skin,” she explains. If you don’t have a plant on hand, store-bought options work just fine. Dr. Song recommends looking for gels that are 99% pure aloe and free of preservatives like triethanolamine or carbomer. “Check that ‘Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice’ is listed as the first ingredient,” she advises.
How should aloe vera be used?
If you’re new to aloe vera, Dr. Berry says you can apply it directly to clean skin as a hydrating or calming layer. “It works well as a post-sun treatment, after shaving, or even layered under a heavier moisturizer if your skin feels dry or tight,” she says. Dr. Song recommends using it on clean, damp skin and letting it dry before applying anything else. “You can top it off with another moisturizer if needed, as gel formulas are not as moisturizing as creams,” she notes.
Although allergic reactions to aloe vera are rare, both dermatologists advise performing a patch test—apply a small amount under the chin for a few days before using it all over the face. Dr. Berry also emphasizes that aloe vera is best used as a temporary calming product, not a long-term treatment for chronic skin conditions.
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