DIY aloe vera gel with fresh pulp

Homemade aloe vera gel is a natural cosmetics staple: moisturizing, soothing and repairing, it can be used for both skin and hair.

But beware: fresh pulp is not very stable. Without preservatives, it degrades rapidly in the refrigerator. Below are two options: an express version for immediate use, and a longer-lasting, stabilized DIY version.

Aloe vera gel from fresh plant (immediate use)

Use: within 24-48 h, stored in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 large fresh aloe vera leaf (preferably organic)
• A few drops of lemon juice (limits oxidation)

Preparation:

1. Cut the leaf at the base and allow the yellow sap (aloin) to drain off for a few minutes.
2. Remove the spiny edges, lift the epidermis and recover the transparent pulp.
3. Blend the pulp with 2-3 drops of lemon juice to homogenize.
4. Transfer to a sterilized jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Stabilized aloe vera gel (keep refrigerated)

Use: longer-lasting thanks to a gelling agent and a preservative.

Ingredients (for ~100 ml):

• 90 ml pure aloe vera juice/pulp (commercially available or freshly filtered)
• 0.6 g xanthan gum (gelling agent)
• 0.6 g Geogard (cosmetic preservative)
• 2-3 drops essential oil of your choice *

Preparation:

1. Disinfect work surface, utensils and bottle.
2. Pour the aloe vera into a glass or stainless steel bowl, sprinkle in the xanthan gum, mixing briskly with an emulsifying mixer until it sets to a gel.
3. Add the preservative and, if desired, the essential oil*. Mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer to a sterilized pump bottle. Label with date of manufacture.

Storage: 1 to 3 months in the fridge, depending on the preservative used. Discontinue use if odor, color change or irritation occurs.

Aloe vera gel uses

• Moisturizing face and body care
• Soothing after-sun care
• Light styling gel or leave-in care
• Serum before day cream or vegetable oil
• Soothing after-shave or depilatory treatment

Precautions

• Avoid yellow sap (aloin), which is potentially irritating: evacuate it well at first.
• Perform a skin test in the elbow crease 24 hours before use, especially with essential oils.
• Do not use on pregnant or breast-feeding women, or on children in the presence of essential oils.

*Possible essential oils to add