Benefits of Aloe Vera Soap
Aloe vera leaves contain a gel like substance (called aloe vera gel) that is packed with some really astounding benefits.
Handmade soap incorporating the gel extracted from fresh aloe vera leaves is known
as aloe vera soap. The benefits Aloe gel are best utilized when it is added to a
handmade cold process soap rather than a hot process or machine made soap.
To appreciate the advantages of aloe vera soap, it is essential first to examine the
general skin benefits provided by the aloe vera gel itself.
Here are some of the main benefits of aloe vera for skin
Moisturizing
Aloe vera is an excellent natural moisturizer. It contains mucilaginous polysaccharides
that help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
“The polysaccharide-rich composition of Aloe vera extracts (Aloe barbadensis Miller),
often used in cosmetic formulations, may impart moisturizing properties to the product.”
Susi Elaine Dal'Belo et. al, National Library of Medicine [1]
Anti-inflammatory
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation,
redness, and swelling caused by sunburns, eczema, or other skin irritations.
Aloin, an enzyme in Aloe vera has been scientifically proven to be anti-inflammatory. [2]
Soothing and healing
The gel from the aloe vera plant contains compounds like glucomannan,
lipids, and amino acids that help to soothe and heal damaged skin.
Aloesin an enzyme in Aloe vera accelerates skin wound healing [5]. It can
help to accelerate the healing process of minor burns, cuts, and other skin injuries.
Antioxidant properties
In their research article “Aloe vera: Natural Sources of Antioxidants - A Review”, researchers Marzanna H et al.
found that Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as enzymes and minerals.
These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which can cause premature ageing and skin damage.
Acne treatment
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce
the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It can also help to unclog pores and reduce
inflammation associated with acne.
In a novel non-drug, non-invasive therapy using aloe vera gel and ultrasound,
researchers Hongyu Zhong et al, concluded that aloe vera is very effective in reducing/controlling acne. [4]
Skin-lightening
Aloe vera contains the enzymes aloin and aloein. These have been studied to
disturb melanin pigmentation. This can have a mild skin-lightening effect, which can
help to reduce the appearance of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots.
Scientific research on Aloe vera's ability to lighten the skin
In 2012, Sharique A Ali et. al, established the skin-lightening effect of aloe vera leaf extract
“These preliminary findings clearly demonstrate that the extract of Aloe vera
and its active ingredient aloin cause melanin aggregation leading to skin lightening ” [6]
Gentle and non-irritating
Aloe vera is generally considered safe and non-irritating for most
skin types, making it a gentle and natural option for skincare. However, we should
remember that it should be a natural aloe vera soap like Doodle to deliver maximum benefits.
We should also remember that some rare people may have
allergies to aloe vera soap,
especially if they have latex sensitivity. It is best to buy a sample and do a patch test.
The following infographic summarizes these benefits in a pictorial form
References
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017010/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31209704
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8175793/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28478809/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22495441/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
A cold process recipe for Aloe vera soap!
