Aloe Vera: Skin Benefits, Oral Risks and Safety

Aloe vera is used both on the skin and by mouth, but aloe gel and aloe latex are not the same product.

Topical inner-leaf gel may help some minor burns and selected skin conditions. Oral aloe latex is a stimulant laxative that can cause significant adverse effects and is not considered a routine safe herbal remedy.

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant.

The leaf contains clear inner gel, yellow latex from tissue near the outer leaf, and whole-leaf material containing both.

These preparations have very different safety profiles.

What is the difference between aloe gel and aloe latex?

Aloe gel is the clear inner material commonly used in topical products.

Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, including aloin, which have strong laxative effects.

Aloe latex was removed from U.S. over-the-counter laxative products because manufacturers had not provided adequate safety data.

What does research show?

Burns and skin conditions

Clinical evidence suggests topical aloe gel may speed healing and reduce pain in some burns.

More serious burns still require appropriate medical care.

Acne and psoriasis

Small studies suggest possible benefit when aloe gel is used alongside other treatment for acne.

Limited research also suggests potential effects in psoriasis and a few other skin conditions.

Blood sugar and oral aloe

A small amount of research suggests oral aloe gel may reduce glucose or HbA1c in people with diabetes.

Evidence is not strong enough to replace conventional diabetes treatment.

Why is aloe latex different?

Oral aloe latex can cause abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Aloe leaf extracts taken orally have also been linked with acute hepatitis.

What are the side effects?

Topical aloe gel can occasionally cause burning, itching, rash, and eczema.

Oral latex has a substantially less favorable safety profile.

What medicines can interact with aloe?

Excessive aloe latex use may increase adverse effects from cardiac glycosides such as digoxin.

Other herb-drug interactions are possible.

Who should avoid oral aloe?

Aloe gel, latex, or whole-leaf extract taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

People with liver disease or those taking medicines affected by fluid and electrolyte loss should also be cautious.

Frequently asked questions

Is aloe good for burns?

Topical gel may help selected minor burns.

Is drinking aloe juice the same as using aloe gel on skin?

No.

Is aloe latex safe as a natural laxative?

It can cause significant adverse effects.