Aloe Vera: the superpower of waterless beauty

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice), also known by the Egyptians as the 'plant of immortality', has been used for centuries all over the world.

Farmers cultivate this fleshy plant to enable the extraction of the gel, juice or dehydration of the pulp to create a powder form. The different types of extractions have multiple uses; in medicine, food and drink, and the one that gives reason to our blog; cosmetics and skincare. A wonderfully versatile succulent, read on to find out why.

We use Aloe Vera Leaf Juice as the base ingredient for most of our products across the organicspa and organicsceaticals ranges. We believe in waterless beauty. At least, we think it's best you add water when you need to. By excluding water, we're enhancing the purity of our products, made with 100% purposeful and primarily Certified Organic ingredients. Aloe Vera is not a filler or a carrier ingredient; it has purpose. 

As a child, I fondly remember my Mum breaking off a plump Aloe Vera spear from our garden and applying the gel straight from the leaf directly onto my sunburn. I recall the stinging heat was relieving in an instant. This is an old remedy that dates back beyond my childhood. I've mentioned the Egyptians regarded Aloe very highly. It's also been said that Cleopatra not only turned to milk but made the spikey botanical part of her daily beauty regime - so let's look at why. 

Why Choose Aloe Vera?

Mum knew this, and it may not be a surprise to most of you; it can replenish moisture, which can help treat sunburn, fighting against irritation and blisters. It also accelerates the healing process of burns as well as abrasions, redness and skin inflammation. This is due to the anti-inflammatory chemical compounds found in the leaves called anthraquinones. Along with its anti-inflammatory action, Aloe Vera also has antibacterial, antiviral and antihistamine properties.

It's no surprise that it aids in treating acne. Beyond these properties I've already mentioned, it also contains active hormones that provide wound healing and soften the skin. It even helps support the skin's natural sebum balance, keeping unwanted oil at bay. And because it moisturises your skin without being greasy, it really is suitable for all skin types. No matter your skin type or condition - we cannot stress enough how versatile, healing, and potent Aloe Vera is.

There's more. 

Aloe Vera contains a plethora of antioxidants, including Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and E. These antioxidants can help by keeping the skin hydrated and lubricated, which combats the loss of elasticity, thereby;

• fighting the signs of ageing shown by fine lines  
• improving the skin's natural firmness. 

This soothing substance also penetrates deep into the dermis, much further than water, enhancing the penetrative effects of any ingredient it's blended with.  

Not only does it deliver all this goodness to your skin, but it even helps form a barely-there but effective protective layer that will assist in keeping environmental stressors away. We're talking sunlight, air pollution, blue light, cigarette smoke, and even dust!

How does Certified Organic differ from Natural?

There is a crucial difference between sourcing Aloe Vera that is Certified Organic compared to a natural alternative. When purchased from a Certified Organic farm, the produce must be grown through a strict, controlled environment. By contrast, naturally grown Aloe could mean it has been fertilised with chemicals or treated with pesticides. It may even contain GMOs. Always remember, the word natural has no legal requirements. Certified Organic does.

Simply, Certified Organic means ingredients are grown and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, or GMO's. Holistic and strict standards (covering growing and handling) are determined by governing bodies, like ACO or COSMOS-with regular audits to ensure all regulations are met to the highest level at all times.

It's what's inside that counts

Here at organicspa, we use Certified Organic Aloe Vera as the foundation of most of our formulas instead of water as a base ingredient. This single-source ingredient is not to be underestimated. Thanks to a myriad of essential vitamins; A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid, Niacin, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants, it more than earns its place in our bottles and tubes. 

We cannot promise you eternal life, but we're with the Egyptians on this one - we idolise this spiky plant too!