Aloe Vera has been used in beauty products throughout history. It’s been documented that ancient Egyptians used aloe vera frequently – both Cleopatra and Nefertiti used aloe vera in their daily beauty routine.

The aloe vera plant is not a cactus, as many people believe it to me. It’s a lily. Whatever it is, this succulent plant packs a big punch in the beauty product world. A search for ‘aloe vera’ on StocknGo showed me more than 100 beauty products with aloe vera in their ingredients.

Why is this lowly plant so prized in beauty products? For one thing, it moisturizes and soothes skin – and it does so gently. Even if you have very sensitive skin, aloe vera is great. It won’t break you out, and it won’t dry your skin. You’ll be hydrated, with soft, smooth skin.

You find many razors with a soothing aloe vera strip, too. When you shave, the aloe vera soothes and moisturizes. That means no razor burn, and that’s a good thing.

It moisturizes hair, just as it moisturizes skin. You’ll find many shampoos and conditioners contain aloe vera, and there are lots of hair gels with aloe vera. Many Paul Mitchell hair products contain aloe vera.

Aloe vera quickly penetrates the skin. That means when it’s added to skin care products, they penetrate the skin more quickly, as well. That’s a great benefit for an anti aging face cream.

And speaking of anti-aging: Aloe Vera is supposed to have anti aging properties. I can’t confirm this with research, and it may very well have more to do with its moisturizing properties, but you find it in many anti aging face creams.

Aloe Vera is a nail strengthener, as well. How many properties can one plant have?

My absolute favorite beauty product that uses aloe vera is Matrix Biolage Hydrating Shampoo. It’s a great moisturizing shampoo that gently cleans and moisturizes your hair, leaving it shiny and manageable.

Do you have a favorite beauty product with aloe vera in it? Let me know on twitter, Facebook, or leave me a comment here on the blog.