5 Best Aloe Vera Gels for Dry, Irritated, and Sunburned Skin
Give your skin the TLC it needs to heal and hydrate.
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Even with the best SPF reapplication regimen, we sometimes fail to properly protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. When that happens you may head to your medicine cabinet for a tube of aloe vera gel. While treating sunburn is one of the more common uses for aloe vera gel, the antioxidant-rich salve can also be used to help soothe skin irritation, itchiness, or dryness.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel
- Best Value: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Aloe Vera Gel
"Aloe vera can be incredibly soothing—but not all gels deliver the same benefits," says Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist in Connecticut and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Danusia Wnek, a Senior Chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab agrees, noting that it’s always a good idea to evaluate the ingredient list to make your most informed purchase. “If you are looking for aloe vera gel, check the ingredient label for aloe, which is often labeled as 'aloe barbadensis leaf juice' or extract,” she says, adding that “aloe gels can sometimes feel drying as the water evaporates when in contact with skin. If you want a more hydrating product, you can also look for moisturizing ingredients on the label to add or lock in hydration.”
We found the best aloe gels to serve your skincare needs based on recommendations from Dr. Gohara, our editors personal experience, and our Beauty Lab experts input, though they were not part of a formal Lab test. Let this list help you select one that best suits you.
Best Deal
Pros
- Absorbs quickly into skin
- Doesn't leave residue
Cons
- Polarizing consistency
Though Wnek says you don't necessarily need your aloe vera gel to be organic in order for it to produce results, if you are interested in using organic products, this one should be on your radar. It has garnered thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers noting that it is never sticky and absorbs into the skin easily without leaving any residue, a key trait Dr. Gohara says to look for.
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | 98.7% organic aloe barbadensis leaf |
| Size | 2,12, 128 fl. oz. |
| Fragrance Free | Yes |
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Cooling
- Dye-free
Cons
- May not reduce redness
The GH Beauty Lab has been a fan of the Sun Bum brand, naming the its Mineral SPF 30 face sunscreen one of the best mineral and organic sunscreens to be worn under makeup. The aloe vera gel has a smooth, non-sticky texture and reviewers say it's effective and gentle on sunburns. "In addition to aloe in the Sun Bum Cool Down Gel, it also contain tea tree oil, which also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with sun burn healing, and a humectant glycerin," Wnek says. One reviewer did note, however, that it wasn't great at reducing redness.
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, tea tree leaf oil |
| Size | 8 fl. oz. |
| Fragrance Free | Yes |
Pros
- Gentle, simple formula
- Not irritating to sensitive skin
Cons
- Not fragrance free
One of Dr. Gohara's favorites, this gel is a great option for sensitive skin. She notes that its formula is "gentle, plant-forward, and simple," and that it has a "lightweight, non-irritating feel." It has been dermatologist tested and does not contain any synthetic fragrances, but it does contain essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 8 fl.oz. |
| Fragrance Free | No |
Pros
- Sprays evenly
- Lightweight
Cons
- May need multiple sprays for good coverage
You may be familiar with the Banana Boat brand for its aloe gel, but fans say this spray is a great upgrade. It sprays evenly and leaves a hydrating, lightweight mist that Amazon reviewers say is not greasy or sticky. "This brand has been my go-to since I was a kid," a GH Staffer said. "The mist is light and provides even coverage, though you may have to use a few sprays. I also love that it doesn't make my skin feel tacky at all."
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | 92% organic aloe vera, cucumber extract, vitamin E |
| Size | 6 oz. |
| Fragrance Free | No |
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Reduces redness
Cons
- Subtle scent
This lotion proves that gels aren't the only option when it comes to getting the soothing benefits of aloe. GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann is a fan of this product, which combines aloe and cucumber extracts with shea butter in a moisturizing cream. Wizemann loves the texture and feel, making it a great alternative to aloe vera gel. Reviewers also love that it helps reduce redness and pain after burns, though they note it has a slight smell despite being marketed as fragrance-free.
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Aloe vera, shea butter, cucumber extract |
| Size | 6 oz. |
| Fragrance Free | Yes |
How we chose the best aloe vera gels
These aloe vera gels and lotions were selected based on recommendations from dermatologists, along with editors’ hands-on experience using some of the products and input from GH Beauty Lab experts, who reviewed ingredient lists and formulations. Consumer reviews were also considered for select products.
What to look for when shopping for aloe vera gel
When you're looking to purchase aloe vera gels, Dr. Gohara says there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Here's what to look for:
✔️ Formula: "Start by choosing a formula with minimal additives, especially avoiding fragrance, dyes, and alcohol, which can aggravate already sensitive or sun-exposed skin," Dr. Gohara says.
✔️ Texture and feel: The texture of the aloe vera gel you select is more important than you might think. "A good aloe gel should absorb easily, feel lightweight, and not leave behind a sticky or tight film," she says.
✔️ Hydrating ingredients: Wnek notes that some aloe gels can tend to feel drying on the skin; that's why you'll want to go for options that include skin loving ingredients. "Look for extra skin-supporting ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, or vitamin E, which can boost hydration and help support the skin barrier," Dr. Gohara says. "While simpler is often better, the overall formulation still needs to be stable and safe for use."
Does aloe reduce redness?
If you've ever experienced skin irritation, it may have been accompanied with unwanted redness. Fortunately, aloe vera gel is known to help mitigate the look of redness in the skin. "Aloe can help reduce redness due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the cooling sensation it provides on contact with the skin," Wnek says.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Staff Writer Cameron Jenkins wrote this article, pulling from recommendations from Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist in Connecticut and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine; GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek; and GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. She also sourced picks based off of the insight provided by these experts in beauty and skincare.
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