Ingredient's Bio Activity

ALOE VERA (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice)


ABOUT THE INGREDIENT

The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.

As a cosmetic ingredient, aloe vera is used in many mainstream skincare and cosmetics products. The plant is very skin-friendly and has a low risk of causing allergies, sensitivity or skin reactions, and it is also versatile.

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments.


ACTIVE COMPONENTS

Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids.


BENEFITS IN COSMETICS

Aloe vera extract contains properties that can help reduce irritation, redness and dryness of the skin.

 

MOISTURIZING

Aloe vera extract is a natural effective ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin for improving hydration. It helps in binding moisture to the skin and retains skin moisture through a humectant mechanism.

The water and enzymes contained in aloe vera can help moisturize the skin and reduce flakiness and itchiness. Aloe vera may help prevent dry skin in cold weather.

The moisturizing activity of aloe vera is explained by its ability to store water in its leaves to survive the harsh conditions of dry, unstable climates. These water-dense leaves, combined with special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates, make them an effective face moisturizer and pain reliever.

 

ANTI-AGING 

Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved the skin integrity, decreases the appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema.

 

WOUND HEALING

Different mechanisms have been proposed for the wound-healing effects of aloe gel, which include keeping the wound moist, increase epithelial cell migration, more rapid maturation of collagen and reduction in inflammation.

Glucomannan, a mannose-rich polysaccharide and gibberellin, a growth hormone, interacts with growth factor receptors on the fibroblast, thereby stimulating its activity and proliferation, which in turn increases collagen synthesis. Aloe gel not only increased the collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross-linking. Due to this, it accelerated wound contraction and increased the breaking strength of the resulting scar tissue.

Also, an increase in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate in the granulation tissue of a healing wound is seen following topical treatment.

 

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY 

Aloe vera soothes sensitive skin through its anti-inflammatory properties. It inhibits the COX pathway and reduces prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid. The novel anti-inflammatory compound called C-glucosyl chromone was isolated from gel extracts.

Recently, the peptidase bradykinase was isolated from aloe vera and shown to break down the bradykinin, an inflammatory substance that induces pain.

 

ANTIMICROBIAL

Aloe vera contains 6 antimicrobial agents: Lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulfur. They all have an inhibitory action on fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Antibacterial

The activity of Aloe vera inner gel against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria has been demonstrated by several different methods. Streptoccocus pyogenes and Streptococcus faecalis are two microorganisms that have been inhibited by Aloe vera gel.

Antiviral

This action may be direct and indirect. Indirect due to stimulation of immune system and direct is due to anthraquinones. The anthraquinones aloin activates various enveloped virus; herpes simplex and varicella zoster.

Antifungal

A processed Aloe vera gel preparation reportedly inhibited the growth of Candida albicans.

 

ANTIOXIDANT

Glutathione peroxides activity, superoxide dismutase enzymes and a phenolic antioxidant were found to be present in Aloe vera gel, which may be responsible for these antioxidant effects.

Aloe vera gel has been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin. Following the administration of aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein, metallothionein, is generated in the skin, which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents suppression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the skin.


SAFETY

Aloe Vera is safe to be used as a cosmetic ingredient with the concentrates specified in this safety assessment.


REFERENCE FOR SAFETY

https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/ctfa-static/online/lists/cir-pdfs/PRS274.pdf