At Grounded Sage, we love aloe. Like, really love it. It’s soothing, cooling, hydrating, and basically the green juice of skincare. But not all aloe gels are created equal. A lot of what’s on store shelves? They’re less about healing and more about hiding behind a green label. For a long-time natural healer, aloe sure comes with some nasty imposters. Yikes! 😬 So how do we know which aloe gels to use this summer? Let’s break it down!
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These ingredients could be hurting your skin more than helping it post sun ☀️
1. Artificial Colors (especially green dyes)
Let’s clear this up: real aloe isn’t neon green. If your gel looks like it glows in the dark, it’s likely packed with artificial dyes like FD&C Yellow 5 or Blue 1. These synthetic colorants can irritate sensitive skin, especially after sun exposure. Aloe’s natural tone is clear to pale golden—anything else is just for show.
2. Drying Alcohols
Ingredients like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol are common in commercial aloe gels because they help products feel light and quick-drying. But here’s the catch: they can strip your skin’s barrier, dehydrate it, and even trigger more oil production. That’s a big no-no if your skin is already sun-stressed and in desperate need of hydration!
3. Fragrance (Synthetic or “Mystery” Natural Blends)
While that tropical aloe scent might feel nostalgic, many products use synthetic fragrance blends that can be sensitizing, especially when exposed to sunlight. Even some “natural” fragrances hide allergens or phototoxic oils. If the ingredient list just says “fragrance” with no further details? That’s a red flag.
4. Minimal Actual Aloe Content
Here’s the wild part: some aloe gels only contain a tiny amount of actual aloe. If aloe barbadensis leaf juice or extract isn’t one of the first few ingredients, you’re mostly getting thickeners, water, and fillers—not the real soothing stuff your skin craves.
5. Thickening Agents That Suffocate Skin
Look out for excessive carbomers, acrylates, or heavy gums that give gels that weird “plastic wrap” feeling. These can trap heat and bacteria in the skin instead of letting it breathe and cool down—completely defeating the purpose of using aloe in the first place.
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What to Look for Instead:
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Aloe Juice as a top-listed ingredient
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No synthetic dyes, alcohols, or fragrances
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Transparent or lightly golden color
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Formulas that hydrate + soothe without leaving a sticky film (simpler is better especially when you get a sunburn that already compromises your natural barrier)
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Better Aloe-Based Body Gels For Healthy Summer Skin:
Here are some cleaner options that prioritize real aloe, minimal ingredients, and no alcohol or artificial colorants:
🌿 Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel (Preservative-Free or Inner Filet Versions)
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✔️ Contains: Certified organic aloe vera, minimal natural stabilizers
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Why it’s better: No artificial dyes or alcohol, available at most health food stores
🌿 Earth’s Daughter Organic Aloe Vera Gel
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✔️ Contains: 99.75% organic aloe + citric acid and natural preservatives
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Why it’s better: No dyes, no alcohol, cruelty-free, and made for sensitive skin
🌿 Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel (with Seaweed Extract)
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✔️ Contains: Cold-pressed aloe, no synthetic thickening agents, preserved naturally
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Why it’s better: Clear gel, great for sunburns and body hydration, often found online
*note these options may contain potassium sorbate which can potentially cause irritation or allergies like any preservative. Make sure you test a small area first if you are allergy/sensitivity-prone:)
While Grounded Sage doesn’t currently offer a “body” Aloe Gel. Many of our facial products contain natural aloe. If you are looking for a face-specific aloe gel with mild preservatives (safe for sensitive skin and around the eye area), look no further! 🙂
Check out some of our Aloe-based Grounded Sage products here.
If you’re DIYing or shopping around, look for “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice” as the first or second ingredient—and watch out for anything that lists alcohol, fragrance, or colorants in the top half of the list.
