All About Aloe Vera: Our 4 Favorite Skin Soothing Products

More often than not, when we think of aloe vera, sunburns come to mind. Aloe vera gel—which is a clear gel found inside the leaves of the aloe vera succulent plant—is known to help soothe skin that’s spent a little too much time in the sun. But, its soothing qualities don’t stop at sunburns. In fact, aloe vera has been used all over the world for thousands of years to help with a number of different skin woes. Packed with vitamins—like A, C, and E—enzymes, minerals, amino acids, and so much more, aloe vera is a moisturizing powerhouse with a few antiseptic qualities thrown in. This is why we can often find aloe vera in formulas designed to soothe and hydrate the skin. Whether you’re rocking a fresh sunburn from a day at the beach—we hope not!—or you’re looking to give your dry skin some extra love, soothe your skin with a product that has a formula that contains aloe vera (also called aloe barbadensis). Below are some of our top aloe picks.

Toners are a great way to remove any leftover makeup after cleansing and to prep your skin for moisture. This Aloe Vera Calming Toner from The Body Shop is free of added preservatives and does not contain alcohol—which is something that you should look for in toners, as many of them include alcohol which can dry out your skin.

The Body Shop Aloe Vera Calming Toner, $16

Don’t forget about your lips! With the moisturizing properties of aloe vera, this Aloe Vera Lip Care from The Body Shop can help soothe dry lips. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and is fragrance-, color-, and alcohol-free to help avoid skin irritation.

The Body Shop Aloe Vera Lip Care, $9

Formulated with  Amazonian White Clay, the Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque from Kiehl’s gently draws out dirt, oil, and toxins that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Plus, the mask also helps to soothe your skin with a mixture of aloe vera and oatmeal. Add this mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week for the best results.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, $26

Getting our bodies ready for beach season often means hair removal. If your skin feels a little irritated after a wax, this Decleor's Post Wax Double Action Gel may be just what your skin needs. With a blend of essential oils like magnolia, meadow foam oil, and aloe vera, the gel helps to soothe and moisturize skin post-hair removal.

Decleor Post Wax Double Action Gel, $29