How to Make an Aloe Vera Gel: 8 Steps (with Images)

Table of contents:

2023 Author: Barbara Vance | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:35

Aloe vera gel is one of nature's great "healers". It can be used to treat burns, moisturize the skin and soothe irritations. To make yours, you just need a healthy aloe plant. The gel can be mixed with other ingredients to last longer than a few days.

Ingredients

Aloe leaf.
Optional: 500 mg of Vitamin C powder or 400 IU of Vitamin E (for every 1/4 cup of gel).

Steps

Step 1. Wash your hands

It is important to start with clean hands and tools to ensure the gel will not be contaminated.

Step 2. Cut one of the outer leaves of an aloe plant

They are more likely to be ripe and will contain a good amount of fresh, healthy gel. Look for leaves around the outside of the plant, with the bases growing close to the ground. Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut near the base.

Since this gel is perishable, it's best not to make a bunch at once unless you plan to give some to other people. Cutting just a sheet or two, especially if they are large, should be enough to make half to a cup of gel.
If your plant is young, be careful not to cut too much at once. Removing all outer leaves can damage the plant.

Step 3. Drain resin for 10 minutes

Place the leaves upright in a cup so that the yellow resin runs off. It contains latex, which can be slightly irritating to the skin. It's best to let it run so it doesn't end up in the gel.

Step 4. Peel the leaves

Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the green part of the leaves. Cut through the inner white layer to get to the gel below it. Remove all the bark from one side of each sheet, leaving a canoe-shaped half filled with gel.

If the leaves are large, it may be better to cut them into smaller pieces before peeling.
Discard the rind so as not to mix it with the gel.

Step 5. Scoop out the gel

The gel, soft and transparent, is easy to remove. Place it in a clean bowl until nothing remains on the half of the sheet.

Step 6. Mix the gel with a natural preservative

If you have a lot of gel and you want to keep it for a month or two, mix it with 500 mg of Vitamin C powder or 400 IU of Vitamin E for every 1/4 cup of gel you have. Place ingredients in a blender and blend well. The gel will be foamy at first.

Step 7. Place the gel in a sterile glass jar

If using a preservative, it can last several months in the refrigerator. Without it, it will last for a week or two.

Step 8. Use the gel

Apply it to burns or other minor superficial irritations. It can also be used as a skin moisturizer or as an ingredient in homemade body products.

Never use Aloe vera gel on deep cuts or blistered skin. It should only be used on superficial irritations as it can prevent deep wounds from healing properly.
Try mixing half a cup of the gel with 1/4 cup of coconut oil to make a moisturizing and healing massage lotion.
Learn how to grow an aloe so you can make the gel whenever you want.