If there’s an aloe vera plant knocking about the garden, this is about as close to zero-waste skincare as it gets. A simple blend of fresh aloe pulp and coconut oil, ready in the time it takes to trim a leaf.
HOMEMADE ALOE VERA GEL
Ingredients
- 60g fresh aloe vera pulp
- 20g coconut oil
- 1g Vitamin E oil (optional)
- A pinch (about 1g) citric acid (optional, as a natural preservative)
Method
- Place the aloe leaf on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, cut off the tip and the rough edges on both sides, slicing all the way from top to bottom.
- Separate the front and back of the leaf by slicing it lengthwise from the inside.
- Scoop out 60g of the clear pulp with a spoon, avoiding the yellow sap layer just under the skin.
- Rinse the pulp briefly under cold water if any yellow residue remains.
- Blend the pulp with 20g coconut oil, and the Vitamin E oil and citric acid if using, until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother gel, if you like.
- Spoon into a clean, sterilised jar and store in the fridge.
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and thaw a cube at a time as needed.
Traditionally Used For
- Soothing insect bites and stings
- Easing the itch and dryness of eczema-prone skin
- Calming rashes and skin irritation
- Applying to minor burns and grazes to support healing
- A gentle eye makeup remover
- A spot treatment for blemish-prone skin
- Soothing sunburn
- In place of a light moisturiser for dry skin
Notes
The yellow sap layer just under the leaf’s skin contains aloin, which can irritate skin — scrape it away and use only the clear inner pulp. For external use only. Without the citric acid, use within about a week from the fridge; freezing extends this considerably. These are traditional uses, not medical claims — see a doctor for anything more than minor, everyday skin care.