By Emilia Benton Published: August 7, 2024
Chances are you’ve used an aloe vera gel at some point to relieve painful, itchy skin, perhaps after a sunburn or on a burn or cut. “Aloe vera can can increase the skin’s hydration,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in Austin; these properties mean that it’s a natural choice for treating skin irritation, such as sunburn or windburn. We also know that it has some antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, so it’s been used in wound healing, says Dr. Collins. While your first line of defense against sunburn should be preventing a sunburn in the first place by wearing sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF, there are aloe vera products that can quickly help when sunburn relief is necessary. We spoke with dermatologists for their recommendations on the best aloe vera gels to add to your skin care cabinet.
The best aloe vera gels, at a glance
- Best Overall: Aloderma Natural Pure Aloe Vera Gel, $13
- Best Budget: Vacation After Sun Gel, $13
- Best for Face: Elemis Superfood Cica Calm Hydration Juice, $58
- Best for Body: Lily of the Desert 99% Aloe Vera Gelly, $13
- Best for Dry Skin: Forever Living Aloe Vera Gelly, $16
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Barbara Sturm Aloe Vera Gel, $80
- Best for Sunburns: Honeyskin Aloe Vera Gel, $24
- Best K-Beauty: Innisfree Aloe Energy Mask, $3
