12 Best Aloe Vera Gels for Skin in 2025, Per Dermatologists
Sunburn is not only detrimental to skin health (it’s been linked to skin cancer, after all), but it can also be downright painful. The best aloe vera gels soothe red, inflamed skin, helping curb some of the side effects of sunburn.
“Aloe works like a cold compress for irritated or sunburned skin by hydrating, reducing redness, and calming inflammation,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. When your skin is irritated and uncomfortable, aloe can act fast so you can start feeling relief ASAP.
Meet the experts: Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York
Although aloe is the perfect skin savior to reach for when you need instant comfort, avoiding sunburns altogether is crucial. “Aloe is great for soothing skin, but prevention is better,” says Dr. Gohara. To avoid sunburn it’s important to apply and reapply the best sunscreen. “Sunburn might feel like a temporary inconvenience, but even one blistering burn—or five smaller ones—doubles your lifetime risk of skin cancer,” warns Dr. Gohara. Think of SPF as your BFF, and if you do end up getting sunburned, applying aloe can be beneficial.
Before you start shopping for an aloe product, keep reading for advice from dermatologists on how aloe works, how to choose the best option, and how you should apply the jelly-like substance.
Whether you need a home remedy for sunburn or want to calm itchy, dry skin, these top-rated aloe vera gels have you covered.
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Pros
- Non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic
- Dries clear
Cons
- Pricey
Why we love it: If you’re looking for no frills, then this gel loved by Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, is an option. The main ingredient is simply aloe vera, which is locally sourced and extracted from aloe vera leaves in Australia. “This non-greasy gel helps to refresh and soothe the skin making it a great option after sun exposure,” says Dr. Garshick. Apply it after spending time in the sun to quickly rehydrate thirsty skin.
| Key ingredients: | Aloe vera, glycerin, allantoin |
| Sizes: | 2 oz, 8.5 oz, 16.9 oz |
8
Babo Botanicals After Sun Soothing Hydrating Gel
Pros
- Can be used on the face
- Vegan
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
Cons
- May feel sticky
Why we love it: Looking for a formula that contains plant-based ingredients? Add this option, recommended by both Dr. Gohara and Dr. Garshick. “This gel is great particularly for my vegan patients,” says Dr. Gohara. Along with aloe, it’s also packed with other soothing ingredients like witch hazel, arnica, and eucalyptus oil. And what is it formulated without? This one has no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance or colorants.
| Key ingredients: | Aloe, witch hazel, arnica, eucalyptus oil |
| Size: | 8 oz |
What is aloe vera & how does it benefit skin?
Think of aloe vera as a tall glass of water for your skin after spending too much time in the sun. “Aloe vera is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves, particularly in the inner gel layer, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. This gel is rich in moisture, enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants making it a go-to for hydrating and calming irritated or inflamed skin,” she says. Aloe also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help soothe redness and support wound healing. Apart from sunburns it can also help calm bug bites and heat rash.
What to look for in aloe vera gel
It’s important to know that not all aloe vera gels are created equal. When trying to find one for you it’s important to look at all ingredients on the label. “While aloe is helpful, make sure it’s not the only soothing ingredient, says Dr. Garshick. In addition to aloe, look for complementary ingredients like allantoin or vitamin E for added benefits,” she advises. And to prevent skin from becoming more dehydrated, Garshick recommends choosing formulas that are alcohol-free. Also, avoid anything green-tinted or heavily fragranced; aloe is naturally clear and has a mild scent.
How we chose the best aloe vera gels
We spoke with Meet the experts: Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York for their recommendations, and Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC and Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, for insights on aloe vera gel. We also combed through countless user reviews.
Do dermatologists recommend aloe vera?
Because aloe vera is typically well tolerated when used properly, dermatologists often give you the green light to use it. “I mostly recommend aloe vera for sunburns, says Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC and Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “In particular, I recommend moisturizers or gels with aloe vera for soothing sunburns due to aloe’s anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, aloe is a humectant so it’s a good option for providing hydration as well.”However, similar to when applying a new product, if you’ve never used aloe vera before, patch test first. “Some people can have allergic reactions, especially if they have sensitivities to plants in the Liliaceae family (i.e. garlic and onions), says Dr. Gohara. If your burn is severe or if you have a deep wound, avoid using the ingredient—aloe vera is gentle, but not a substitute for clinical care.”
What is the purest form of aloe vera gel?
The raw, clear gel directly from the inner leaf at the center of the aloe plant is the purest form, says Garshick. The innermost layer holds the most water and polysaccharides, which help retain skin moisture.
How should aloe vera be used?
Apply aloe vera directly on clean, dry skin after sun exposure or if you have mild irritation. To refresh skin and for a cooling effect, Dr. Garshick recommends storing the aloe in the fridge. Layering the gel under moisturizer is another option. For best results, it is best to avoid mixing aloe vera with harsh actives unless advised by a derm.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Additional reporting by Krissy Brady
Ardenis Perez is a New York City-based writer, editor, and blogger who is super passionate about the beauty space. Before going freelance, Ardenis worked as an associate editor at Family Circle where she wrote about pets, teens, family, and beauty.
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