Aloe Vera · Aloe barbadensis

Everyone knows the name. The plant too—that succulent with fleshy leaves and clear gel that appears in almost any Mediterranean grandmother's home. What's not always known is why it works so well, and for how long.

It has been used in cosmetics for over 4,000 years. Egyptians, Greeks, pre-Columbian American peoples. They all came to the same conclusion through different paths: the gel inside those leaves soothes, repairs, and hydrates. It's no coincidence that it's still here.

What it contains and how it works

Aloe vera gel concentrates a mixture of polysaccharides, vitamins (C, E, B12), minerals, amino acids, and enzymes. Each with its function, but working together.

Polysaccharides are the protagonists of hydration: they retain water in the skin and keep it elastic without occlusion or a heavy sensation. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection against environmental stress. Enzymes gently promote cell renewal. And the anti-inflammatory compounds, mainly aloin and natural salicylates, explain that feeling of immediate relief that aloe gives to irritated or burned skin.

It acts on the surface but also strengthens the skin barrier from within, reducing transepidermal water loss. A discreet but important function, especially for reactive skin or skin exposed to aggressive factors.

Properties and benefits

• Light and long-lasting hydration. Its polysaccharides retain water in the skin without occluding. Ideal for skin that does not tolerate heavy or greasy textures well.
• Soothing and anti-inflammatory. Relieves redness, irritation, and minor burns. Especially appreciated after sun exposure, for reactive skin, or when the skin is simply not at its best.
• Regenerative. Promotes cell renewal and improves texture with continued use.
• Antioxidant. Vitamins C and E neutralize free radicals and protect against daily environmental damage.
• Strengthens the skin barrier. Reduces water loss and improves skin resistance to external aggressors.
• Versatile and compatible. Enhances the action of hyaluronic acid, vitamin Cand panthenol, improving their absorption and effectiveness. A good team.

Use and integration into your routine

On clean skin, alone or combined with other products. Its light texture makes it comfortable day and night, even under makeup. It works as a daily moisturizer, after-sun, post-depilation soother, or base for mixing with serums and creams.

Suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive or reactive. No usage restrictions.

Curiosities and facts

Ancient origin with documentation
The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest preserved medical texts (1550 BC), already mentions aloe vera as a remedy for burns and skin infections. Cleopatra supposedly included it in her beauty routine. Little has changed in 3,500 years.

Gel vs. juice: different purposes
The gel comes from inside the leaf and is what is used in cosmetics. The juice, obtained from the outer layer of the leaf, is consumed as a supplement. Same plant, different composition, different uses. They are not interchangeable.

99% water
Fresh aloe gel is 99% water. The remaining 1% is where all the interesting chemistry lives: enzymes, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals. Concentration matters: a product with 0.1% aloe vera does not have the same effect as one formulated with concentrated aloe vera as a base.

Low environmental impact
It needs little water to grow, tolerates heat, and is easy to cultivate without agrochemicals. It's not the most striking fact on the sheet, but for CUIDA-T, it matters.

This is how it appears in the INCI: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera

Other active ingredients you might be interested in

Hyaluronic acid— deep hydration, perfect complement to the humectant effect of aloe.
Beta-glucan— soothing and repairing, same philosophy of respect for the skin.
Vitamin C— antioxidant, enhances the protective action of aloe.
Squalane— to seal aloe's hydration with a light lipid layer.