The Best Aloe Vera Gels, Tested By Editors And Dermatologists

ProsLightweight and non-stickyInfused with other soothing ingredientsHydrates and softens dry skinConsBecause it's so lightweight, you have to be careful not to spill the product out of the tubeVacation is known for its buzzy Classic Sunscreen that has overtaken my TikTok feed, but I’m equally drawn to its After Sun Gel. The lightweight formula nabbed our top spot for its excellent blend of ingredients, efficacy, and affordable price.Although it features retro packaging, Vacation has crafted a modern take on the OGold sunburn soother. In addition to aloe vera, the formula contains other calming ingredients. Think cucumber and bisabolol, both of which are anti-inflammatories, plus nourishing vitamin E and moisture-regulating niacinamide. Other hydrating agents include glycerin, prickly pear, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, and tremella mushroom. Although Vacation doesn’t specify the exact concentration, aloe vera appears first on the ingredient list—which is a good indicator of its potency. My skin soaks this gel up quickly like a tall glass of water on a hot summer day—and my results are worth the purchase. Using Vacation not only hydrates and softens my skin, but it also visibly calms my minor sunburns within hours. I only used Vacation’s gel to treat my sunburn, and it returned to normal in just four days. I also appreciate that the cruelty-free and vegan product is alcohol- and dye-free, which is essential for sensitive skin like mine. It has a soothing, cooling effect that lasts for three hours. To up the chill factor, I always store my tube on the top shelf of my refrigerator for quick and easy access. The colder temperature enhances the refreshing and soothing benefits when applying this gel. Plus, it has the same appealing scent as traditional aloe vera, but it wasn't as sticky as other formulas I've tried in the past.And I’m not the only fan of Vacation’s aloe vera product. Earley likes how lightweight and watery the formulation is because it spreads easily onto her body. A little bit goes a long way—I use anywhere from a nickel- to a sand dollar-sized dollop, depending on where on my body needs extra TLC.Read more: Best SPF MakeupFeatures at a GlanceKey IngredientsAloe vera, cucumber, bisabolol, vitamin E, niacinamide, glycerin, prickly pear, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroomOrganicNoProsMade of 100% organic fresh aloe leavesFragrance-freeConsThe bottle is hard to squeezeSeven Miracles seems pricier than our best overall pick, but it’s actually more cost-effective per ounce. You’re paying around $2 an ounce of 100 percent pure organic aloe leaves grown in Texas, versus $2.50 per ounce in the Vacation bottle. This 12-ounce bottle is also fragrance-free, making it one of the best choices for sensitive skin.The non-sticky product can be used on your face, skin, or hair. You can apply it to moisturize and hydrate skin, soothe a sunburn, repair cracked elbows or heels, and even condition hair. No wonder it earned more than 60,900 5-star Amazon reviews and is the No. 1 Amazon best-selling cream.That said, some of the 4-star reviewers note that the bottle is harder to squeeze, so they have to apply considerable pressure to extract every last drop. Still, it’s not a deal breaker when you’re only paying around $2 per ounce, which is more than enough to cover your face and entire body.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsAloe veraOrganicYesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMess-free applicationFormula also includes vitamin EConsIt’s not as cooling as other gelsAloe vera gels are great, but they can get messy. That’s why I sometimes reach for spray aloe vera treatments. SunBum’s version emits a light, refined mist of aloe vera gel for a convenient, mess-free application. The spray enables me to mist my back, an area where I always seem to burn. It’s also helpful for spritzing on other hard-to-reach areas of my body, like my shoulders.Although SunBum doesn’t disclose the concentration of aloe vera in this spray, the label lists it as the second ingredient—a solid indicator of its effectiveness. In addition to aloe vera, it contains antioxidant-rich vitamin E to combat free radical damage that causes dehydration and accelerates the signs of aging.Need another reason why I’m a big fan of this spray? The finish is unlike any other aloe vera gel that I’ve used. It mists onto my skin like a dry oil, leaving my body feeling silky smooth instead of sticky.The only downside is that it’s not as cooling as other aloe veras I’ve tried. However, that’s not a dealbreaker for me, and I can easily pop this mist into my fridge for a refreshing chilly effect as needed.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsAloe vera, vitamin EOrganicNoProsIncludes a host of calming ingredientsGreat scentConsSqueezes out easily during travel without taking extra precautionsI previously named Babo Botanicals as one of the best sunscreens in the game, so naturally, I had to get my hands on the brand’s aloe vera gel. Like all of Babo Botanicals’ products, it features entirely plant-based ingredients that are suitable for my very sensitive skin.The brand doesn’t divulge its exact concentration of aloe vera, but it’s high up on the ingredient label, which is a positive sign. Bablo blends soothing aloe vera with other calming ingredients, such as witch hazel and arnica. Research shows that arnica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, a separate study reveals that witch hazel has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory. Together, these agents calm and soothe my skin after a long day in the sun, ultimately earning this aloe gel a permanent spot in my beach bag.The only minor downside with this pick is that it can easily squeeze out if I just toss it into a plastic bag and pack it in my suitcase. When I place the plastic bag into my cosmetic pouch for extra protection, it travels safely and the gel doesn’t accidentally leak. So, if you have any traveling plans—an active hiking trip or prolonging summer with a trip to the Caribbean—just be sure not to forget to pack your travel pouch.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsAloe vera, witch hazel, arnica, eucalyptus oilOrganicYesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsNon-comedogenicPacked with nourishing ingredientsConsAloe vera concentration is relatively lowDune creates modern takes on classics that are packed with skincare superstars. Case in point: the Lifeguard Cooling Aloe Gel. This weightless gel-cream absorbs quickly into the skin and provides up to 72 hours of hydration.Beyond aloe vera, it contains a trifecta of nourishing oils—sweet cherry seed coconut, and avocado. Dune also includes bisabolol, ginger extract, seabuckthorn, cupuaçu and hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract for maximum hydration. It delivers ample moisture without a sticky residue nor pilling. It also features menthyl ethylamido oxalate for a strong cooling sensation.Since it’s non-comedogenic, you can freely use it on your face or body—yes, even if you have acne-prone skin. It’s also fragrance- and paraben-free, making it a solid option if you’ve got sensitive skin.While Dune doesn’t provide an exact percentage, the ingredient is listed toward the end of the label indicating the aloe vera concentration is pretty low. That said, reviewers rave about Dune’s lightweight hydration and how fast it soothes sun rashes.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsAloe vera, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, bisabolol, ginger extract, sea buckthorn, cupuaçu, sweet cherry seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oilOrganicNoProsShapes, strengthens, and smoothsMade with organic ingredientsAloe's benefits extend beyond your skin—the plant found in Rahua’s gel promotes healthier hair. That's because it contains vitamins A, C, and E, to fortify strands. It also helps smooth, prevent breakage, and reduce frizz—which is exactly what Rahua’s gel does.What separates this gel from others is the impressive multitasking formula. Aloe is the second ingredient on the list, indicating a high concentration is used. And it’s packed with other moisturizing components, including cucumber extract and vegetable glycerin. The inclusion of Amazonian fruit helps strengthen strands and maintain a healthy scalp.Rahua’s lightweight gel is compatible with all hair types and offers a soft, touchable hold without any crunchiness. Reach for this gel when you’re slicking down cowlicks, defining curls, or slicking down your edges. It also enhances shine, and promotes hair health simultaneously.The only downside? Unlike our best overall and best value recommendations, Rahua is solely for your hair, limiting its versatility.Additional reporting by Brigitt Earley.Features at a GlanceKey ingredientsAloe vera, cucumber, cane sugar, guayusa, rahua, sacha inchiOrganicYesNicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.