How to Use Aloe Vera to Make Herbal Cosmetics

Aloe Vera - close-up of an Aloe Vera Leaf

Aloe Vera (aloe barbadensis) has, quite appropriately, been called the "first-aid" plant. The sap of this wonder-plant is loaded with a wealth of natural healing properties that are especially beneficial to our skin. Aloe Vera's emollient, moisturizing qualities make it a popular ingredient in cosmetics, sun tan lotions, facials and shaving creams. Read on to learn how to use Aloe Vera to make herbal cosmetics.

Things You'll Need

• Large Aloe Vera leaf, from plant's outer layer
• Paring knife/Potato peeler
• 400 IU vitamin E capsule
• 500 mg vitamin C tablet
• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera juice
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup sunflower oil
• 2 tsp. vegetable glycerin
• 6 drops Essential Oil
• 1 cup Aloe Vera Gel
• 1 cup liquid Castile Soap
• 1 cup light vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp. glycerin
• 1 airtight bottle
• 1 ½ cup warm water
• 1 cup detergent-free shampoo
• ¼ cup Aloe Vera gel
• ¼ cup liquid glycerin
• 1 ½ tsp. table salt
• 10-15 drops fragrance oil
• Food coloring (optional)
• 1 squeezable bottle

Instructions

Make Your Own Aloe Vera Gel

1. Use a paring knife to slice off the leaf's spikes. Peel off the leaf's outer skin.

2. Put the peeled Aloe Vera in the blender and blend it to a pulp.

3. Measure out 1/4 cup of pulp. Crush the Vitamin C tablet to powder (you can use a spoon). Add it to the blended Aloe Vera. Puncture or open the Vitamin E and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Store the gel in a clean jar and refrigerate. Use your Aloe Vera gel as a remedy for irritated skin, cuts, burns or wounds. You can apply it several times a day.

Make a Soothing Aloe Vera Body Oil

1. Pour all the ingredients into a clean, sterilized bottle.

2. Shake to mix thoroughly.

3. Store for up to a month.

Make a Moisturizing Aloe Vera Shampoo

1. Pour all the ingredients into the bottle and shake to mix well

2. Wet your hair and apply a liberal amount of the shampoo, working it into a lather.

3. Leave it in for a few minutes an then rinse it out with cool water. Always shake well before using to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed

Make a Moisturizing Aloe Vera Shower Gel

1. Pour the water into a bowl. Stir in the shampoo.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients, mixing well.

3. Pour into the squeezable bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy Aloe Vera leaves from a health food store. Some grocery stores have them in the vegetable section.

• The Vitamins C and E act as natural preservatives for the Aloe Vera.

• Fresh Aloe Vera gel has a short shelf life; so you should use it up very quickly.

• It is always advisable to perform a patch test on your skin before using any herbal treatment. Make sure that you are not allergic to it. Apply a little bit of the Aloe Vera to your inner arm and leave it on for a day or so. If there is any reaction, you should avoid using Aloe Vera.