Babyface's Pure Aloe Vera is the next best thing to having your own aloe vera plant at hand! 100% natural, this wonderful aloe gel is soothing and calming, and delightfully lacks all the fillers you find in drugstore aloe vera gels. A higher concentration of aloe means a more effective product. Aloe Vera Uses Benefits Soothes Sunburn Aloe vera gel contains compounds called polysaccharides that encourage skin repair and new skin cells to set up shop. It also contains a pain reliever called carboxypeptidase, which may be why aloe vera is so soothing. Relieves Skin Irritations Inflammation underlies many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus. Aloe vera gel contains compounds, such as acemannan, that suppress inflammation by showing the enzymes that trigger it who's boss. (Make sure to do a patch test before putting it on inflamed skin, as aloe vera can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people.) Adds Moisture Because aloe vera gel is mostly water, it helps to hydrate the skin without that post-application greasy feeling, says Dr. Schlessinger. It helps lock moisture into the skin, while also acting as a glue that makes the top layer of skin cells stick together, ultimately smoothing and softening your skin. Fights Acne Besides having serious antibacterial skills, aloe vera gel contains salicylic acid, which is an exfoliant that helps to unclog pores, making it especially helpful if you deal with pimples and blackheads. Bonus: It also acts as an anti-inflammatory on the oil glands that cause acne. Slows The Signs of Aging Aloe stimulates fibroblast activity, which creates an uptick in collagen production and elastin fibers that make the skin less wrinkled and more elastic. Meanwhile, zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores, and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, help prevent the formation of free radicals (aka, molecules that can do a number on your cells). Prevents (And Maybe Even Fade) Dark Spots Aloe vera gel prevents tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for skin discoloration, from doing its thing, essentially suppressing UV-induced hyperpigmentation and the skin damaging effects of sunburns. This mechanism may also help in the prevention of dark spots, while the various antioxidants it contains (such as glutathione peroxide) may fade sun damage that's already formed. Lightly Exfoliates The salicylic acid aloe vera contains acts as an exfoliator, helping to gently slough off dead skin cells. It also contains lignin, a substance which can enhance the penetrative effect of other ingredients into the skin. Usage: For external use only. Apply as a moisturizer, or use on extra dry spots or extra rough spots. Can be used on irritated skin, scalp, on sunburn or other minor burns. Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Sclerotium Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate