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Quick answer
Aloe vera gel is a cooling, soothing moisturiser that many people find comfortable on mild sunburn. Dermatologists include moisturisers containing aloe in their sunburn care advice. However, studies have not shown that aloe makes sunburn heal faster or hurt less than other approaches, and nothing applied afterwards reverses the skin damage caused by UV exposure.
Aloe gel on the skin is safe for most people. Aloe taken by mouth, especially products containing the yellow aloe latex, is a different matter: it is a strong laxative and has been linked to serious side effects.
What aloe vera is
Aloe vera is a succulent plant whose thick leaves contain two different substances:
- Aloe gel: the clear, jelly-like inner part of the leaf. It is mostly water with sugars, vitamins and other compounds, and is used on the skin.
- Aloe latex: a yellow sap just under the leaf skin, containing compounds called anthraquinones (such as aloin). It is a powerful laxative.
What the research says
Minor burns
A systematic review of burn studies found that aloe vera may help superficial and partial-thickness burns heal a few days faster than some comparison treatments. Most of these studies were small and of limited quality, and they involved minor burns treated under medical supervision rather than sunburn at home.
Sunburn
The evidence for sunburn specifically is disappointing. Small trials testing aloe gel after UV exposure found little or no difference compared with placebo gels in redness or recovery. Applying aloe before sun exposure does not prevent sunburn.
That does not mean aloe is useless. Cool gel can feel soothing and helps keep skin moisturised, which is an important part of sunburn care. It simply works as a comforting moisturiser, not as a treatment that speeds healing.
Other skin uses
Aloe is used for mild skin irritation, dry skin and minor wounds. Some small studies suggest benefits for conditions such as mild psoriasis or mouth ulcers, but evidence is limited.
How to use aloe vera on sunburn
Dermatologists recommend these steps for sunburn, and aloe fits into them:
- Get out of the sun and cool the skin with a cool (not icy) shower, bath or damp cloth for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Apply a gentle moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. A plain aloe vera gel or a moisturiser containing aloe or soy works well. Keeping the gel in the fridge makes it more soothing.
- Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if needed, following the label, to ease pain and swelling.
- Drink extra fluids. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface.
- Leave blisters alone. They protect the skin underneath. Do not pop them.
- Cover up with loose, tightly woven clothing and stay out of the sun while the skin heals.
When choosing a product:
- Look for a gel with a high aloe content and few added ingredients.
- Avoid products with "-caine" ingredients (such as benzocaine or lidocaine), which can irritate skin or cause allergic reactions on burned skin.
- Avoid added fragrance and alcohol, which can sting and dry the skin.
- If using a fresh leaf, rinse it, cut it open and scoop out only the clear gel. Avoid the yellow latex layer, which can irritate skin.
Side effects and cautions
On the skin, aloe gel rarely causes problems. Some people develop allergic contact dermatitis (an itchy rash), particularly those allergic to plants in the lily family, such as garlic, onions and tulips.
By mouth, aloe is not recommended:
- Aloe latex causes cramps and diarrhoea and can lead to low potassium and dehydration. US regulators banned it from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002 due to lack of safety data.
- Whole-leaf aloe extract that has not had the anthraquinones removed caused intestinal tumours in rats in a US government study.
- There are case reports of liver injury linked to oral aloe products.
- Oral aloe may lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines, and low potassium from aloe latex can increase the risk of side effects from digoxin.
Who should avoid it
- People allergic to aloe or lily-family plants (skin use)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and people with bowel or kidney conditions should not take aloe by mouth
- Anyone taking digoxin, diuretics or diabetes medicines should avoid oral aloe
When to see a doctor
Sunburn can be a real burn. Seek medical help if:
- Blisters cover a large area (for example, most of the back) or appear on the face, hands or genitals
- You have fever, chills, headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting with sunburn, which may be sun poisoning or heat illness
- You feel faint or dizzy, or show signs of dehydration
- Signs of infection appear: increasing pain, swelling, warmth, pus or red streaks
- A baby under one year old is sunburned
- The burn is not improving after a few days
Also see a doctor or dermatologist about any new or changing mole or skin spot. Repeated sunburn raises the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Frequently asked questions
Is fresh aloe better than store-bought gel?
Fresh gel is fine if you avoid the yellow latex. Commercial gels are more convenient and consistent, but check the ingredients for alcohol, fragrance and numbing agents.
Can aloe prevent peeling?
Keeping skin moisturised may make peeling more comfortable, but it will not stop it. Peeling is the skin shedding damaged cells.
Can I use aloe vera on my face every day?
Most people can use plain aloe gel as a light moisturiser. Stop if you notice irritation.
Does aloe help with tanning?
No. A tan is a sign of skin damage from UV light. Aloe does not change how you tan or protect you from burning.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat sunburn. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Aloe vera. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
- Maenthaisong R, et al. The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: a systematic review. Burns, 2007.
- US National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller (aloe vera) in rats and mice, 2013.