Aloe vera oil aka ghritkumari oil is a fusion of two excellent components that provide a host of benefits for hair and skin.
The oil is used to treat a multitude of hair and skin issues and it’s one you should consider adding to your oil stash.
For more on aloe vera oil, how to use it for hair and skin, and the best brands of aloe vera oil, read on!
What is Aloe Vera Oil?
Aloe vera oil is an oil extracted from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis plant via a maceration method.
Aloe vera oil is a pale yellow color with a mild earthy scent similar to aloe vera juice.
It could also be a golden brown color based on the extraction method used.
How is Aloe Vera Oil Made?
Maceration is when a carrier oil is used as a solvent to extract the nutrients and benefits of a plant or extract.
The mature aloe vera plant leaves are first dehydrated. They are then immersed in carrier oil at a high temperature for a few weeks.
Afterward, the mixture is filtered to remove the aloe vera leaves and obtain the aloe vera oil.
In the case of aloe vera, the carrier oils usually used for the maceration include calendula oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil.
Aloe vera oil inherits all the benefits of aloe vera gel plus most of the benefits of whichever carrier oil it’s macerated in.
13 Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil for Hair and Skin
1. Antioxidant and Antibacterial
Aloe vera oil contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties which help protect the skin from free radical damage as it inhibits the growth of certain types of bacteria.
2. Aloe Vera Oil Speeds Up Wound Healing
Aloe vera oil is a cicatrizant i.e. it promotes faster healing of cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
Aloe has also been mentioned in various Ayurvedic texts for its effectiveness in treating wounds and skin issues.
3. Reduces Skin Irritation and Inflammation
Aloe vera oil provides an astringent effect in the form of salicylic acid content which helps reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
The salicylic acid content is also useful for reducing the incidence of acne.
4. Aloe Vera Oil Tightens Pores
Aloe vera oil helps in shrinking large pores as it soothes and moisturizes dry and dull skin.
5. Excellent Emollient Oil
Aloe vera oil is an excellent emollient oil – it softens, smoothens, and seals moisture into hair and skin.
6. Eliminates Scalp Conditions
Aloe vera oil helps eliminate scalp conditions such as dry scalp, itchy scalp, and dandruff with frequent use. This is due to an enzyme known as proteolytic.
Aloe vera oil also helps maintain the pH balance of the scalp.
7. Aloe Vera Oil Boosts Hair Growth
When used correctly, aloe vera oil can assist with healthier hair growth, strengthening hair, and nourishing the follicles.
8. Aloe Vera Oil Reduces Hair Fall
Hair fall is a common and annoying problem. 100 or so strands of hair a day is fine but a lot more than that is a chronic hair fall issue.
Using aloe vera oil rejuvenates hair and scalp and helps eliminate hair fall.
9. Aloe Vera Oil Conditions and Nourishes Hair
Aloe vera oil has over 20 amino acids. These amino acids aid in intense conditioning and nourishment for hair.
10. Aloe Vera Oil Hydrates Hair
Aloe vera also has a high water content which contributes to hydrating dry and brittle hair and enhancing moisture retention.
11. Adds Shine and Calms Frizziness
The abundant amino acids in aloe vera oil also help add shine to dull hair and calm down frizziness.
12. Antiviral
Aloe vera oil contains Anthraquinones – a collection of antiviral agents which include aloin, cinnamic acid ester, and aloe-emodin and helps treat infections.
13. Effective Massage Oil
Because it’s such a soothing oil, aloe vera oil is a great aromatherapy oil to use in body massage oils.
Additionally, aloe vera oil is rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B2, B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
Does Aloe Vera Oil Grow Hair?
Aloe vera contains a lot of nutrients and compounds that help eliminate dryness and strengthen dry hair. When both these issues are addressed, aloe vera oil does indeed grow hair.
To get the best of it would depend on which carrier oil you use to create your aloe vera oil stash.
If you’re keen on DIY, check out these simple aloe vera oil recipes for hair growth.
How To Apply Aloe Vera Oil to Hair
- Apply a thin layer of aloe vera oil to your scalp and massage it until fully absorbed. Twist and pin up your hair. You can do this 3 – 5 times a week then shampoo and deep condition on the weekend.
- Do you pre-poo? Add aloe vera oil to your pre-poo mix or use the aloe vera oil as a pre-poo on its own.
Can You Leave Aloe Vera Oil in Your Hair Overnight?
Yes, you can leave aloe vera oil in your hair overnight. It’s a gentle and effective treatment for hair and scalp. The longer you leave it in, the more effective aloe vera oil is but don’t overdo it.
Is Aloe Vera Oil Good for Your Face?
Aloe vera oil is very good for dry, mature, and sensitive skin. It contains mucopolysaccharides which seal moisture into the skin.
It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers which means softer, plumper, and youthful-looking skin.
I will cover how to make aloe vera oil for skin care in the next article.
How To Use Aloe Vera Oil on Your Face
- Apply a thin layer to your freshly cleansed face and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes then wash and rinse your face with lukewarm water. Follow up with your moisturizer of choice. This application method will give you supple and glowing skin.
- You can use aloe vera oil in your DIY lotions and moisturizers.
Can You Apply Aloe Vera Oil on Your Face Everyday?
Even though aloe vera oil is a non-comedogenic oil, I wouldn’t recommend applying it to your face every day unless you have extremely dry and dehydrated skin.
If you have oily skin or normal skin, then 2 – 4 times a week is fine for applying aloe vera oil to your face.
Does Aloe Vera Oil Clog Pores?
This depends on what kind of oil the aloe vera was macerated in. If it was coconut oil for instance, then there’s a potential to clog pores if applied to your face.
If it were some other non-comedogenic oil, then it shouldn’t clog pores. I will cover this in more detail in the DIY aloe vera oil article to follow.
Aloe Vera Oil vs Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel has all the benefits of aloe vera oil (ghritkumari oil). The oil is just a different version of aloe vera with added benefits of the carrier oil it’s macerated in.
Another difference between the two is you will need to wash out aloe vera gel after a few hours while you can leave aloe vera oil in your hair.
Whichever one you choose is up to you and what you’d like to incorporate into your regimen.
For more on aloe vera gel, head over to Aloe Vera Gel for Hair: Benefits, Uses & Best Recommendations.
Aloe Vera Oil Shelf Life
Aloe vera oil shelf life depends on the carrier oil it was macerated in. It will inherit the shelf life of whatever carrier oil it’s macerated in.
For instance, if it was macerated in coconut oil, you can expect a shelf life of up to 12 months especially if you add essential oils and vitamin E oil as well.
Where To Buy Aloe Vera Oil?
My recommended brands of aloe vera oil include Halal Everyday Aloe Vera Oil and Alia Pure Aloe Vera Oil.
You can find both recommendations as well as similar brands on Etsy and Amazon.
How To Store Aloe Vera Oil
All oils do well when stored away from direct light in a cool area. You can also transfer it to a dark bottle like this one if it doesn’t come in one.
Stay tuned for the next article which will cover various methods for homemade aloe vera oil.
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Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
References
- Aloe Vera: A Short Review
- Medicinal Benefits of Aloe Vera
- A Close Look at Aloe Vera Barbadensis and Its Effect on Hair Health
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