Aloe Vera: What Works, What’s Risky, and How to Use It Safely

Aloe vera can soothe a sunburn and speed healing of small burns — that’s why people keep the plant in kitchens and first-aid kits. But the same plant also produces a yellow latex that can cause strong diarrhea and interact with medicines. Here’s a clear, useful guide so you get benefits and avoid the nasty surprises.

Topical uses & how to apply

For minor burns, sunburn, dry skin, or small cuts, use pure aloe vera gel from the inner leaf or a product labeled 100% aloe barbadensis. Clean the area, pat dry, then apply a thin layer of gel. Reapply two to three times a day until the skin calms down. If you use a store-bought gel, pick one with few added ingredients and no alcohol (alcohol can dry damaged skin).

Do a quick patch test before using on a large area: put a pea-sized amount on the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If redness, itching, or swelling appears, stop using it. Avoid applying aloe on deep or infected wounds — see a clinician for those.

Oral use, risks and who should avoid it

People sometimes take oral aloe products to help with digestion or blood sugar. That usually refers to aloe juice or supplements that may contain aloe latex — the yellow sap just under the leaf skin. Aloe latex is a strong laxative. Short-term use can cause cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte loss. Long-term use has been linked to kidney problems and is banned in some countries for internal use.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid oral aloe because it can stimulate uterine contractions. If you take diabetes medicine, blood pressure drugs, or heart medicines like digoxin, check with your doctor before using oral aloe: it can change blood sugar, potassium levels, and how other drugs work.

How to pick a safe product: choose gels made from the inner leaf and labeled "stabilized" or "inner fillet." For ingestion, avoid any product that lists "aloe latex" or "aloin" unless directed by a clinician. Look for third-party testing or a clear ingredient list; supplements aren’t tightly regulated, so brand transparency matters.

Storage and shelf life: keep opened natural gel in the fridge and use within the product’s recommended time. Many commercial gels have preservatives; follow the label. If a gel smells off, changes color, or causes an unusual skin reaction, toss it.

Quick safety checklist: do a patch test, avoid oral latex unless supervised, tell your doctor about aloe use if you’re on meds or pregnant, and choose simple, transparent products. Aloe can be a handy, low-cost remedy when used right — and a problem when used without care.