Aloe vera, a succulent plant known for its soothing gel, has been a staple in skincare and natural remedies for centuries.
This “miracle plant” is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote skin health, soothe burns, and even improve hair health. However, fresh aloe vera gel has a limited shelf life.
If you have a flourishing aloe plant or just a few spare leaves, knowing how to preserve its goodness is essential.
In this blog, we’ll dive into popular methods to preserve your precious aloe vera gel and ensure you always have this refreshing, healing ingredient on hand.
Method 1: Freezing – Simple and Effective
Freezing is perhaps the easiest way to preserve aloe vera gel. Here’s how:
- Extract the gel: Carefully cut open aloe vera leaves and scoop out the clear gel.
- Fill ice cube trays: Pour the gel into ice cube trays.
- Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer until the aloe vera cubes are completely frozen.
- Store: Transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight freezer bag or container.
Pros:
- Easy and convenient.
- Perfect for small portions and spot treatments.
Cons:
- Freezing can slightly change the texture of the aloe vera, making it a bit more watery once thawed.
Read: Can I Freeze Aloe Vera: Freezing Aloe Vera, Safe Methods & Tips
Method 2: Blend with Vitamin C – Extend the Shelf Life
Adding vitamin C to your aloe vera gel acts as a natural preservative and enhances its antioxidant power.
- Extract the gel: As before, extract the clear gel from your aloe leaves.
- Add vitamin C: Use powdered vitamin C or crush a vitamin C tablet, then blend it thoroughly with the aloe vera gel.
- Store: Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Pros:
- Extends the shelf life of the aloe vera gel.
- Vitamin C offers additional skin-brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Cons:
- Finding the perfect ratio of vitamin C to aloe may require some trial and error to avoid irritation.
Method 3: Mix with Honey – A Sweet Preservative
Honey is a natural preservative and a powerhouse of skin-loving nutrients. Combining it with aloe vera creates a beautifully soothing and hydrating mixture.
- Extract and combine: Extract the aloe vera gel and mix it with raw honey in a 2:1 ratio (two parts aloe to one part honey).
- Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Pros:
- Honey’s natural antibacterial properties help extend shelf life.
- Adds extra moisture and skin-soothing benefits.
Cons:
- Can be sticky to handle.
Read: Benefits of Aloe Vera and Honey on Face Unveiled
Method 4: Combine with Coconut Oil – Moisturizing and Preserving
Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties complement aloe vera beautifully. It can also slightly increase the shelf life of your gel.
- Blend: Extract the aloe vera gel and blend it with an equal amount of coconut oil.
- Store: Place the mixture in a clean jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
Pros:
- Boosts hydration for skin and hair.
- Extends the shelf life slightly.
Cons:
- The mixture may separate, needing gentle shaking or blending before each use.
Read: Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil: Ultimate Skin Combo
Method 5: Dehydration – The Longest Shelf Life
Dehydrating aloe vera offers the longest preservation time and allows you to make aloe vera powder for convenient use in DIY beauty products.
- Slice thinly: Cut the extracted aloe vera gel into thin slices.
- Dehydrate: Use a dehydrator or low-temperature oven to dry the slices until completely crisp.
- Grind: Grind the dried aloe into a fine powder.
- Store: Keep your aloe vera powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Pros:
- Longest possible shelf-life.
- Easy to incorporate into scrubs, masks, and other DIY skincare products.
Cons:
- Requires a dehydrator or careful monitoring with oven drying.
- The most time-consuming of the preservation methods.
Conclusion
With these five preservation methods, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh aloe vera long after you harvest it. Remember, the best method will depend on how you want to use your aloe vera. Experiment and find your favorites!
Short on Time? No Problem!
While preserving your own aloe vera gel offers the satisfaction of a DIY approach, sometimes you need a quick and easy solution. If you want to skip all the fuss and buy store-bought certified aloe vera gel, try this:
Forever Living Certified Aloe Vera Gel: Look for a brand with high-quality, pure aloe vera gel with minimal additives. Search for certifications like “organic” or “natural” on the label.
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Popular FAQs
Q: How long does preserved aloe vera gel last?
A: The shelf life varies depending on your chosen method:
- Freezing: Up to 6-8 months
- Vitamin C: Up to 2 months refrigerated.
- Honey: A few months in a cool place.
- Coconut Oil: A few months in a cool place.
- Dehydrated Powder: Up to a year or longer if stored properly.
Q: Can I use store-bought aloe vera gel?
A: While possible, store-bought gels often contain additives and preservatives. Preserving your own fresh aloe vera gives you complete control over the ingredients.
Q: Does preserved aloe vera lose its effectiveness?
A: It may lose some potency over time, but it will still offer many of the soothing and hydrating benefits of fresh aloe vera.
Q: Are there any tips for extracting aloe vera gel?
A: Yes! Here are a few:
- Wash your aloe leaf thoroughly.
- Use a sharp knife to cut off the spiky edges and slice the leaf lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the clear gel, avoiding the yellow-ish layer beneath the skin (this contains a substance called aloin that can be irritating).
With a little effort, you can have a continuous supply of this miraculous natural healer at your fingertips.
Check out our full review of Forever Living Aloe Vera Gel Drink below!
