Herbs And Botanicals Extracts In Anti-Aging Creams -

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadenis)

Aloe Vera Extract serves as a water-binding agent for skin due to its polysaccharide and sterol content. (An example of a sterol that’s beneficial for skin is cholesterol). Although research has shown Aloe Vera also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities, no study has proven it to be superior to other ingredients with similar properties, including vitamin C, green tea, pomegranate, and many other antioxidants.

There is no real evidence that aloe vera (Aloe barbadenis) helps the skin to combat aging in any significant way. An article in the British Journal of General Practice (October 1999, pages 823–828) stated that “Topical application of aloe vera is not an effective preventative for radiation-induced injuries…. Whether it promotes wound healing is unclear…. Even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical aloe vera is not sufficiently defined at present.”

There is research indicating that isolated components of aloe vera, such as glycoprotein, can have some effectiveness for wound healing and as an anti-irritant . However, when mixed into a cosmetic product, it is doubtful those qualities remain, although it may still play a role in binding moisture to skin.