As a beauty editor, few things make me wince like a bad sunburn. Wearing one of the best sunscreens daily and practicing safe sun care is second nature to me at this point (it's part of the job!), and I’ll always be that person reminding everyone to reapply. But if you do end up with a burn, one of the best aloe vera gels is a stellar soothing option for stressed skin. Not only does it feel instantly cooling, but it can also help speed up the healing process.
Aloe vera isn't just an affordable option to soothe skin—it's also backed by experts. "Aloe vera is a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, skin-protective, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties," explains board-certified dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, MD. "Aloe vera gel is a clear, jelly-like substance derived from the inner leaf of the Aloe barbadensis plant. These gels are mostly used to treat inflammation and redness and improve wound healing."
There are a lot of aloe vera gels on the market, but if you’re looking for one you’ll actually look forward to applying, like your favorite perfume or body oil, you’re in the right place. I rounded up the best options at a range of price points and for different skin types and preferences, whether you want something to help with eczema, soothe a sunburned scalp, or double as a hydrating face mask for post-sun self-care. I also spoke with Dr. Gmyrek and board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD to answer your most pressing aloe vera questions, which you’ll find at the end of this article. Keep scrolling to shop and learn more.
The Best Aloe Vera Gels
- Best Aloe Vera Gel Overall: Vacation After Sun Gel
- Best Korean Aloe Vera Gel: Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel
- Best Multipurpose Aloe Vera Gel: Innisfree Aloe Vitalizing Soothing Gel Hydrating Face & Body Moisturizer
It’s hard not to know Vacation. The brand’s retro-inspired marketing and clever social strategy have pretty much cemented its place in my summer beauty lineup. While its sunscreen and body mist tend to get most of the spotlight, the brand’s aloe vera gel deserves just as much love. It’s infused with Vacation's signature scent (coconut and banana with a splash of pool and salt water), and the alcohol-free formula is gentle enough for all skin types, sensitive skin included. (That said, it does contain fragrance, so if your skin is easily irritated, a patch test wouldn’t hurt.)
Size: 6 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice (soothing); Niacinamide (brightening); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Cucumber fruit extract (cooling)
What I Love: Alcohol-free; Infused with the brand’s cult-favorite “Vacation” scent; Amazon order comes with an air freshener
What I Don't: Some wish the fragrance was stronger
Review for MC: "As a former lifeguard, I take sun protection very seriously, so no, I didn’t intentionally burn myself to test this aloe vera gel. Luckily, I didn’t have to. It’s like the elevated cousin of the cheaper aloe vera I used to rely on, only with a fresh, subtle scent and a luxe, jelly-like texture that feels like a treat. I slathered it on my arms and chest after a glass of wine in the sun, and the finish was glossy, hydrated, and just plain satisfying." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Vacation After Sun Gel
First things first, we have to talk about the bottle; it’s easily the most visually interesting one on the list. But one of this Korean aloe vera gel’s biggest appeals is its texture. Unlike traditional aloe vera gels, which are often thick and tacky, this one absorbs quickly and wears beautifully under makeup.
Size: 8.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice and centella asiatica extract (soothing); Lotus flower and bamboo extract (antioxidant); Cucumber fruit extract (cooling)
What I Love: Absorbs quickly; Cool-looking bottle; Doubles as a makeup primer
What I Don't: The stiff plastic packaging can make it tricky to squeeze the product out
Review for MC: "As someone whose allergies flare at even the faintest hint of dust, I basically live on sinus-drying meds, which means my skin is perpetually parched. Lately, though, I've swapped my makeup primer for this aloe vera gel, and it’s been nothing short of soothing. My foundation glides over it like butter, and the formula relieves that tight, thirsty feeling." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel
For as long as I’ve known and loved Innisfree, the brand’s name has instantly made me think of green tea, one of its signature ingredients harvested on Jeju Island. But there’s more to know from the brand, like this soothing aloe vera gel that’s wonderfully multipurpose. You can use it on your face and body for a quick hit of hydration, on your hair to tame frizz, or to calm skin post-shave, post-sun, and beyond.
Size: 10 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf extract (soothing); Madecassoside (anti-inflammatory); Menthoxypropanediol (cooling)
What I Love: Can be used twice-daily or as a hydrating mask; Can smooth frizzy hair; Formulated for all-over use
What I Don't: Not formulated for very dry skin, as it doesn't contain occlusives to lock in moisture
Review for MC: "Innisfree calls this aloe gel multipurpose, so naturally, I took that as a challenge. I slathered it everywhere, and while I loved the instant cooling effect on my skin, I was even more impressed by how well it smoothed my frizz without making my hair look greasy. At this point, I can already tell my husband and I are going to fight over the tube—me for hair and body, him for post-shave." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Innisfree Aloe Vitalizing Soothing Gel Hydrating Face & Body Moisturizer
This is a great aloe vera gel to stock up on if you want a big bottle that lasts or something the whole family can use. The ingredient list is lean, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s inherently better than more complex formulas. In addition to organic aloe vera, it contains ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C), which is an antioxidant. Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that increase with sun exposure and can damage skin. That said, while it’s great for protecting healthy skin after time in the sun, it’s not ideal for sunburned skin, which needs calming, barrier-repairing ingredients.
Size: 12 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera (soothing); Vitamin C (brightening antioxidant);
What I Love: Biggest bottle on our list; No added fragrance or dyes; Has over 50,000 five-star ratings
What I Don't: May cause irritation when applied to sunburned skin
Customer Review: "I recently purchased this aloe vera gel and I’m impressed! The texture is light, non-sticky, and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling instantly refreshed and soothed. I've been using it for everything—after sun exposure, as a light moisturizer, and even as a calming treatment after shaving. It has a very clean, natural scent and doesn't leave any residue." — Amazon
This isn’t your standard aloe vera gel, and that’s exactly why it earns a spot on this list. While aloe leaf juice powder is tucked into the formula, what makes it worth reaching for is the blend of antioxidant-rich grape water, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and barrier-supporting squalane, a recipe for quenching dry, depleted skin. The gel-cream texture leaves your complexion dewy and calm, and it’s a favorite among those with combination and oily skin thanks to its lightweight, non-greasy feel and absence of heavy occlusives.
Size: 2 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (hydrating); Grapefruit water (antioxidant and soothing); Squalene (moisturizing); aloe vera leaf juice powder (soothing)
What I Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; Gives skin a dewy glow; Oily and combination skin-friendly
What I Don't: Aloe vera leaf juice powder isn't as potent as aloe vera leaf juice
Customer Review: "This aloe moisturizer is working really well on my combination skin. I have been dealing with extremely dry skin during summer, but this moisturizer is working like a charm. It’s not sticky but provides ample moisture to my skin, and my skin stays hydrated all day." — Sephora
Luckily, you don’t have to hop on a flight to Australia to get your hands on this aloe vera gel. While the aloe is sourced from down under, the formula itself isn’t dramatically different from those made stateside. What makes it stand out is the travel-size version, which clips right onto your keychain, so you can reapply on the go without having to haul around a full-size bottle on vacation.
Size: 2 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice and allantoin (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating); Salicylic acid (anti-inflammatory)
What I Love: Non-sticky; Also available in larger sizes; Made in a family-owned, solar-powered factory
What I Don't: Can get similar ingredient lists stateside
Customer Review: "I needed this aloe vera gel on hand for after-sun care, and this was a great option for my skin. The little squeeze bottle is way more convenient for travel if you're bringing this on a beach vacation. Much easier to tote along and feels more sanitary than having to dip my hand into a jar. A bit on the pricier side, but I think it's OK for a great product. I have to say, too, that the retro-style branding on the packaging is SO cute!" — Amazon
There’s something undeniably soothing—physically and mentally—about slathering on aloe vera after a beach day. Kiehl’s takes that feeling up a notch with its crème de la crème of face masks, pairing skin-calming aloe (obviously) with calendula extract in a creamy gel texture that feels as refreshing as a post-sun shower.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating); Calendula officinalis flower extract (calming); vitamin E (antioxidant)
What I Love: Kiehl’s offers a complementary line of “Calendula” products to pair with it; Travel-size version available; Refreshing, spa-like scent
What I Don't: It’s been reformulated since its original launch and some users prefer the original gel-based version
Customer Review: "I love Kiehl's calendula and aloe soothing hydration mask because it leaves my skin feeling extremely soft and smooth after every use! I use it twice a week and love the results. I had a lot of redness on my skin, which this mask has helped me fix. I would give it five stars." — Ulta Beauty
While most aloe gels on the market are water-based, this one’s aloe-based, which is a big deal because it means you’re getting the soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits of aloe in its most concentrated form, not watered down with fillers. I love it for summer breakouts because aloe won’t clog pores, and the formula also includes panthenol to help repair damaged skin, plus fermented extracts that support your skin’s microbiome (aka the environment that keeps your complexion balanced and happy).
Size: 4.2 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating); Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
What I Love: Oil, fragrance, and alcohol-free; Doesn't contain heavy occlusives that may clog pores
What I Don't: Most expensive aloe vera gel on our list
Customer Review: "This is more than 'just aloe.' I've searched various stores for a good aloe gel, but they all either contained at least one irritating ingredient for my skin or did not contain enough ingredients to actually provide any lasting moisturization. The ingredient profile of this aloe vera gel is perfect for anyone dealing with fungal acne and/or sensitive skin. The texture of this gel feels very natural and substantial and provides just enough lasting moisture. Additionally, because it is from Dr. Sturm, I feel the quality of the ingredients must be quite high. I now use it on both my face and body as my only moisturizer since the majority of traditional moisturizers contain fatty acids, which are too heavy for my skin and break me out." — Sephora
Yes, an aloe vera gel cleanser is a thing, and it might just be exactly what your routine’s missing. This one’s ideal if you love the calming benefits of aloe and lavender but prefer a cleanser that’s less goopy than your standard aloe gel. It also gently exfoliates as it cleanses, making it the perfect match for skin that needs both clarity and calm.
Size: 4.7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating); lavender oil (calming); panthenol (moisturizing); rose oil (anti-inflammatory); Gluconolactone (mild exfoliant)
What I Love: Formula is 50 percent aloe vera, per the brand; Gently exfoliates; Lathers well
What I Don't: Essential oils may be irritating to some
Customer Review: "I cannot live without this cleanser. I have very sensitive and thin, dry skin. I have tried many cleansers, all of which tend to make me break out, become red and irritated, or overly oily or scary dry. This is the best cleanser I have found for my skin type. It has clean and clear ingredients, and it doesn't take much to clean my skin in the evening. I am so happy I have found this cleanser. Pair with the calendula lotion in the morning, and your skin will definitely be thanking you." — Dermstore
Aloe vera isn’t just for soothing skin; it’s also a star ingredient in Rahua’s Aloe Vera Hair Gel. This lightweight leave-in formula provides flexible hold without any crunch. Aloe hydrates and smooths frizz, sugarcane adds natural staying power, and antioxidant-rich guayusa protects hair from UV damage. You can expect soft, shiny definition with no stickiness or stiffness.
Size: 4 oz
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera leaf extract (soothing); Rahua oil (strengthening); Guayusa (antioxidant); Sugar cane (natural styling agent)
What I Love: Subscribe and save option offered on the brand's website; A little goes a long way; Works on all hair types
What I Don't: Might not be strong enough for structured hairstyles
Customer Review: "I cannot live without this cleanser. I have very sensitive and thin, dry skin. I have tried many cleansers, all of which tend to make me break out, become red and irritated, or overly oily or scary dry. This is the best cleanser I have found for my skin type. It has clean and clear ingredients, and it doesn't take much to clean my skin in the evening. I am so happy I have found this cleanser. Pair with the calendula lotion in the morning, and your skin will definitely be thanking you." — Dermstore
Sun Bum is basically the unofficial mascot of summer (the name alone conjures up sun-soaked days and beach vibes). The brand's aloe vera gel lives up to the hype, boasting thousands of five-star reviews and nearly a perfect rating overall. The formula is straightforward but purposeful: soothing aloe vera calms irritated skin, tea tree oil helps fend off infection, and vitamin E works overtime to neutralize those pesky free radicals that ramp up after sun exposure. It's simple yet effective.
Size: 8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf juice and tea tree leaf oil (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating); Vitamin E (antioxidant)
What I Love: Widely available; Most affordable option on my list; Uses Vitamin E to neutralize skin-damaging free radicals
What I Don't: Some users received bottles with loose caps or already open, leading to spills
Customer Review: "I use this every summer! I first bought it while I was teaching swim lessons every day in the summer, and I used it more than regular aloe. It did a great job of soothing and moisturizing my skin after hours in the swimming pool each day. It isn’t heavy or oily. I would probably use it year-round, but I like to save it for the summer." — Amazon
What Is Aloe Vera Gel?
"Aloe vera gel is a skincare staple that’s been around for as long as we can recall," says Dr. Henry. "The gel is sourced from the clear, inner part of the aloe plant, and it’s most famous for how well it soothes and cools the skin." She notes that people typically use aloe after spending too much time in the sun, but it has many other uses, like calming minor skin irritations, razor bumps, and mild burns. "It can even be used as a gentle moisturizer for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it is lightweight and packed with water, which won’t irritate the skin," she says.
What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Gel?
According to Dr. Gmyrek, the benefits of aloe vera gel include:
- Promote wound healing by stimulating fibroblast cell activity and collagen production
- Kill bacteria
- Provide lightweight hydration without clogging pores
- Decrease inflammation in the skin
When Should I Avoid Aloe Vera Gel?
"If you know that you are allergic to aloe or any related plants such as garlic or onions, you'll want to forego using aloe," warns Dr. Henry. "I would also not use aloe on deep wounds, serious burns, or broken skin. Aloe can create a barrier layer, potentially trapping bacteria and delaying proper healing. And if you've recently had a cosmetic treatment, such as microneedling or laser, always check with your dermatologist before applying any plant-based products to your skin."
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Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. She's also the owner and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
Robyn Gmyrek, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New York City, specializing in both cosmetic and general dermatology.
