Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice): What It Is, What It Does, and Is It Safe?
If a label says "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice," it means aloe vera. It is the first ingredient in Corium 21 Aloe Vera Skin Cream. Here is what it is, what research and safety reviews say, and how to read it on a label, with a link for every fact.
What is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice?
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the INCI name (the standard name used on cosmetic ingredient lists) for juice from the leaf of the aloe vera plant. Aloe barbadensis is one of the Latin names for aloe vera (NCCIH). Aloe is a cactus like plant that grows in hot, dry climates (NCCIH).
The aloe leaf has two main parts. The inner central area, the gel, is the part used in cosmetic products. Cells just under the leaf's skin make a bitter yellow latex (sap) that contains anthraquinones (natural plant compounds that can irritate the gut and make skin more sensitive to light) (CIR, 2007).
The gel contains polysaccharides (long chains of sugar molecules that hold water) (CIR, 2007).
What does aloe vera do in a cream?
In cosmetics, aloe derived ingredients work mainly as skin conditioning agents, meaning they help skin look and feel better (CIR, 2007).
A 2006 study tested creams with freeze dried aloe vera extract on the forearms of 20 women. After two weeks of daily use, every aloe formula raised the water content of the outer skin layer compared with the same cream without aloe. The authors concluded aloe improved skin hydration, possibly by acting as a humectant (an ingredient that draws water into the skin) (Dal'Belo et al., 2006).
Aloe has a long history on skin. It was used in ancient Greece, Rome, Babylonia and China (NCCIH), and today it is widely used in cosmetology (the care of skin and beauty) (Surjushe et al., 2008). Clinical research suggests aloe gel applied to the skin may speed burn healing and reduce burn pain (NCCIH). That is research on aloe gel itself, not on any cream.
Is aloe vera safe on skin?
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says topical use of aloe gel is generally well tolerated, with occasional reports of burning, itching, rash and eczema (dry, itchy, inflamed skin) (NCCIH).
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) is the expert panel that reviews the safety of cosmetic ingredients in the U.S. It concluded that Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and related aloe ingredients are safe in cosmetics as described in its report, as long as anthraquinone levels do not exceed 50 ppm (parts per million) (CIR Quick Reference Table, 2025; CIR, 2007). The panel noted that anthraquinone levels in aloe barbadensis extracts are well understood and can meet that industry limit (CIR, 2007).
Most of the safety concerns you may read about involve swallowing aloe latex or whole leaf extract, not using aloe gel on skin (NCCIH).
How to spot aloe vera on a label
Look for "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice." You may also see "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract," "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water" or "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf," which are separate ingredients made from the same plant (CIR, 2007). On the Corium 21 label it is ingredient 1, certified organic aloe vera (Corium 21 ingredients).
U.S. rules say cosmetic ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance, meaning the largest amount comes first. Ingredients at 1 percent or less may be listed in any order after the ones above 1 percent (FDA Cosmetics Labeling Guide). So where aloe sits on a list tells you a lot.
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From Corium 21
Corium 21 Aloe Vera Skin Cream has certified organic aloe vera as its first ingredient, plus vitamins A, B3 and E, soluble collagen (a water-loving protein that holds moisture on the skin's surface), green tea, chamomile and ginseng. Trusted since 1994. Family-owned in Oregon.
FAQ
What is aloe barbadensis leaf juice?
It is the label name for aloe vera leaf juice. Aloe barbadensis is a Latin name for aloe vera (NCCIH).
Aloe vera leaf juice vs gel: what is the difference?
The gel is the inner central part of the leaf and is the part used in cosmetics, while the latex near the leaf's skin carries the anthraquinones (CIR, 2007). Aloe products can be made from the gel, the latex or the whole crushed leaf (NCCIH).
Is aloe barbadensis leaf juice safe in skin care?
The CIR found it safe as used in cosmetics when anthraquinones stay at or below 50 ppm (CIR Quick Reference Table, 2025), and NCCIH says topical aloe gel is generally well tolerated (NCCIH).