Aloe Vera: The Green Gold in Cosmetic Industry
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a succulent plant species belonging to the genus ‘Aloe.’ It grows abundantly in tropical climates and has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. Aloe Vera is well-acknowledged for its therapeutic properties, particularly in cosmetic applications. This plant has gained prominence in the cosmetic industry due to its numerous skin benefits, including moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects (Hashemi et al., 2015). This article delves into the comprehensive usage of Aloe Vera in the cosmetic industry, substantiated by scientific research.
Chemical Constituents of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera leaves comprise three parts: an outer green rind, a middle layer of latex, and an inner clear gel. The inner gel, which makes up the majority of the leaf, is often used for cosmetic purposes due to its rich bioactive compounds. This gel is composed primarily of water but also includes polysaccharides (including acemannan), vitamins (A, C, E, and B12), enzymes, minerals, amino acids, and other secondary metabolites (Surjushe, Vasani & Saple, 2008).
Aloe Vera Gel in Skincare
Aloe Vera’s significant role in skincare is largely due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. That is why consumers love aloe vera gel for face cosmetics.
Moisturizing Effect
Aloe Vera has a hydrophilic nature and high polysaccharide content, making it an effective moisturizing agent. It can improve the skin’s ability to hydrate itself, aid in the removal of dead skin cells, and has an effective penetrating ability to transport healthy substances through the skin (Dal’Belo et al., 2006).
Anti-inflammatory Effect
Aloe Vera possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds such as glycoproteins and polysaccharides present in the gel. These compounds can inhibit the cyclooxygenase pathway and reduce prostaglandin E2 production from arachidonic acid, thus minimizing inflammation (Langmead et al., 2004).
Wound Healing Effect
Aloe Vera promotes wound healing through various mechanisms. Its polysaccharides can stimulate macrophages, which are cells that fight infections. It also promotes collagen synthesis, which is crucial for wound healing. A study by Chithra, Sajithlal, & Chandrakasan (1998) demonstrated that Aloe Vera not only increased collagen content of the wound but also changed collagen composition (more type III) and increased the degree of collagen cross-linking, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of newly synthesized tissue.
Aloe Vera Gel for Haircare
Aloe Vera’s haircare benefits are primarily based on its moisturizing and pH-balancing properties. It has been used as a conditioning agent to make hair smooth and shiny. Additionally, Aloe Vera’s alkaline nature helps maintain the pH level of the scalp, which promotes hair growth and prevents dandruff (Surjushe, Vasani & Saple, 2008).
Safety of Aloe Vera in Cosmetics
Aloe Vera has been classified as a safe substance for topical use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. However, the non-decolorized, whole-leaf extract has been associated with potential carcinogenic activity in animal studies due to the presence of aloin, a compound found in the latex of the plant (Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, 2007).
Aloe Vera Cosmetic Benefits
Aloe Vera’s rich composition of bioactive compounds translates into multiple cosmetic benefits, making it a key ingredient in skincare and haircare products. Its safety and versatility further emphasize its extensive use in the cosmetic industry. The benefits of Aloe Vera and the utilization of Aloe Vera are not limited to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Recent studies have also indicated its potential anti-aging and photoprotective capabilities.
Anti-aging Effect
Aloe Vera has been identified as a potential anti-aging agent. It stimulates fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin fibers, making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. Moreover, Aloe Vera contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and beta carotene, which help improve skin firmness and keep the skin hydrated (Choi et al., 2009).
Photoprotective Effect
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the leading causes of skin damage and aging. Aloe Vera has demonstrated potential as a natural photoprotective compound. It contains several antioxidant compounds, such as aloesin, which can absorb high-energy free radicals generated by UV radiation, hence, preventing photoaging and skin cancer (Rodriguez et al., 2010).
Bioavailability of Aloe Vera in Cosmetics
Despite the extensive benefits of Aloe Vera, its effectiveness in cosmetics is largely determined by its bioavailability. To this end, several techniques have been employed to enhance the absorption of Aloe Vera’s active components into the skin. Nanotechnology, for instance, has been used to create nanogels and liposomes, which can encapsulate Aloe Vera compounds, enhance their stability, and improve their skin penetration (Ascenso et al., 2014).
Future Directions
Considering the impressive potential of Aloe Vera in cosmetics, more in-depth research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and to isolate specific compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. Furthermore, continuous efforts should be made to improve the bioavailability of Aloe Vera components to optimize their benefits in cosmetic applications.
References
– Ascenso, A., et al. (2014). The effect of lycopene preexposure on UV-B-irradiated human keratinocytes. ‘Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity’. doi: 10.1155/2014/503812.
– Chithra, P., Sajithlal, G.B., Chandrakasan, G. (1998). Influence of Aloe Vera on the healing of dermal wounds in diabetic rats. ‘Journal of Ethnopharmacology’, 59(3), 195-201.
– Choi, S., et al. (2009). Aloesin from Aloe vera accelerates skin wound healing by modulating MAPK/Rho and Smad signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo. ‘Phytomedicine’, 16(9), 868-876.
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2007). Final report on the safety assessment of Aloe and Aloe Extract. ‘International Journal of Toxicology’, 26(Suppl 2), 1-50.
– Dal’Belo, S.E., Gaspar, L.R., Maia Campos, P.M. (2006). Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe Vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. ‘Skin Research and Technology’, 12(4), 241-246.
– Hashemi, S.A., Madani, S.A., Abediankenari, S. (2015). The Review on Properties of Aloe Vera in Healing of Cutaneous Wounds. ‘BioMed Research International’. doi: 10.1155/2015/714216.
– Langmead, L., et al. (2004). Anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera gel in human colorectal mucosa in vitro.