Aloe vera has a variety of benefits when used on your skin. You may have used it as a soothing sunburn treatment but the plant is rich in antioxidants and has proven antibacterial properties. It’s used in a great many skin care products for its healing, soothing, and hydrating effects. There is a good chance that you have used it yourself.
But Dr. Tod Cooperman, MD, president and founder of Consumer Lab, warns that many "aloe vera" gels actually contain no aloe at all. Instead, they are made with artificial thickening agents that replicate the feel of aloe fairly well but lack any of its soothing, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory qualities. What a surprise, huh?
Consumer Lab recommends carefully reading packaging and labels. Choose products that list aloe as the first ingredient and promise "no artificial thickeners".
It is sad that companies are so ready and willing to mislead and lie to us about what is in their products. But as long as laws and regulations allow it, it is not going to stop. Caveat emptor.
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