Aloe vera gel: Made From Powder vs Freshly Made Juice

Posted on April 29, 2022

Aloe vera is a nourishing plant with a myriad of benefits - and has been used in an array of industries to serve many useful purposes. Plenty of products on the market boast using aloe vera within the ingredients list. From aloe vera juice to concentrate and powder, it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for your health goals. 

What is the difference between aloe vera products from fresh gel/juice vs powder? Which option is best for your needs?

What is Aloe Vera Gel?

Aloe vera is a natural plant that grows in dry climates, which contains a thick, succulent gel within the plant. Aloe vera gel contains over 75 nutrients, ranging from vitamins, minerals, amino-acids, enzymatic compounds and more. 

The gel continues to be used for skin, hair and health purposes - with some health benefits supported by a large pool of scientific research.

Although aloe vera gel is a powerful ingredient, many products on the market often contain diluted forms that contain little/no actives. Thus, it is important to understand the source of the aloe vera  - and how much of it  is actually in the product you are seeking.

Two main types are found in today’s market: Powder and Fresh Juice. Discover the differences between both below. 

Aloe Vera From Powder:

Aloe vera from powder is a dehydrated preparation of the gel. The aloe vera gel is processed, dried and ground into a powder format, which is then mixed with water to reintroduce into products once required. It is usually lower quality and cheaper to produce. 

Pros:

• Versatile to use within different products: Powders can be added to different skincare/healthcare applications
• Higher shelf-life ability: Aloe vera powder formats naturally have a higher shelf-life due to the lack of moisture. 
• Cheaper to use/produce: As the powder is lighter than the juice, it is cheaper to logistically transport and manufacture. 

Cons:

• Low concentration: Aloe vera powders often only contain 10% aloe vera, as they are rehydrated with a high ratio of water to introduce the aloe vera into products. 
• Poor nutrient profile: Due to the processing and freeze-dry process, many of the original properties and nutrients of the gel are lost or damaged as it is converted to a powder format. 
• Overly processed and contaminated: Aggressive refining and processing of the aloe vera juice to powder requires harsh chemicals and heat, which can damage the properties of the ingredient and introduce contaminants that may be harsh to the skin and health. 
• Weak beneficial properties: Aloeverose (a complex sugar), a key ingredient in supporting aloe vera’s beneficial effects, is completely lost when the juice is turned to a powder. 

Aloe Vera From Juice:

Aloe vera from juice is the preferred choice when selecting an aloe vera product. Aloe vera juice is produced by removing aloin (a laxative ingredient found in the gel). It is in higher quality than the powder, but often comes with the price.

Pros:

• Maximum potency: Aloe vera juice is the most beneficial form on the market, as it contains the maximum concentration of pure aloe vera. 
• Purest form: Due to minimal extraction or processing, aloe vera juice is very pure and does not contain any toxic chemicals or additives that compromise the quality or safety.
• Highest nutrient profile: Due to its minimal processing, aloe vera juice would have the highest range of nutrients possible to support its prized health applications. 
• Best quality ingredient: As it is the purest form, it is the best way to include aloe vera in your skincare or healthcare routine. 

Cons:

• Lower shelf life: Due to lack of preservatives or additives in aloe vera juice and high moisture content, aloe vera juice can only stay fresh for a certain period of time. However, it can be refrigerated to extend shelf-life. 

Choosing an Aloe Vera Product:

Aloe vera powder is low quality and contains less actives per gram, when compared to aloe vera juice. If you are looking for a high quality aloe vera product, always choose a product that is sourced from aloe vera juice rather than powder. Ensure that you find a product that contains the maximum potency of aloe vera, with minimal ingredients on the ingredients list. 

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