Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Also known as Aloe vera leaf juice, Aloe vera gel, Aloe vera inner leaf juice, Aloe vera
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel conducted a comprehensive 2007 safety assessment (IJT 26(S2):1-50, PMID 17613130) covering 15 aloe-derived cosmetic ingredients including Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. The Panel found the ingredient safe as used in cosmetics provided anthraquinone levels do not exceed 50 ppm — the industry standard for cosmetic-grade decolorized leaf juice. Anthraquinones (especially aloin/barbaloin from the leaf rind) have phototoxic potential, but multiple clinical studies of aloe-based cosmetic preparations showed no phototoxicity at use concentrations, consistent with compliant cosmetic-grade material. Oral aloe latex is a distinct preparation with a different safety profile and is not relevant to topical cosmetic leaf juice.
Well-established skin-soothing and hydrating active — widely used in after-sun, sensitive-skin, and post-procedure formulations
Inner-leaf gel polysaccharides (acemannan/glucomannans) contribute moisturization and a light skin-conditioning feel
Long history of cosmetic use with a favorable safety profile when anthraquinone content is controlled per CIR conditions
CIR Expert Panel found safe as used in cosmetics across the product categories and concentrations described in the 2007 assessment
Cosmetic-grade decolorized leaf juice is aloin-stripped and distinct from the whole-leaf extract or oral aloe latex, which carry different safety profiles
- · Anthraquinone contamination (principally aloin) from the leaf rind — cosmetic-grade material must be decolorized and processed to keep anthraquinone levels ≤50 ppm per CIR condition
- · Human case reports document occasional contact urticaria, acute eczema, and allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals
Reproductive toxicity signal in rats: water-extracted Aloe barbadensis administered during early gestation was abortifacient and produced skeletal abnormalities (not relevant to topical use at cosmetic concentrations, but warrants note)
Whole-leaf aloe extract (distinct from inner-leaf juice) and aloe latex carry higher anthraquinone burden and separate safety concerns; should not be conflated with properly processed Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 26(S2):1-50, 2007
“Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | SQ | safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use and concentrations as described in this safety assessment, if anthraquinone levels in the ingredients do not exceed 50 ppm. | IJT 26(S2):1-50, 2007”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 4