The Aloe vera leaf gel contains about 98% water. The ten main chemical groups produced by Aloe vera include: amino acids, anthraquinones, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, lignins, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, salicylic acids, saponins, and sterols. Aloin and emodin are anthraquinones found in the outer leaf and impart strong laxative properties as well as a very bitter taste making the plant unpopular with hungry predators. However, when the leaf is carefully peeled and filleted it loses almost all its laxative properties and the inner gel reveals valuable benefits.

The constituents of Aloe work in a synergistic way with the interaction of all active substances on a biochemical level. The healing power of aloe gel is attributed to the following actions:

• rapid penetration into the deep layers of the epidermis
• skin pH level regulation
• improved blood circulation under the skin through blood vessels dilation
• cell division stimulation and accelerated tissue regeneration
• inhibition of bacterial, viral and fungal development
• anti-inflammatory and astringent action
• relief of pain and itching
• skin moisturiser

One of the major advantages Aloe vera gel has over other skin care products is its ability to penetrate the skin rapidly. The constituents pass readily through the hydrophobic protective layer of the skin into the upper epidermis and the lower dermis. The gel has been shown to increase the in vitro skin penetration of other compounds and is used medicinally as a penetration enhancer as well as for intestinal drug absorption enhancement (Int. J. of Drug Dev. and Research, 2015; Int. Bulletin of Drug Research, 2015).