Natural Beauty And Makeup Blog: DIY Aloe Vera Gel: How I Harvest It Fresh for Glowing Skin & Healthy Hair

Aloe vera gel is one of the most common ingredients in all my homemade DIY beauty recipes. So today, in this article, I am sharing my go-to method for extracting pure Aloe Vera Gel from the plant at home for skin & hair care. You'll also learn how to remove the toxic aloe latex (the yellow sap) and safely use the fresh gel for glowing skin and a healthy mane.

A jar of freshly extracted aloe vera gel on a red surface, with a blog title reading “DIY Aloe Vera Gel: How I Harvest It Fresh for Glowing Skin & Healthy Hair” from Natural Beauty and Makeup Blog.

6 Beautiful Reasons to Love Aloe Vera for Skin & Hair:

1. Nature’s Hydration Hero (No Filter Needed!)

Forget fancy serums, aloe vera is like a big glass of water for your skin. Its high water content, coupled with those marvelous mucopolysaccharides, doesn't just sit on the surface; it dives deep, replenishing moisture reserves and leaving your complexion feeling plump, dewy, and utterly revitalized. It's not just hydration; it's like your skin taking a long, refreshing drink. Its lightweight, non-greasy gel sinks right in, leaving your face soft, soothed, and happily hydrated.

2. Calms Drama Like a Pro (Looking at You, Pimples & Sunburns)

Has your skin ever felt like it's staging a tiny rebellion? Redness, irritation, a touch of sun's fiery kiss? Aloe vera steps in like a cool, calming melody. Its inherent anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds like bradykininase, work to gently soothe and pacify angry skin. Whether your skin is throwing a tantrum with breakouts or sulking after a sunny day out, aloe vera steps in like the cool, calming bestie it is.

ALSO READ: Best Natural Home Remedies To Revive Your Skin After A Sunburn

3. Scalp Therapy in a Leaf

A healthy garden yields beautiful blooms, and the same holds true for your scalp. Aloe vera offers a soothing sanctuary for your scalp, helping to balance its pH levels and gently cleanse away buildup. Its moisturizing properties prevent dryness and flakiness, creating the perfect environment for healthy hair growth. Massage it in and let it work its magic while you Netflix and chill (with a shower cap, of course).

4. Boosts Hair Growth (Slow but Steady Wins the Race)

Rich in vitamins A, C, and E - aka the holy trinity of hair health, aloe vera helps promote stronger, shinier strands. Aloe vera, rich in vitamins and minerals, acts like a gentle yet powerful weaver, strengthening these hair strands from within. It helps to improve elasticity, reducing breakage and split ends, leaving your hair feeling resilient, smooth, and oh-so-touchable. Regular application can boost circulation to the scalp, encouraging new hair to sprout like spring flowers. No fairy dust, just plant power.

5. Gentle Healer for Skin Woes

From tiny cuts to post-shaving bumps, aloe vera plays the role of a natural healer. It’s antibacterial and packed with enzymes that speed up skin repair, making it a must-have in your skincare stash. Bonus? It soothes razor burns like a charm.

6. The Gentle Exfoliator's Secret Kiss: Unveiling Radiance

Forget harsh scrubs that can leave your skin feeling raw. Aloe vera harbors natural enzymes that work ever so gently to slough away dead skin cells. It's like a soft, secret kiss that unveils the brighter, more radiant layers beneath, without any of the abrasive drama. Your skin feels renewed, luminous, and beautifully polished.

ALSO READ: Try This Ultimate Natural DIY Vitamin Face Mask For Soft, Glowing Skin

DIY Aloe Vera Gel: How I Get Fresh Aloe Vera Gel from the Plant for Skin and Hair Use

I’ve been using fresh aloe vera for the past few years. Before that, I used store-bought aloe vera gels for my skin and hair. I’ve tried Patanjali’s (Indian brand) Aloe Vera Gel, SPN Aloe Vera Gel, and Dr. Mercola Aloe Vera Gel. I still keep one of these handy for emergencies, in case I don’t get time to make a fresh batch 😀!

Although it takes quite a bit of time to extract fresh aloe vera gel properly, I find it totally worth the effort. Ever since I read about the toxic properties of aloe vera, I’ve been extremely cautious with this plant.

A clear glass jar filled with fresh, translucent DIY aloe vera gel sits on a reddish-orange textured surface, ready for use in homemade skincare and hair care routines.

You know that yellow stuff that oozes out when you cut an aloe vera leaf? That’s aloe latex, and trust me, it’s not the part you want on your skin or anywhere else! It contains a compound called aloin, which might sound fancy but is actually a strong laxative that was once sold in pharmacies until people realized it caused serious tummy trouble (we’re talking cramps, pain, and full-on bathroom emergencies). If that wasn’t enough, it can also irritate your skin and trigger allergies, especially if you’re sensitive to plants like onions or tulips. So, always make sure you're just using the clear, inner gel, that’s the good stuff! Peel it, rinse it, and then scoop out that magic potion, leaving the yellow stuff behind. Your skin and tummy will thank you 😉!

I personally don’t consume aloe vera juice orally, and thankfully, I don’t have any allergic reactions to it or to its plant family members like tulips, onions, or garlic, so it’s pretty safe for me to use on my skin and hair.

I used to have aloe vera plants both at my parents’ house and in my previous rented homes. But here in the UK, I’ve stopped growing plants (flowers or veggies) at home because of weather, space and travel issues. So now I just buy fresh aloe vera leaves from the local market, extract the gel, and store it in an airtight glass jar for regular use 🙂.

ALSO READ: Try This Natural, Homemade Dark Circles Reducing Eye Potion (DIY)

My Go-To Method for Extracting Pure Aloe Vera Gel at Home:

So, how do I extract the gel from an aloe leaf? Let me walk you through the exact steps. Here’s my detailed, step-by-step method for extracting fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf:

1. First, wash the aloe leaf thoroughly, then trim about 1 inch from the root end of the leaf. You’ll notice yellow liquid oozing out as soon as you cut it!