Ingredient

Fresh Aloe Gel

Aloe secundiflora; Aloe barbadensis

Aloe is thought to be one of the oldest folk remedies noted for its healing qualities. 

Where do we get this fresh gel?

Fresh aloe leaves are sent to our factories, where they are cut by hand to extract the precious, transparent gel. Depending on availability, they can come from two different sources.

Most of the time, it comes from a producer in Brittany, France. They’ve been growing Aloe barbadensis since 2014 in large greenhouses, using heating systems only when frost threatens.

As a backup, Aloe secundiflora leaves can be used. They’re grown by Maasai women groups in Laikipia, Kenya. In a landscape prone to drought, both grazing livestock and growing crops has become difficult, but aloe copes perfectly with the conditions as it is indigenous to the land. With support from the Laikipia Permaculture Centre, the groups are putting environmental regeneration into action, whilst making a living from selling aloe.

What are the benefits for your skin?

• Soothing
• Hydrating
• Antibacterial
• Softening

If it wasn’t enough, the cooling sensation you get when applied to the skin is excellent for reducing swelling and calming sunburns.

Unique stories

The name Aloe vera (which means ‘true aloe’) is a synonym for Aloe barbadensis. It is a succulent plant that grows well in dry soils and tropical and arid climates. It is cultivated for medicinal and ornamental purposes; sometimes culinary depending on the variety. Clear gel and latex can be extracted from the plant.

Aloe secundiflora is from the same genus (Aloe) and has very similar uses and properties. The fleshy leaves are covered with white dots when the plant is still young, which then disappear with time, becoming long, green and serrated.