Aloe: The Star Ingredient in Our Daily Face Regimen
- Michael Douglas-Smith
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Building our company has been an incredible journey, and your feedback has guided us every step of the way. One thing we heard loud and clear: you wanted a face care regimen that’s gentle, nourishing, and fits seamlessly into your daily self-care ritual.
So, we turned to our upbringing, where aloe plants were always a staple at home. Whenever we had a scrape, a sunburn, or irritated skin, our parents would cut a fresh leaf and apply the gel directly.
That simple act; just aloe and care, left a lasting impression: skin could heal, hydrate, and feel comforted using gifts from Mother Nature.
As we formulated our own skincare routine, we kept coming back to that memory. We wanted to create a regimen that works gently, every day, inspired by the natural, nourishing power of aloe we trusted as kids. And it turns out, science backs up what we experienced firsthand.
By centering our regimen around aloe, we created a system that helps the skin receive moisture, stay balanced, and feel comfortable throughout the day.
In this blog, you’ll discover why aloe is so powerful, how it benefits your skin, and how you’ll find aloe in every step of our face regimen. Our intention is to offer an effective ritual that supports hydrated, calm, and restored skin, just as we experienced growing up.
🌱 What Makes Aloe So Powerful?
Aloe is not just soothing, it is biologically active and deeply supportive of skin health.
Historically known for supporting the skin’s natural repair, aloe helps promote cell renewal and collagen production while delivering lightweight hydration that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin (Surjushe et al., 2008). Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm redness, reduce swelling, and relieve itching, making it especially helpful for sensitive or irritated skin (Choi & Chung, 2003).
Aloe has also been widely used to soothe burns and support faster recovery (Maenthaisong et al., 2007). With a naturally skin-friendly pH, it works in harmony with the skin barrier and may even help improve the absorption of other ingredients (Surjushe et al., 2008).
Recent research has found it to have polysaccharides, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that help hydrate the skin, support repair, and protect against environmental stressors (Catalano et al., 2024; Diwakar et al., 2023).
How Aloe Actually Hydrates
Aloe is packed with humectants, like acemannan, that draw water into your skin (Catalano et al., 2024), hydrating from the inside out while also soothing and calming. In contrast, thicker oils and butters sit on the surface and can sometimes clog pores; they lock in moisture but don’t actively bring water into the skin.
When incorporated into a daily regimen, aloe in soap and toner boosts hydration, while a lightweight face oil seals it in, leaving skin soft, smooth, and comfortable. A dual-action system like this, provides lasting hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, making it perfect for everyday use and all skin types (Diwakar et al., 2023; NCCIH, 2024).
Key Benefits of Aloe
Deep hydration without heaviness (Catalano et al., 2024)
Calms irritation and redness (NCCIH, 2024)
Supports skin barrier function (Diwakar et al., 2023)
Rich in antioxidants to protect against environmental stress (Catalano et al., 2024)
By choosing aloe, we crafted a routine that hydrates, soothes, and protects your skin without the heaviness of a thick cream, making it light, comfortable, and perfect for everyday use, even on sensitive skin.
Here's how to incorporate aloe into your daily regimen in four simple steps:
Step 1 Cleanse with Aloe in Our Face Soap
Wash your face with our gentle, unscented cleansing bar, made with aloe juice instead of water to saponify olive, coconut, RSPO palm, castor, and jojoba oils. Oat milk is included to provide comforting support for sensitive skin.
Benefits:
Many cleansers can leave skin feeling tight or stripped. Aloe counterbalances this by supporting hydration and keeping skin comfortable (NCCIH, 2024).
Cold process or mild soaps containing aloe vera have been shown to reduce skin irritation compared to soap without aloe (Olsen, 2001).*
Result: Clean, balanced skin that feels refreshed and nourished
Tip: Shower with our aloe and oat milk soap for soft, hydrated skin and a simpler routine.
*Note: While some active compounds in aloe may be partially reduced during saponification in soap, combining aloe in follow-up steps like tone and nourish below ensures your skin still receives the full hydrating and soothing benefits.
Step 2 Tone with Aloe and Witch Hazel
Mist our toner after cleansing to refresh and balance your skin with aloe and witch hazel.
Benefits:
Aloe hydrates and soothes: Research shows that formulations containing Aloe vera extract can improve skin hydration, indicating its hydrating properties (Dal’Belo et al., 2006).
Witch hazel refines and tones: Witch hazel’s natural astringent properties are commonly used to help refine pores and balance the skin’s surface (Proven Skincare, n.d.).
This combination improves the appearance of pores while keeping skin calm and hydrated: Witch hazel may decrease irritation and minimize pore appearance while aloe supports moisture retention (Health, 2022; Dal’Belo et al., 2006).
Result: Refreshed, hydrated, and prepped skin
Tip: After misting toner, let it slightly absorb for a moment, then follow with your next step
Step 3 Nourish with Face Oil and Aloe Extract
Apply our lightweight, nourishing face oil blend infused with aloe extract
Benefits:
Aloe enhances moisture retention and supports skin repair
Nourishing oils seal in hydration for a smooth, soft finish (Diwakar et al., 2023)
Result: Smooth, nourished, radiant skin
Tip: Gently press a few drops of face oil into your skin to lock in hydration, focusing on areas that need extra moisture, like cheeks or dry patches.
Step 4 Protect using Sunscreen Enhanced with Aloe
Finish with daily sun protection using a lightweight mineral sunscreen that contains aloe to keep skin hydrated and comfortable.
Benefits:
Aloe replenishes moisture, soothes the skin, and creates a smooth, breathable base
Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide provide broad-spectrum UV protection without chemical absorption (Wang, Balagula, & Osterwalder, 2010)
Lightweight, non-greasy application prevents sunscreen from feeling heavy or drying
Result:Protected, hydrated, and comfortable skin, ready for all-day wear—even in water or sun exposure
Tip: we like Aloe Up. Aloe Up goes on light and is non-greasy. It works all day in and out of the water, and it doesn’t run in your eyes and sting. It contains 35% aloe.
Why Use Aloe Every Day
Modern research supports aloe’s role in hydration, repair, and protection against environmental stressors (Catalano et al., 2024; Diwakar et al., 2023). Daily aloe use helps:
Maintain hydration
Support the skin barrier and
Reduce irritation over time
A Simple, Smart Routine
Your skincare routine should not be complicated or formulated with trendy, under-researched ingredients. By centering a regimen around aloe, you get an evidenced-based system that allows your skin to breathe and receive moisture while helping protect and support the outer skin barrier. A regimen backed by both plant powered tradition and modern research.
If you want to experience the full benefits, try the complete Face Regimen, which includes a face bar, toner, face oil and a soap lift. Everything you need to keep your skin hydrated, comfortable, and radiant wherever you go.
Get your Aloe Daily Face Regimen Kit today and give your skin the care it deserves
If you made it THIS far, THANK YOU for reading!
We invite you to click below to shop our handmade bath products. Don't forget to enter DREAMY in the promo code at checkout for 15% off each item in your cart.
Let us know if you enjoyed this blog by showing us some love and tapping the heart! 💖
Have a topic you'd like to learn more about? We invite you to make your suggestions in the comments below!
Treat Yourself and Your Skin Well,
Michael and Kevin
References
Catalano, A., Ceramella, J., Iacopetta, D., Marra, M., Conforti, F., Lupi, F. R., Gabriele, D., Borges, F., & Sinicropi, M. S. (2024). Aloe vera: An extensive review focused on recent studies. Foods, 13(13), 2155. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13132155
Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2019). Final report on comedogenicity and safety of occlusive cosmetic ingredients. https://www.cir-safety.org
Curology. (n.d.). What role do occlusives play in skincare? https://curology.com/blog/what-role-do-occlusives-play-in-skincare/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Dal’Belo, S. E., Gaspar, L. R., & Maia Campos, P. M. B. (2006). Moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in different concentrations assessed by skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology, 12(4), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0909-752X.2006.00155.x
Diwakar, G., Barnes, L., Riggs, M., Knaggs, H., & Draelos, Z. D. (2023). Plant-derived extracts plus vitamin E and/or aloe vera protect against intrinsic and extrinsic stressors in human skin: In vitro and clinical evidence. Frontiers in Bioscience, 28(12), 366. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbl2812366
Good Housekeeping Institute. (2020). What is an occlusive? Understanding occlusive skincare ingredients and moisturizers. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty-products/a34406550/what-is-occlusive-skincare-ingredients//?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hamman, J. H. (2008). Composition and applications of Aloe vera leaf gel. Molecules, 13(8), 1599–1616. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13081599
Health. (2022). Witch hazel benefits for skin and scalp. https://www.health.com/witch-hazel-benefits-6833567
Jones, M. A., & Patel, R. S. (2018). Comedogenicity of topical lipid occlusives: a systematic review. Journal of Dermatological Science, 92(3), 234–242.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2024). Aloe vera: Usefulness and safety. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/aloe-vera
Olsen, D. L. (2001). The effect of aloe vera gel/mild soap versus mild soap alone in preventing skin reactions in patients undergoing radiation therapy. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11338761/
Peach Dermatology. (2023). Why dermatologists don’t recommend tallow for facial skincare. https://www.peachdermatology.com/blog/why-your-dermatologist-doesn-t-recommend-tallow-for-your-face?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Proven Skincare. (n.d.). Benefits of Witch Hazel in skincare. https://www.provenskincare.com/skincare-ingredients/witch-hazel-v2
Russell, M. F., Sandhu, M., Vail, M., Haran, C., Batool, U., & Leo, J. (2024). Tallow, rendered animal fat, and its biocompatibility with skin: A scoping review. Cureus, 16(5), e60981. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.60981
Sánchez-Machado, D. I., López-Cervantes, J., Sendón, R., & Sanches-Silva, A. (2017). Aloe vera: Ancient knowledge with new frontiers. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 61, 94–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2016.12.005
Smith, L. J., & Lee, A. H. (2020). Oxidative stability and sensory characteristics of animal‑derived fats in cosmetic formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 42(5), 426–435.
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(2), 138–144. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12490
Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(11), 771–788. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005
Proksch, E., Brandner, J. M., & Jensen, J. M. (2008). The skin: An indispensable barrier. Experimental Dermatology, 17(12), 1063–1072. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00786.x
Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl. 1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1005.x
Wang, S. Q., Balagula, Y., & Osterwalder, U. (2010). Photoprotection: A review of the current and future technologies. Dermatologic Therapy, 23(1), 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01289.x
Choi, S., & Chung, M. H. (2003). A review on the relationship between aloe vera components and their biologic effects. Seminars in Integrative Medicine, 1(1), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1543-1150(03)00005-X
Maenthaisong, R., Chaiyakunapruk, N., Niruntraporn, S., & Kongkaew, C. (2007). The efficacy of aloe vera used for burn wound healing: A systematic review. Burns, 33(6), 713–718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.384
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785
Comments