Aloe vera has earned a place of honor in thousands of homes thanks to its powerful properties in skin and hair care. Not only is it known for its soothing and regenerative qualities, but it's also easy to grow and use at home, making it one of the most versatile ingredients in home remedies. However, Have you ever considered getting the most out of this plant by preparing your own aloe vera oil? This increasingly popular option allows you to enjoy the benefits of aloe by mixing them with natural oils, creating a unique and personalized product.
Making aloe vera oil at home It is much simpler than many people think and hardly requires any advanced knowledge. Furthermore, the variations and combinations are as wide as our needs, from moisturizing dry skin to relieve muscle discomfort or improve hair health. In the following lines, I'll tell you everything you need to make your own oil, which oils to use, and how to take advantage of its many uses in your daily life.
What is aloe vera oil and how does it work?
Aloe vera oil is not a pure oil extracted from the plant, as aloe does not generate oily substances on its own. What you get is a mixture in which the pulp or gel of aloe vera is fused with a carrier oil, such as olive, coconut, almond, or rosehip, to create a preparation that captures and enhances the properties of both aloe and the chosen oil.
The heart of aloe vera, that is, the gelatinous and transparent part that is found when you open its leaves, is where all the beneficial active ingredients are concentrated: vitamins, polysaccharides, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. By mixing this pulp with oil, we transfer some of these compounds to the oily base, facilitating application and extending the product's shelf life.
Main benefits of aloe vera oil
The combination of aloe vera with vegetable oils results in a natural cosmetic with a wide variety of uses and capable of adapting to different needs:
- Powerful moisturizer: Provides moisture and nutrients to skin and hair, preventing dryness and premature aging.
- Soothing and healing effect: Ideal after sun exposure, after waxing or for skin irritations.
- Regenerative and antioxidant: It contributes to cell regeneration and counteracts free radical damage.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties: It can help with acne, dermatitis, and other minor conditions.
- Improves hair health: Revitalizes the scalp, reduces dandruff, and strengthens hair, preventing hair loss and split ends.
- Useful in therapeutic massages: When mixed with essential oils, it is used for muscle or relaxation massages.
Different oils to combine with aloe vera
The choice of carrier oil is crucial, as it provides its own benefits and defines the product's final use. Some of the most popular options, due to their effectiveness and ease of access, include:
- Extra virgin olive oil: Powerful moisturizer and emollient, with a soothing and regenerating effect. Highly recommended for mature, dry, or damaged skin.
- Coconut oil: Especially beneficial for hair, it prevents dryness and strengthens the scalp. Its pleasant aroma makes it ideal for aromatic massages.
- Sweet almond oil: Soothing, nourishing, and suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive or those prone to irritation.
- Rosehip oil: It provides healing and anti-wrinkle properties and helps prevent stretch marks and marks. Perfect as a body oil after sun exposure or waxing.
- Jojoba oil: Maintains hydration and regulates excess sebum, ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Argan oil: Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, it repairs dry hair, prevents hair loss, and improves scalp texture.
- Tea tree oil: With antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it is recommended for acne, mild infections, or dandruff, always diluted appropriately.
- Rosemary oil: It reinforces the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, perfect for massages on sore muscles or tired legs.
The key is to choose the right oil base based on your intended purpose: hydration, facial treatment, hair care, or massage.
What is aloe vera oil for?
Aloe vera oil has a wide range of applications, suitable for both everyday personal care and occasional remedies to treat specific problems. Among its most notable uses we find:
- Face care: Hydrates, prevents aging, helps fade spots, stretch marks, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Body use: Very effective for massages, relief of tired legs, treatment of irritated or dry skin, and care after sun exposure.
- Hair treatment: Repairs damaged hair, prevents split ends, fights dandruff, regulates sebum and adds shine.
- Irritation relief: Ideal for soothing insect bites, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and minor burns.
- Muscle support: Mixed with essential oils such as rosemary or chamomile, it is excellent for massages that relieve muscle tension and pain.
Depending on the carrier oil selected, the final product may be more oriented towards daily care, to aesthetic treatments or natural remedies for specific skin or hair problems.
The best recipes for making aloe vera oil at home
There are different ways to prepare aloe vera oil, All are equally valid, and choosing one or the other will depend on what you're looking for: speed, maximum concentration, or using ingredients you have at home. These are the most popular methods:
1. Aloe vera and olive oil (quick method)
This technique is perfect if you are looking for an immediate and simple remedy. You only need fresh aloe vera leaves and good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Extract the aloe vera gel: Wash and dry a couple of aloe vera leaves thoroughly. Cut off the pointed ends and split the leaves in half. Using a spoon, scoop out the clear pulp (try to remove all the yellow sap, as it can be irritating).
- Mix and heat: Place the gel in a saucepan along with equal parts olive oil (you can adjust the amount depending on your preference for a thicker or thinner texture). Heat over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure both ingredients are combined without boiling.
- Let it cool and filter: After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. Strain the contents through a fine sieve or cotton cloth, and pour the resulting oil into a previously sterilized glass bottle.
This oil can be used directly on the skin or hair, and it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.
2. Aloe vera oil by maceration (slow process and higher concentration)
If you have time and want to obtain a higher concentration of active ingredients, opt for maceration:
- Wash and dry several aloe vera leaves well. Cut the edges and separate the inner gelatin.
- Cut the gel in Little pieces to facilitate the extraction of compounds.
- Place the gel pieces in a sterilized glass jar and cover them completely with carrier oil (coconut, olive, almond…).
- Leave the mixture macerate in a dark, cool place for at least two weeks, and if you prefer, up to a month. Shake the bottle every two or three days to promote melting.
- Time passed, Filter the mixture to remove any solid residue and transfer to a new container.
This method preserves the active ingredients very well, although you should watch for the appearance of mold or changes in odor and discard it if this occurs.
3. Aloe vera oil with dehydration (advanced option for longer preservation)
If you have a dehydrator or can let the gel pieces air dry completely, this option reduces the chance of contamination and prolongs the preservation of the oil:
- Cut the extracted aloe vera gel into very small pieces and let them dry in a dehydrator or air dry until they lose all moisture.
- Place the dried pieces in a jar with the carrier oil of your choice.
- Let the mixture sit in a dark place for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking it every few days.
- Filter and bottle.
The resulting oil is less susceptible to rapid spoilage, as the reduction of water in the gel minimizes the growth of microorganisms.
4. Customized recipes: oils for different purposes
Here are some combinations you can try depending on the treatment you are looking for:
Aloe vera and ginger hair oil
- Fresh aloe vera gel
- Ginger root (sliced)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- A sprig of vanilla or cinnamon (for fragrance)
Place the oil in a pan or saucepan over very low heat, add the aloe pulp, ginger, and the vanilla or cinnamon stick. Stir to prevent burning. When it's warm, strain and store in a spray bottle for easy application to your hair, especially after showering. To maintain the benefits of aloe for your hair, also check out how to make aloe vera for hair growth in our dedicated article.
Body massage oil with aloe vera, rosehip and almonds
- 200 ml of sweet almond oil
- 20 ml of pure aloe vera gel (preferably 99%)
- 5 ml rosehip oil
Mix all ingredients well (you can whisk lightly to speed up the blending). If you're looking for an aromatic or relaxing effect, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. This body oil is ideal for massages, preventing stretch marks, or soothing skin after sun exposure.
Aloe vera and coconut oil to relax you
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (liquid or melted)
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera pulp
- 5 drops of jasmine essential oil
- 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
Mix all the ingredients until well emulsified. You can apply it after showering, for relaxing massages, or even add a few drops to your bath water. Enjoy a moment of relaxation and well-being with this natural oil.
Tips for preparing and preserving aloe vera oil
- Always use aloe vera leaves that are as fresh as possible and of organic origin, avoiding those that have been chemically treated.
- Sterilize jars and utensils: Before storing your oil, make sure the containers are perfectly clean and disinfected to avoid contamination and prolong its shelf life.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Light and heat can alter both the properties of aloe and the oil, accelerating their deterioration.
- makes a small skin test before applying large amounts, especially if you have sensitivity or a tendency to allergies.
- If you notice a strange smell, color change or mold, Discard the product immediately.
- Label the jar with the date of manufacture to control its shelf life, which is usually between 2 and 6 months, depending on the type of oil and its conservation.
What type of aloe vera should you use?
Not all aloes are the same. For making oil and other remedies, the most recommended variety is Aloe barbadensis Miller, which is much richer in nutrients and favored in cosmetics for its tolerance and effectiveness. If you have other species at home, you can use them, but the results may be less effective.
Remember to cut adult leaves from the lower part of the plant and let them drain for a while to eliminate the aloin (a potentially irritating yellow substance). This way, the gel will be ready to use and your oil will be safer, smoother, and purer.
Trading Options: When to Buy Aloe Vera Oil
If you don't have time or prefer certified formulas, there are multiple options on the market with ready-to-use blends and oils enriched with other ingredients, from vitamin E to relaxing essential oils. Make sure to choose products with a high percentage of natural ingredients and, if possible, organic ones. Always read labels to avoid unnecessary preservatives and parabens.
Practical ideas to take advantage of aloe vera oil in your routine
- After the shower: Apply a few drops to damp skin to seal in moisture and boost elasticity.
- Hair mask: Spread the oil over the lengths and ends, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse with a mild shampoo.
- Relaxing massage: Use the warm oil to massage soothe muscles, tired legs, or areas that are sore after exercise.
- Natural makeup remover: The oil with aloe and almonds is gentle on the skin and effectively removes makeup residue and dirt.
- Express relief: Apply to bites or irritated areas to take advantage of its soothing and refreshing effect.
Is homemade aloe vera oil safe?
In general, homemade aloe vera oil is safe, as long as you use fresh ingredients, clean utensils, and avoid irritants. If you have any doubts about your skin's reaction, perform a quick patch test on the inside of your forearm and see if any redness or discomfort appears after 24 hours.
People with plant allergies or very sensitive skin must take extreme caution and, if necessary, consult a professional before using any new product in large quantities.
Making your own aloe vera oil at home is an economical, natural, and personalized way to care for your skin and hair. Using aloe vera, especially if you have a plant at home, is simple and allows you to adapt the composition to your needs. Remember that the quality of the ingredients and hygiene during the process make a difference in the efficacy and safety of the final product. With the right steps, you can enjoy all the benefits of this natural oil and make it a staple in your daily routine.If you're looking for greater convenience, the market offers prepared and organic alternatives, but nothing beats the pleasure of creating your own custom homemade formula.