Aloe Vera will always be associated to memories of my grandmother. Growing up, she would often ask me to cut up a "leaf" from her Aloe Vera plant. I always used to think that was the secret to her great cooking until the day I saw her lathering the plant onto the roots of her hair. Turns out this magical plant has the capacity to support hair growth. Nevertheless, I thought I wouldn't really need it for anything anytime soon. So I shoved it under the bed and reserved the knowledge for when I start aging and losing my hair (which I honestly wish would never happen because I have the thinnest hair).
Recently though, I caught the Aloe hype when K-beauty started introducing Aloe Vera gels in the market. The first ones introduced were in big, green tubs. It wasn't long enough before they came in different varieties, formulas and packaging. To be honest it took me a while to join the bandwagon of Aloe Vera Gel lovers. I just thought a gel indicating 99% aloe vera would not really do much for my since it is not "chemical-y". Until I was gifted with a tub last year.
Fast forward to several products later, I am glad to report that I have never been in a strong relationship as much as I am with my Aloe products. Below is a rundown of some of the Aloe products I use:
Nature Republic's Herb Aloe Cleansing Foam
This facial wash, I am glad to say, is very much straight up with none of the BS. As it promises, it leaves your skin clean and smooth without draining your skin of all the moisture. I guarantee you won’t feel any tight, stinging feeling after using it. It lathers pretty well too. The only downside to it is the material used for the squeeze tube as it could have been sturdier. Otherwise, this facial foam is perfect for everyday use.
Available at any Nature Republic store/Kiosk and retails at around Php250.
Aloe Derma Natural’s Super Hydration Booster
I bought this item, TBH, out of sheer curiosity with what it is and what it does. I remember browsing through a small stand of Aloe Derma Natural’s products looking for a mild toner when this caught my eye. What got me drawn was that it indicates 99.8% Organic Aloe Vera Juice. Organic. Aloe Vera. Juice. I’m sold. I did not necessarily fall in love with it the first tries though. It felt as though is was not doing anything. Until I discovered using it without cotton pads. I use it just as I would use a toner, except that I apply it with bare hands. By doing so, you’d immediately feel that it is more than just fluid. Its this hydrating, slightly thick water that works wonders, especially when paired with other aloe vera products. Honestly, I do not have much cons aside from the price. For a toner, I believe Php200+++ is a bit steep. Also, Aloe Derma Natural is a little inaccessible and quite hard to find in local stores. Otherwise, it does its job perfectly well.
Available at any Aloe Derma Natural Stall, mine was bought at Makati Med’s for Php200+++.
Aloe Vera Gel
Now, this is where things get a little complicated because I have tried 2 brands and I feel as if I need another post just to compare them both. I have tried The Face Shop’s Jeju 99% Aloe and Nature Republic’s Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel. Basically, I use Aloe Vera Gel as sleeping pack or daytime moisturizer. On several occasions I have tried using them as lotion or brow thickener. If you are interested with both brand’s comparison, I have posted a side by side comparison for both products here.
With every Aloe product springing out of nowhere and a larger following, I believe the trend is here to stay and I could not be any happier I caught the bug. This unassuming plant really has done wonders for my skin. Join the club and see for yourself!
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