Aloe Vera For Acne: 6 Ways It Can Help Clear Stubborn Blemishes

I have a friend who swears by aloe vera for acne. Whenever a blemish decides to crop up, she doesn't reach for some of the more classic natural-leaning treatments, like clay, tea tree, or witch hazel—rather, she taps some cooling aloe onto the spot to sink in overnight.

Now, aloe vera's soothing and hydrating abilities abound, no doubt, but to shrink a gnarly-looking zit? You might be a bit skeptical—understandably so. I certainly was, too, until I saw how her stubborn blemish had all but vanished the next day. 

Let's be clear: All acne is triggered by some level of inflammation, so taming that response is key to keeping breakouts at bay. But when people discuss inflammatory acne, they typically refer to those red papules or pustules.

Enter aloe, which is chock-full of anti-inflammatory vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and amino acids to soothe angry skin. Much of the research points to aloin, a specific compound in the aloe plant that can promote overall skin healing1, as well as bradykinase—an enzyme that can help reduce excessive inflammation when applied topically2.

Aloe vera's antibacterial and antiseptic properties4 are well-documented, which is why the gel has been used for centuries for pain and wound healing. While research is limited on aloe's ability to kill P. acnes (the acne-causing bacteria) in particular, those antimicrobial properties can't hurt acne-prone skin. 

Another reason aloe feels extra cooling on the skin: It's a star hydrator. "The leaf of the aloe vera plant is rich in water, particularly in the innermost layer, so it helps to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture," board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., once told mbg. In fact, aloe vera has been shown to increase the water content6 of the outermost layer of skin. Not only does aloe deliver this precious hydration, but it also helps it stay put: The specific plant sugars in aloe, called mucopolysaccharides, help retain moisture in the skin. 

A strong skin barrier is crucial for healthy skin function. See, when you have a compromised skin barrier (or "leaky skin," as many experts call it), not only can hydration easily seep out, but potential irritants, allergens, and bacteria can sneak their way in and cause—you guessed it—inflammation. That's why inflammatory skin conditions, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis8, are all in some way affected by poor skin-barrier health.

When it comes to clearing acne, banishing dark spots (or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is half the battle. For many, it can take longer to get rid of the lasting mark than the original blemish itself—dark spots can take months or even years to completely fade. 

It's not common, but some people do have allergies or sensitivities to aloe and may face some potential side effects. As one scholarly review10 reads, "It may cause redness, burning, stinging sensation and rarely generalized dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly due to anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin." Generally, aloe is an incredible hydrator and anti-inflammatory, but you should always patch-test a small area before slathering it all over your skin, just to make sure you don't have a reaction.