How to Make Aloe Vera Gel from Fresh Aloe with Free Printable Labels

My aloe vera plant has been very prolific and needs to be harvested. So today, we’re making aloe vera gel from fresh aloe!

Making fresh aloe gel is super easy and only takes a few minutes. Your skin and hair are going to love having fresh gel on hand for sunburn relief, a hydrating hair mask, and everyday skincare!

Be sure to scroll to the end to get my tips to thicken the gel if you prefer a store-like texture, get your free printable labels, and bonus recipes on how to use your fresh aloe gel.

Harvest Your Aloe

Cut a thick, healthy leaf from the outside of the plant at the base of the plant.
Stand the leaf upright in a cup for about 15 minutes. The aloe will release a yellow gooey substance called aloin. Aloin is an irritant and a laxative. You don't want that in your DIY recipes!
After about 15 minutes, all the aloin will be released. Discard it and rinse your aloe leaf.

Remove the Aloe Gel

Cut an inch or two from the top and bottom of the leaf. Discard.
Trim the spiney edges off the leaf. Discard.
Remove the top layer of the skin of the leaf.
You now have the inner gel and the bottom layer of the leaf.
Score the gel with a knife by making horizontal and vertical lines. This makes it easier to scoop out the gel.
Scoop the gel from the bottom layer into a bowl.
Be sure to remove any skin from the leaf. The skin can be irritating.
Blend with a blender, food processor, or immersion blender.

That's it! You have fresh aloe gel!

Store:

Store in a jar or airtight container.
Fresh aloe gel will keep for about a week in the fridge.

How to Thicken Aloe Vera Gel

Fresh aloe gel is thinner than what you are probably used to from store-bought gel.
If you want to thicken your gel (totally optional and up to your preference), add arrowroot or hyaluronic acid.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of arrowroot or hyaluronic acid per 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe gel.
  - I prefer using hyaluronic acid. It's soothing, hydrating, and supports healing.
    - Learn more about hyaluronic acid here.
  - Arrowroot is a natural thickener and nonirritating.
    - You can also use cornstarch however cornstarch can be irritating and drying to some.
- Mix.
- Wait a couple hours and you'll have a thicker gel.

How to Use Fresh Aloe Vera Gel - Bonus DIY Recipes!

SKIN:
- Apply directly to skin for sunburn, rashes, or hydration. Get more after sun tips here.
- Add to homemade lotions, scrubs, or face masks like this DIY banana hair & face mask.
- Make a DIY lip balm.
- Make a stretch mark belly butter.