The 14 Best Aloe Vera Gels of 2025, Per Dermatologists

Key Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, vitamin C, seaweed extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 12 oz | Scent: Unscented

Made up of organic, cold-pressed aloe, this lightweight, fast-absorbing gel cools the skin immediately upon application. It also uses natural seaweed extract, which Kim Nichols, M.D., FAAD, and founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, says helps the product absorb into skin quickly. “I love that it doesn’t leave that dreaded sticky residue either,” she shares. That means you’ll be able to get dressed after slathering it on—without staining your clothes. And while we’re not condoning sunburn, this will work to reduce redness and prevent skin peeling.

Key Ingredients: Pure aloe extract, glycerin | Skin Type: Dry, stressed, sun-damaged | Size: 9.9, 20.2 oz | Scented: Yes

Anyone who might be hesitant to try pure aloe gel due to sensitivity and is looking for a mild aloe vera lotion instead—this is the pick for you.  The moisturizer is a fan favorite for a reason; enriched with simple but effective glycerin, cucumber, aloe, and panthenol, it’s a softly scented lotion that leaves the skin hydrated but not greasy. The fresh gel texture and soothing inclusion of aloe make it a great all-over pick for summer, especially.

Key Ingredients: Aloe lotion, vitamin E | Skin Type: Dry, sun-damaged | Size: 8 oz | Scented: Yes

Honestly, this stuff makes for a great body treatment whenever the mercury rises. It’s fresh and enriched with ingredients like tea tree to help nourish, soothe, and cool the skin. Still, Sun Bum goes one step ahead with their aloe by adding vitamin E, which Dr. Nichols says helps to restore the natural lipid barrier, as well as provide further protection. The scent is super clean and summery, as well.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Nelumbium, Centella asiatica, bamboo, cucumber, corn, cabbage, watermelon | Skin Type: Dry, stressed | Size: 8.45 oz | Scented: Yes

Made from fermented aloe pulp from South Korea’s Jeju Island, this gel is hydrating and refreshing—and great on dry, stressed-out skin. And if you love using pure aloe plant gel but hate the smell, this is the best thing. The formula also includes bamboo, a popular K-beauty skincare ingredient with skin-soothing properties and antioxidants that protect against damage from harmful free radicals and UV rays. The unique jelly texture and aloe-shaped bottle are a bit of fun, as well.

Key Ingredients: Organic Jeju Aloe Extract | Skin Type: Dry, stressed | Size: 10.14 oz | Scented: Unscented

This pick from Innisfree is the perfect simple aloe vera gel that works on both face and body. It’s especially great for those looking to not only alleviate irritated, sun-exposed skin but also strengthen their moisture barrier at the same time. Unlike many aloe vera gels, which aren’t always suited for the face, Innisfree’s silky soft formula leaves your visage plump, glowy, and hydrated. Refreshing and super juicy, it contains soothing aloe from Jeju Island plus camellia oil, orchid, and glycerin to calm the skin and help improve barrier function. Fun fact! You can even use it to subdue a sunburned scalp.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, lavender essential oil, lemon balm | Skin Type: Dry, sun-damaged | Size: 8.4 oz | Scented: Yes

This soft, milky emulsion is like sweet relief for dry, red skin on the face and body. Made from a base of aloe vera, it’s full of lemon balm and lavender essential oil, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant medicinal properties, so it works on sore skin and feels incredibly luxurious and smells even better all at the same time. Yes, this luxe gel is more expensive, but its multitasking power makes it well worth the price.

Key Ingredients: Squalane, Curated Antioxidant Blend, medical-grade aloe vera, REG-ulate360 Complex, bakuchiol | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 0.5, 1.5 oz | Scented: Unscented

Aloe is often called on to calm acne-prone skin. This gentle moisturizer lotion is rich in both aloe vera and botanical extracts to reduce redness, mattify shine, and soothe the inflammation associated with breakouts. There’s also squalane to hydrate and promote barrier strength. The texture is also beautiful and light, so it’s excellent underneath makeup. The bottle is small, so you may go through it quickly; however, it is good for travel.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, lavender essential oil | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 5 fl oz | Scented: Yes

Coola loyalists turn to the brand for all their sun care—and post-sun-care—needs, and it’s easy to see why. The scent is intoxicating, and your skin feels better after one application, so this one’s a no-brainer for us. This after-sun lotion makes for an oh-so-refreshing moisturizer, especially during the summer months. It contains aloe vera alongside sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and lavender essential oils to soften and smooth the skin. And don’t even get us started on the scent—with notes of cedarwood, mandarin, and rosemary, it’s fresh, zingy, and herbaceous.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 oz | Scented: Unscented

Simple, clean, and effective, this aloe gel from Green Leaf Naturals contains only a handful of ingredients, including hero-certified organic aloe vera juice, so we love it for sensitive skin. Whether it’s to soothe limbs post-exposure to the elements or just as a natural hydrator, this affordable buy is one of the best out there. It can even be used on the face, body, and scalp.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, citric acid | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 8 oz | Scented: Unscented

What’s unique about this formula is that it’s made from 100% organic aloe vera plants certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture. As for the composition, the formula itself contains 99.75% aloe, while the additional 0.25% is the plant-based preservative citric acid to prevent any mold or bacteria growth. Light and not at all sticky, you can apply this multi-purpose wonder onto skin, through hair, or even on pets (with permission from their vet, of course).

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: Pack of 10 | Scented: Unscented

We love this hydrating sheet mask to give skin a vitality boost. It comes in a pack of 10, so you can use it any time your skin’s feeling extra dry. Along with aloe vera, it also contains seaweed extract and hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturize while also minimizing the look of fine lines. Like other sheet masks, pat the excess product into your skin after removing the mask to make sure your skin soaks up all the nourishing ingredients. Ideal for dry, oily, sensitive, and all skin types in between, this aloe-packed packet hydrates, minimizes pores, and locks in moisture. Pro tip: Keep it in the fridge before applying for an icy-cool feel.

Active Ingredients: Aloe vera, seaweed extract, citric acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combo | Size: 4 oz | Scented: Yes

No, this isn’t a gel or lotion, but if you prefer to get your aloe vera fix in mist form, Mario Badescu’s signature facial spray is one of the most hyped out there, and for good reason. It smells like spa water, thanks to aloe, cucumber, and green tea, and instantly awakens tired skin with just one spritz. It’s also available in three more aloe-based formulas: a dewy skin mist with rejuvenating rosewater and clarifying thyme, an adaptogen mist with coconut water, and a soothing mist with chamomile and lavender for radiant, balanced skin.

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 5.1 oz | Scented: Unscented

Nécessaire’s The Body Serum is dermatologist-tested, and it’s a favorite among them. The serum-in-gel formula is super hydrating but also lightweight, according to Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., FAAD, the president of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. “This formulation contains five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and aloe vera to hydrate, replenish, and plump the skin,” she says, adding that it’s a great everyday body lotion that absorbs quickly for glowing skin. 

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber, vitamin E, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 6 oz | Scented: Yes

If you spent too much time in the sun and didn’t slather on enough SPF, Vacation’s After Sun Gel is a must-have. This lightweight gel instantly cools your irritated skin, absorbing quickly without leaving behind a sticky residue. You can even store it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect. It is full of hydrating ingredients that moisturize your skin and prevent peeling, including aloe vera, cucumber, and healing vitamin E. Skin is left feeling smooth and hydrated, thanks to glycerin and niacinamide. In addition to the amazing cooling sensation, it leaves your skin scented with their amazing beachy signature scent.