Honey and Aloe Vera: A Soothing Skin Pairing With Limits
Honey and aloe vera are two of the most popular natural ingredients in DIY skin care. Aloe gel feels cool and soothing; honey attracts moisture and feels soft. Together they appear in face masks, after-sun treatments and hair care. Research on aloe gel for skin is mixed but generally reassuring for topical use, while drinking aloe products carries more risk. This article explains what research says about aloe vera, how to combine honey and aloe vera safely, and what to avoid. For skin moisture basics, see honey for dry skin.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What aloe vera is
Aloe vera is a succulent plant whose thick leaves contain a clear gel. The gel is used in skin products, while the yellow latex just under the leaf skin has strong laxative effects.
The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that topical aloe gel may help with some skin conditions, but evidence is limited and mixed.
What research says about aloe gel
Aloe gel has been studied for burns, psoriasis, wound healing and more. Some studies suggest benefits for minor burns and psoriasis; others show little effect. Aloe gel is generally considered safe on skin, though some people react to it.
NCCIH notes that oral aloe latex can cause cramps and diarrhea, and that whole-leaf aloe extract caused cancer in rats. Oral aloe laxatives were removed from US over-the-counter products in 2002.
What honey adds
Honey is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and has antibacterial activity in the lab. A review of honey in dermatology describes these properties.
Combining the cool, watery gel with sticky honey creates a mask that feels soothing and spreads easily.
Honey and aloe vera face mask
Mix two tablespoons of pure aloe gel with one tablespoon of honey. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eyes. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize.
- 2 tablespoons aloe gel
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 10 to 15 minutes on clean skin
- Rinse and moisturize
- Once or twice a week
After-sun care
For mild sunburn, cool showers and aloe gel are common comfort measures. Adding a little honey can make the gel feel richer. Do not apply honey to blistered or broken skin, since kitchen honey is not sterile.
For serious burns, see our article on honey for burns and seek medical care.
Choosing aloe gel
Many store-bought aloe gels contain alcohol, fragrance and dyes that can irritate skin. Look for gels with aloe as the first ingredient and minimal additives. Fresh gel from a home plant works too; cut a leaf, let the yellow latex drain, then scoop out the clear gel.
| Look for | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Aloe as first ingredient | Added alcohol |
| Fragrance-free | Strong fragrance |
| No dyes | Green dyes |
| Short ingredient list | Long lists of additives |
Honey and aloe vera for hair
Some people mix aloe gel and honey as a scalp or hair mask to add moisture and soothe the scalp. Rinse thoroughly, since both can leave residue. Our article on honey for hair has more tips.
Avoid drinking aloe products
Aloe juices and drinks are sold widely, but NCCIH warns about oral aloe latex and whole-leaf extracts. Drinking aloe can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea and may interact with medicines. Honey and aloe drinks are not recommended as health tonics.
Patch test first
Both aloe and honey can cause skin reactions in some people. Apply a small amount to the inner arm and wait 24 hours. People with allergies to plants in the lily family or to bee products should be especially careful. Our article on honey allergy explains signs.
Storing your mix
Mix small batches and use them right away. Aloe gel and honey together can spoil, especially fresh gel. Keep any leftovers in the fridge for no more than a day or two.
Who should skip it
Skip honey and aloe vera masks on broken, infected or very inflamed skin. People with eczema or rosacea should check with a dermatologist first. Never apply honey to a baby's skin where they could lick it.
Growing aloe at home
Aloe is an easy houseplant that needs bright light and little water. Keep it away from pets, since aloe can be toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
The takeaway
Honey and aloe vera make a gentle, soothing mask for intact skin. Use them on the outside, skip aloe drinks, and get medical care for serious burns or wounds.
Honey and aloe vera for hands and feet
Dry hands and rough heels can also enjoy a short honey and aloe vera treatment. Spread a thin layer, leave for ten minutes, then rinse and apply a rich cream. Cotton gloves or socks overnight help the cream sink in. Our article on honey for cracked heels has a full foot routine.
Pure honey for DIY masks
Al Safa honey is raw and never heated above hive temperature, with nothing added. A spoonful is all you need for a weekend mask.
Find a jar in our shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Aloe Vera: Usefulness and Safety · NCCIH (National Institutes of Health)
- Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review · PubMed
- Honey (drugs and supplements) · Mayo Clinic
Frequently asked questions
- Is honey and aloe vera good for skin?
- It can make a soothing mask for intact skin. Patch test first.
- How do I make a honey and aloe vera mask?
- Mix two parts aloe gel with one part honey and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Can I drink aloe vera with honey?
- NCCIH warns about oral aloe latex. Aloe drinks are not recommended as tonics.
- Is honey and aloe good for sunburn?
- Aloe gel is a common comfort measure. Avoid honey on blistered skin.
- Can aloe cause skin reactions?
- Yes, some people react. Patch test first.
- How long does a homemade aloe honey mix last?
- Use it right away; refrigerate leftovers for a day or two at most.
- Is aloe safe for pets?
- No. Aloe can be toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.