Question: Does Aloe Vera Gel Go Bad? Guidelines on Preservation (Plus Signs It's Spoiled)

Loose and Lively Aloe Vera Gel Guide

Say hello to your new best friend - aloe vera gel! This miracle substance is loved worldwide for its magical properties in treating sunburns, enhancing skincare, and as a dietary supplement. However, knowing how to store it correctly can get tricky. Here are expert tips from Licensed Acupuncturist and Healer, Karina Menali, and Master Beautician, Shun Pittman, to help you make the most of your aloe vera gel.

Aloe Veracopia: The Storage Game

Keep raw aloe vera gel in the fridge for up to 6 months. For an extended shelf life, blend it with a vitamin C tablet and pop it in the fridge for up to 1 year. Mix it with honey and store it in the fridge for 8 mouthwatering months. Freezing your aloe vera gel can preserve it for up to a full year.

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Is Aloe Vera Gel a Time Bomb?

Our organic friend, aloe vera gel, can indeed go south. Look out for changes in color, texture, mold growth, and reduced potency. Generally, store-bought aloe vera gel lasts longer than homemade gel, but factors like preservatives play a crucial role.

Freshly gathered gel: hangs out in the fridge for 30 days, freezer for up to 60, and room temp for a mere 14.
Commercially prepared gel: may live for 2-5 years at room temperature or in the fridge. Without preservatives, it lasts for 2-3 months at room temp and up to a year in the fridge.
Aloe vera juice/extract: lasts 2 years unopened, around 2-4 weeks after opening in the fridge.
Aloe vera capsules: usually 2+ years, but be sure to check the expiration date.

(Ever heard of aloe violence? Let's bypass that dark side of plants!)

Frigid Aloe Vera Gel

Slice your aloe vera gel into ice cube-sized portions and store them in an ice cube tray. Pop the tray in the freezer, flat and upright, to prevent any leaks.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track.
To defrost, move the bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Remember not to use heat for defrosting as it may affect the healing properties.
Enjoy these frozen treasures for scrumptious face masks, homemade bodacious soaps, tangy smoothies, and luscious hair gels.
Freezing reduces the gel's potency, according to our lovely healer, Karina. Instead of freezing, try storing the gel in an airtight jar in the fridge for months.

The Honeymoon of Gel and Honey

Mix honey into your aloe vera gel at a ratio of 1:1. Go for a high-quality honey free from preservatives to best preserve the gel.
Store the mixed gel in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 8 months. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.
Use the combination in facial scrubs, body wash, hair products, and a multitude of delightful concoctions.

Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author, Shun Pittman, suggests applying aloe vera to the scalp for its anti-inflammatory properties, acting as a natural cleanser to strip excess sebum and boasting vitamins A, C, and E for fortifying hair.

Vitamin-Cated Aloe Vera Gel

Blend your aloe vera gel with a crushed vitamin C tablet in a blender. Aim for a ratio of 500 milligrams per 1/4 cup gel.
Blend the mixture on high for a few seconds and pour the now-smooth aloe vera juice into a covered plastic container.
Store the aloe vera juice in the fridge for a month, or drink/use as needed during that time. Spice up your juice with other juices, teas, or smoothies.

Storing Aloe Verata

Commercial Products: Store-bought aloe vera gel can live in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. (Simply close the lid well to keep bacteria out and keep maximum potency). Label storage instructions may offer additional guidance.
Juice/Extract: Refrigerate juice or extract as soon as you bring it home. If it's not refrigerated, refer to label instructions for storage tips. Once opened, store the juice in the fridge and use it within a few days to a few weeks, depending on its components.
Capsules: Stash aloe capsules in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid refrigerating these little guys or exposing them to extreme heat, as it can diminish their healing powers.

Aloe Vera Rotten?

Suspect your aloe vera gel is past its prime? Here's what to look out for:

Color - Fresh aloe can be clear or a light yellow. If it turns brown, green, or any other hue, it may have spoiled.
Texture - Fresh aloe has a smooth, thick consistency. If it becomes watery, slimy, or tacky, it's likely gone bad.
Smell - Fresh aloe has a mild aroma. If it smells sour, it's time to say goodbye.
Mold or Bacteria - Fresh aloe should have no spots, lumps, or fuzz. If you spot mold, bacteria, or other funky spots, dispose of the gel immediately.
Ingestion Warnings - Ingesting bad aloe vera can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, even infections! Be cautious.

Plant vs. Store-Bought

Harvesting aloe vera can provide a pure, fresh product, but it may require care, purchased tools, and occasionally dealing with an initially potent smell and potential stains.

Buying aloe vera gel saves time, is inexpensive, and comes with a longer shelf life, but it may not be as pure and potent as freshly harvested gel.

Regardless of your choice, remember to regularly check your aloe vera gel for signs of spoilage to ensure its freshness and maximum effectiveness. And let the healing fun continue! 🌱💚

To increase the shelf life of your aloe vera gel, consider blending it with a vitamin C tablet and store it in the fridge for up to a year.
For a beauty-focused concoction, mix honey into your aloe vera gel at a ratio of 1:1 and store it in the fridge or at room temperature for up to 8 months.
If you're looking to enhance its health benefits, combine your aloe vera gel with a crushed vitamin C tablet, store it in the fridge, and use it within a month.
When following a health-and-wellness routine, freshly gathered aloe vera gel can be stored in the fridge for up to 30 days, while store-bought aloe vera gel may last for 2-5 years at room temperature or in the fridge.