Aloe Vera gel comes in a variety of forms and can be used to treat sunburn and promote healthy skin. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, you can even extract and make your own pure gel too. There are numerous health benefits associated with Aloe Vera juice and other types of Aloe Vera. It can not only relieve sunburn and acne, but it may also hydrate your scalp. Despite all of these benefits, the only disadvantage it has is a very short shelf life. Pure Aloe Vera gel can be difficult to keep fresh because it is a natural and preservative-free ingredient. The flesh must be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator after being scooped from the leaf.
Expiry of the Aloe Vera gel depends on what form it is and how it is stored. Raw Aloe Vera spoils quickly, but it can be refrigerated for up to a week. Chemically preserved Aloe Vera has a shelf life of two years at room temperature and five years when refrigerated.
Aloe Vera may be your go-to product for dry skin or the first thing you would want before stepping outside in the sun. But first, double-check the expiration date and look for signs of bad Aloe Vera. Throw away Aloe Vera at the first sign of discoloration, unpleasant odors, or mold.
When Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire?
Aloe Vera is used in a variety of cosmetic and medicinal applications. The gel from the Aloe Vera plant is used in creams, gels, and ointments. It is also available in capsules and liquid oral formulations. When used in its raw form, Aloe Vera gel has a one-day shelf life at room temperature and a week if refrigerated. Preservatives in commercial Aloe Vera keep it fresh for two years and refrigerating or freezing it can extend the shelf life to five years. The gel of an Aloe Vera leaf can be applied to the skin raw or blended with liquid to make Aloe juice. Depending on how you store it, this gel can be used for a day or a week. It could be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature, 1 week in the refrigerator, and up to 2 weeks in the freezer
Easily accessible commercially Aloe vera has been treated with chemical preservatives to extend its shelf life to two years. You can extend its freshness by refrigerating or freezing it. In a process known as stabilization, the preservatives like citrus juice, sorbet of potassium, and benzoate of sodium are added to Aloe Vera gel.
The Aloe Vera capsules are designed to last for several years. Before popping a capsule, always check the expiration date. An expired oral formulation can cause more harm than a topical formulation.
The expiration date mentioned above is an estimate of how long it will take for Aloe Vera to lose its beneficial properties.
How Would You Know If Aloe Vera Gel Has Expired?
- Through the color and appearance of Aloe Vera gel
Contrary to popular belief, Aloe Vera gel or liquid is not green. The green is added chemically with dyes to improve the appearance of the product. Depending on the season, Aloe Vera gel or liquid has a light yellow to gold translucent color or is completely clear. When exposed to air or sunlight, the color can change to pink or red, but it is usually safe to use. Aloe Vera should be refrigerated immediately after use. Any sort of discoloration should be interpreted as a sure sign of bad Aloe Vera.
- By sensing the bad odor
The smell of Aloe Vera before it changes to color can be the first indication of an expired Aloe Vera. An unpleasant odor or a cloudy appearance is a clear indication that you should discard your Aloe Vera immediately.
- Upon noticing any mold
Throw away any product, gel, liquid, or fresh leaves that have even the mildest mold growing on them. Mold is the growth of fungi on biological products that can cause allergic reactions in humans. Any mold on Aloe Vera that is applied to the skin can cause skin infections or irritations.
How To Prevent the Aloe Vera Gel from Expiring?
- Keep it Cool
The freshness of Aloe Vera could be highly affected by the humidity and temperature. Therefore, make sure to store the gel in the refrigerator. While the aloe vera plant thrives in warm and tropical climates, once a leaf is cut off, the tables are turned. Natural enzymatic reactions and normal bacteria on the plant begin to decompose the gel immediately. This reduces the effectiveness of its active compounds, but cooling can help. This will preserve the gel for about five to seven days.
- Store In Airtight Container
Oxygen, like humidity and temperature, is detrimental to Aloe Vera gel. Oxygen exposes the gel to harmful bacteria and accelerates its deterioration. That’s why, it’s critical to use an airtight container. Choose a bottle or jar with a screw-on lid to ensure it is perfectly sealed.
- Don’t Expose It to Light
While your aloe vera gel will spend the majority of its life in the refrigerator, it wouldn’t hurt to keep it away from light as well. Keep it in an amber bottle or jar to protect the gel’s beneficial compounds from UV radiation. Finally, to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, always use a clean container. Before using, wash it with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry completely.
- Store In the Form of Ice Cubes
Freeze any aloe gel that you will not use within a week. This will feel amazing on sunburn while extending its shelf life significantly. Pour the gel into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer to freeze. To make things even easier, use a flexible silicone tray that allows you to easily remove the cubes. You can use these cubes for up to 1 year.
To Conclude
Aloe Vera is the best supplement for almost all your skin problems. If your skin is perfect already, you can still use Aloe Vera to keep the freshness on your face intact. Avoid using the Aloe Vera that is processed and use the raw form instead. If you are worried about expiry, this entire guide is at your service!