Advantages: Bio-available, All-natural, High reputation since ancient times
Disadvantages: none!

...As an ancient herb, Aloe Vera (barbadensis miller variety) reputation lives on till now. The International Aloe Science Council (IASC) have scientific researches on Aloe's medical benefits and it is validated by experts on the medical field and top academes. Aloe vera (Foreverliving's) products was the only thing that made wonders on my skin. I am supposed to have expensive derma treatments but once i tried the skin care of FOREVER, i never thought of having dermatologist touch my skin. Its amazing healing properties is true, in my office they all look for this "aloe vera" cream or gel which i let them try. How aloe vera helps is unique, it orchestrates cell functions to influence them to work, renew or activate. The active polysaccharide "acetyl mannose" (ACEMANNAN) is a wonder compound that even curtail HIV on medical trials... Read review

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Advantages: Great for sensitive skin
Disadvantages: None

...As with The Body Shop Aloe foaming facial wash I also highly recommend the Aloe gentle Exfoliator as well. Again this is a fantastic product for anyone with sensitive skin; it polishes your skin to reveal smooth skin without any horrible irritation. Product It is a gentle exfoliator which contains natural aloe which contains an anti-irritant, the aloe itself contains 70 essential elements that work in combination to help soothe and moisturise skin that is prone to sensitivity, it is colour, fragrance and preservative free. The aloe used in this particular product is one of the Body Shops community Trade products and comes from Guatemala, so whilst purchasing this product you are giving something back to help others that are doing all the hard work providing us with these fantastic ingredients. The exfoliator lifts away those dull... Read review

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Advantages: Extremely versatile and inexpensive.
Disadvantages: The cat enjoys a nibble.

...The History of Aloe Vera Aloe Vera (Kumari) originates from South America, however, as it is extremely easy to grow, requiring little maintenance, it can be grown anywhere, even as a houseplant on the kitchen windowsill. It is available at most garden centres for just a few pounds. In addition to South America, the Aloe Vera plant is also grown in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although there are more than 240 species of the Aloe Vera plant grown, only four of them are recognised as having nutritional value to humans and animals. The best of the four species of Aloe is the barbadensis miller (Aloe Vera species), therefore, in order to get the best results, it is vital to ensure that any aloe-based product you use are made from barbadensis miller species. Although the Aloe Vera species is a member of the Lily family, its... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...I havent really made up my mind about thi product. It is meant to soften and reduce dry skin. I suffer from dry skin and in my case it has softened it but it has not reduced it. Also this is a product only contains a small trace of aloe vera so the consumer cannot benefit from the full potential of aloe vera. The price is reasonable but I feel that it does not do much for the skin. It absorbs well and the smell is bearable, it also doesnt leave any traces of grease. However if you suffer from dry skin I feel that this product is not very good. Leave well alone!... Read review

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Advantages: It can be bought easily and there are no side effects. You have nothing to lose by trying it for a trial period.
Disadvantages: Aloe vera is liquid form, is an aquired taste. It is avalible in other flavours but even these do not mask its strong pungent taste. It can also be quite expensive costing from eight to sixteen pounds for a months supply.

...Aloe Vera has taken off in the Uk over recent years following its spread across America. Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, it grows in areas where water is in short supply and so stores water as a gel inside its thick waxy leaves. It is this gel, added to products that provides the health benefits. Aloe vera can be bought in many forms, it is added to lipsticks, face creams and shampoo. However these are not what this article is concerned with. I am a Biology student at the University of Manchester and hence I am sceptical about certain miracle cures that have been advertised. However I belive that Aloe vera when taken twice a day as a liquid supplement can have numerous health benifits. My father started using aloe vera about two years ago after a friend told him about its possible health benefits. My father at the time was suffering from... Read review

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Advantages: Great for sensitive skin
Disadvantages: when I first started to use I had a few extra spots than normal

...Well what can I say, If you have sensitive skin like me then The Body Shop Gentle Aloe Facial Wash is the perfect product for you. Product The product itself contains aloe which is known for its natural anti-irritant, aloe also contains 70 essential elements that work in combination to help soothe and moisturise skin that is prone to being sensitive. It does not contain any colouring, fragrance and is preservative free. It has been dermatological approved by specialist and is the best facial wash I have ever used. The mild foam product rinses away make-up and those impurities that effect your skin on a daily basis, leaving it clean and not tight. Packaging The product comes in a 125ml pump bottle which is light green in colour it has a picture of the aloe leaf on it. The packaging is also recyclable. The aloe contained... Read review

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Advantages: Good value and organic
Disadvantages: Doesn't moisturize the skin

...Cost: £5.99 typically or £2.49 in the frequent Holland and Barrett half price sales!! Quantity: 100 mls Container: Toothpaste like tube with screw top lid. Unfortunately the polymer container doesn't seem to re-cyclable, which is a pity considering the product seems to be fairly ethical otherwise. Still, it is easy to open and close, even when the Gel is smothered all over your hands. Description: The product case describes this Certified Aloe Vera Gel as "soothing, hand filleted, organic Aloe Vera Gel" . This claim is backed by the visible certification trade stamps from the International Science Council and HFMA Aloe Vera Standards Board respectively. Organic: In addition to the above, this Aloe Vera is 99.9% organic, with the gel having been extracted from the Aloe Vera Barbadensis plant. With this in mind it's unlikely... Read review

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Advantages: Loads of uses, cheap in the sale, suits all skin types
Disadvantages: None that I can think of

...If you have read any of my other reviews, you will know that I work in Holland and Barrett, so use loads of their products. Aloe Vera gel is fantastic, and I've always got some in my room ready for any skin emergencies! It is good in place of an expensive aftersun gel, as it cools, and actually heals the skin, which other gels might not do. Tip: keep it in the fridge for when you are sunburnt! I apply it to my face as a moisturiser, as my skin is oily, and this gives a great refreshing feeling without clogging poors and making my skin more greasy looking. It is easily absorbed, and is good for many other uses too. My Mum suffers with psoriasis, and finds that this can give some temporary relie from itchy flaky skin. I have known plenty of people with burns on their skin, who have applied aloe vera gel and they healed much quicker... Read review

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Advantages: smells gorgeous, moisturises thoroughly
Disadvantages: perhaps a bit too watery

...i have very dry skin and need to use a moisturiser daily. i used to use vaseline's original moisturiser until i saw this for the same price (£2.49) and thought id try it instead. i also thought that the aloe content would be good for my recently sun-tanned skin. the packaging doesnt look like the picture that ciao have provided, its much more up t o date and modern now and at £2.49 i think its a bargin for a very well-known and trusted brand. the actual cream moisturised thoroughly and didnt feel sticky or greasy on my skin. it soaked in well and the only downfall was that maybe it was a bit too watery. my skin needs a rich moisturiser and this one wasnt rich enough. the smell was pleasant, very light and can akmost be used in place of a body spray however it did help prolong my tan for a while which is now fading fast being... Read review

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Advantages: Some suppliers offer money back guarantee
Disadvantages: dID NOT HELP

...Aloe Vera is one of those herbs with so much documentation that I have actually tried a few times to give it another chance. But I am afraid to say it has never been the miracle cure some state it is .Twice I have used the Forever Living Aloe Vera Juice and although they proclaim great success in treating CFS, irritable bowel and other tummy problems, I felt worse when and even after a few months of using it, thinking I had to give my body time to adjust or that I was having a healing crisis. I do believe that Aloe vera has its place for many things it does have a lot of theraputic benfits it does contain anthraquinone glycosides, sterols, gelonins and chromones.Being a natural purgative that encourages bile flow for weeks I had to run to the toilet quite a few times for the first few hours after I had my morning dose, even when I... Read review

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