As a food scientist, I came up with my own homemade baby lotion (it’s also amazing on adult skin) that is affordable, simple and lasts up to two week (if you store in the fridge).

Ingredients:

• 1/4 Cup Aloe Vera Gel (I use aloe from my own succulents, you can use bottled, but it will not be as fresh)
• 1 Teaspoon, or 6 capsules, of Vitamin E Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Jojoba oil
• 3 Drops Lavender Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• Instructions:

1) Stir the Aloe Vera Gel, Jojoba Oil, and Coconut Oil together, gently.

2) Add the essential oils, one at a time.

3) Let the cream rest for 10 minutes

4) Put the cream into a baby food jar, or other small container.

5) Refrigerate the mixture.

6) The mixture will last six months in the refrigerator.

Aloe Vera Use 1: Wash & Condition Your Hair

With a pH that closely matches that of our scalp, aloe vera is a perfect match in most hair care products because it not only effectively cleanses the scalp without stripping it of its precious oils, but it also conditions your hair while sealing in the cuticles. Used as an alternative to the baking soda method, aloe vera makes the perfect pH-balanced option when you are no-pooing. Aloe vera is also great for relieving problems with dandruff and other scalp related issues. You can either combine equal parts of the aloe with coconut milk, raw apple cider vinegar, hydrosol, or water and then wash as you do with your other no-‘poo options.

Aloe Vera Use 2: Hair Gel – Curls and Softness

Use aloe vera as a curl defining and softening hair gel
I have wavy/curly hair, and it is really hard to find a great natural curl defining gel that also keeps your hair super soft rather than crunchy. When I first learned that I could use aloe vera as a curl defining hair gel, I was actually a bit skeptical, but after trying it out, I haven’t used anything else since. All you need to do is use a small dime-sized amount for medium hair and quarter sized amount for longer hair. Scrunch into your curls and either allow to air dry or blow dry with a diffuser.

Aloe Vera Use 3: Cleanse, Tone, & Moisturize Skin

Just like your scalp, your face has a sensitive oil layer that can easily be disrupted when cleansing, because of pH variances. Unlike castile soap, which has a high pH of 9.5, aloe vera has a pH that closely matches our skin’s sebum and acid mantle, allowing you to effectively cleanse your face without disrupting the natural oil cycle. Those with acne/oily skin types will find relief using aloe vera because not only does it tone the skin and close the pores while moisturizing, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that helps to reduce acne breakouts as well.

Aloe Vera Use 4: Strengthen Teeth & Gums

Aloe vera’s natural antibacterial and antiseptics properties make it a great non-toxic choice for brushing your teeth. Not only does its anti-inflammatory properties aid in helping soothe inflamed gums, but studies have shown that aloe vera gel is just as effective at fighting cavities as your commercial toothpastes. Mix in a drop or two or peppermint essential oil for a minty fresh mouth!

Aloe Vera Use 5: Soothe & Heal Sunburns & Burns

Aloe vera is one of the most widely used remedies for burns of all kinds. Not only does it soothe and cool the skin, but it helps to speed up healing while even reversing blisters before they develop. If kept in the fridge, aloe feels amazing on a fresh sunburnHelps relieve itching from bug bites
Apply a dab of aloe to your bug bites to relieve itching and burning. Its antibacterial properties will help clean the wound while its anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce swelling and redness.

Aloe Vera Use 6: Reduce Signs of Aging, Wrinkles, Stretch Marks

Rich in anthraquinones as well as vitamins A, C, and E, aloe vera helps promote rapid healing and tissue repair in the skin. Once called the plant of immortality by the Ancient Egyptians, it was said to be Cleopatra’s secret ingredient to her age-defying face cream. Use a small amount as a light daily moisturizer for your face and hands. Those same antioxidants that help reduce signs of aging and wrinkles, also help to reduce scarring and prevent stretch marks. Apply twice daily throughout your pregnancy, to prevent stretch marks and scars

Aloe Vera Use 7: Relieve Symptoms of Rosacea and Psoriasis

Both of these skin conditions do not thrive when using soap or other pH changing products. Cleansing with aloe instead, can help relieve rosacea and psoriasis symptoms and even help prevent them from returning, for some.

Aloe Vera Use 8: Cleanses & Heals Cuts & Wounds

Aloe vera not only is antibacterial, but also contains several antiseptics that all help to kill bacteria and fungi. Apply to cuts and wounds before bandaging, to help cleanse the wound as well as to help promote rapid healing.

Aloe Vera Use 9: Soothes Stomach Ulcers, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The clear aloe vera gel is not just great externally for skin, but its ability to heal and protect also works internally as well. You can just eat the gel itself for this purpose, but be sure to avoid the skin and the aloin resin so that you don’t experience the laxative properties.