“100% natural”, “pure aloe vera”, “extra concentrated”... If you’ve ever shopped for an aloe vera gel, you’ll know that almost every bottle promises the same thing. And when you’re buying a gift, getting it right matters even more: you want something the other person will actually use, not a bottle that ends up forgotten at the back of a cupboard.
We’ve been growing aloe vera in Fuerteventura since 1989, and one of the questions we’re asked most often is: how can I tell if an aloe vera is any good? Here’s how to choose aloe vera the way we do, with the five things we always look for. At the end, you’ll find ideas to get ahead with your Christmas shopping during Black Friday.
1. The variety: why Aloe barbadensis Miller matters
There are hundreds of aloe species, but the one used in skincare for the quality of its gel is Aloe barbadensis Miller. It’s the variety we grow, and the one you should look for.
What to check: in the ingredients list, it will appear as Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Extract or similar. If the packaging just says “aloe vera” and the variety isn’t mentioned anywhere, be a little wary.
👉 Want to know more? Find out why Aloe barbadensis Miller is the most widely used variety in skincare.
2. The real aloe vera percentage (and where to find it)
This is where most people get caught out. A product can have “aloe vera” in big letters on the label and contain very little of it.
What to check:
- The percentage on the packaging or product page. If a brand is proud of a high percentage, it should be printed where you can see it.
- Where aloe sits in the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest quantity. In an aloe vera gel, aloe should come first, not after water or glycerine.
A word on “100% pure”: an aloe product needs a small proportion of ingredients to keep it stable and safe once opened. A gel that doesn’t reach exactly 100% isn’t a bad sign. It’s honesty. If you’d like to know what “pure” really means when it comes to aloe vera, we explain it in Pure Aloe Vera.
Not every product needs the same percentage, either. In a gel or in our aloe vera extract, aloe is the star. In a face cream or lotion, it shares the spotlight with oils and butters that add nourishment and texture. What matters is that the percentage is clear and makes sense for what you’re buying.
At Aloe Vera Exclusive, we include the aloe percentage in the name of every product, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
3. Cultivation: organic aloe vera you can verify
Aloe is a plant, and the way it’s grown affects what ends up in the bottle.
What to check:
- That the aloe comes from organic farming, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers.
- An official certification, such as the EU organic leaf logo, rather than vague phrases like “inspired by nature”.
A certification gives you something no marketing slogan can: independent verification.
4. Processing: fresh leaf vs. aloe powder
This is the point people talk about least, and one of the most important. Aloe gel is at its best when it’s extracted from the fresh leaf and processed quickly.
Many products on the market are made from aloe powder or concentrate that’s rehydrated in another country, far from where the plant was grown. It isn’t forbidden, but it’s not the same as working with freshly cut leaves.
What to check: whether the brand explains where its aloe comes from and how it’s processed. If it doesn’t say, that tells you something.
In our case, the fields and the factory are in the same place: Tiscamanita, Fuerteventura. The leaves are cut, processed and bottled in our own facilities. We show you every step in From Garden to Final Product: how we make our aloe vera products.
5. Origin: Canary Islands aloe vera and who grows it
Good aloe vera has a name and a home. Knowing who grows it and where is the best guarantee that a brand has nothing to hide.
What to check:
- That the brand tells you where its plantation is, not just where its head office is.
- That you can verify it: a website with real information, a specific origin, and even the chance to visit.
The Canary Islands are one of the places in Europe where aloe grows best, thanks to the sunshine, dry climate and mild temperatures all year round. Discover why aloe vera from Fuerteventura is so special.
How to read an aloe vera label in 30 seconds
Before you add an aloe vera to your basket, run through this checklist:
| What to check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | Aloe barbadensis in the ingredients | Just “aloe vera”, nothing more |
| Percentage | Shown on the packaging or product page | “With aloe vera” but no figure |
| Position in the INCI list | First ingredient (in gels) | After water or glycerine |
| Cultivation | Organic, with official certification | Vague, uncertified wording |
| Origin | A specific plantation you can visit | No information on where it comes from |
From field to bottle, in Fuerteventura
We’re a family business, and for more than three decades we’ve been doing the same thing: growing organic aloe vera and turning it into everyday care products, with no middlemen between the plant and the bottle.
That’s why we love having visitors. If you’re in Fuerteventura, you can see our plantation and factory on a free tour: see the plants up close, learn about the process and try the products before you take them home. Here’s what to see on our factory tour and how to make the most of it.
Natural Christmas gift ideas (with 20% off on Black Friday)
December comes round quickly, and with it the rush, the crowded shops and the tight delivery deadlines. This year, you can avoid all that: from 27 to 30 November, enjoy 20% off everything on our website, gift sets included. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.
An aloe vera gift has something special about it: it’s useful, it’s used every day and it carries a little piece of Fuerteventura with it. Here are a few ideas, depending on who you’re buying for.
For someone whose hands are always cold and dry in winter
The Hand Cream with aloe vera, Brazil nut and jasmine, paired with a Lip Balm (unscented or melon-scented), is a small gift that’s always appreciated. Perfect for Secret Santa or to go alongside another present. And for more ideas this season, take a look at our 7 tips for winter skincare.
For someone who loves their time in front of the mirror
If you’re looking for something special, these are our two crown jewels for the face:
- Aloessence Regenerating Facial Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Bakuchiol. Our most complete cream, combining aloe vera with hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, grapeseed oil and prickly pear oil. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and for both men and women, so it’s a safe bet for almost anyone.
- Revitalising Serum with prickly pear and hemp oil. A serum unlike the usual ones: it combines fresh aloe vera extract with plant oils of prickly pear, jojoba and hemp. In a 30 ml bottle, it’s a small luxury to add to an evening routine.
Want to impress even more? Give them together: serum first, then cream, for a complete facial routine.
For someone new to skincare
The Anti-aging Pack brings together the face cream with argan and shea butter, the aloe gel with olive oil and the hand cream. It’s an easy way to start a routine with aloe vera.
For someone who ends the day with tired legs
The Tired Legs Pack pairs our aloe vera gel with the hot-and-cold effect gel. Ideal for anyone who spends long hours on their feet, plays sport or simply enjoys a refreshing feeling at the end of the day. Here’s how to add the hot-and-cold gel to your massage ritual.
For someone who deserves some time to themselves
The Bath Pack turns a shower into a little ritual: shampoo, shower gel, body lotion and glycerine soap, all with aloe vera.
For someone who’s always travelling
The Travel Pack brings together four essentials in 100 ml sizes, ready for your hand luggage.
For someone who holds Fuerteventura close to their heart
Do you know someone who’s visited the island and misses it? The Top Sales Pack, with our most-loved products, is a lovely way to give them back a little piece of that trip.
If you’re not sure what to choose
The Digital Gift Card, available in €50, €100 and €150, lets them choose for themselves. It also arrives instantly, so it’s perfect if you’ve left things to the last minute.
Discover all our aloe vera gift ideas →
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of aloe should a good gel contain?
It depends on the product. In an aloe gel, aloe should ideally be the main ingredient and the percentage should be clearly stated. In creams and lotions, a lower percentage is normal, because aloe is combined with other nourishing ingredients.
Is aloe vera from the Canary Islands better?
The Canary Islands offer very favourable conditions for growing aloe. Beyond the location, what matters is that the brand tells you exactly where it’s grown and how it’s processed.
Can an aloe vera gel be 100% aloe?
A skincare product needs a small proportion of ingredients to keep it stable and well preserved once opened. Be more wary of a lack of information than of an honest percentage below 100%.
When should I order so my gifts arrive before Christmas?
The sooner, the better. Ordering during Black Friday gets you the discount and leaves plenty of time for December deliveries.
Can I give a gift without knowing which product to choose?
Yes. The Digital Gift Card lets the recipient choose whatever they like from our full range.
