(Pun intended.)
Not only can itsoothe gnarly sunburnsandmanage acne,but it couldhydrate your scalptoo.
But despite all these benefits, there’s just one drawback: It has a super-short shelf life.
As an all-natural, preservative-free ingredient, pure aloe vera gel can be difficult to keep fresh.
Once scooped from the leaf, the flesh needs to be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator.
To extend the shelf life of thisskin careandhair care staple, check out these aloe vera storage tips.
It’s the best way to have your aloeand use it too.
If you only do one thing: Keep it cool.
Humidity and temperature1are the most critical influencers of aloe vera’s freshness.
Thegel instantly starts to decompose thanks to natural enzymatic reactions1and normal bacteria on the plant.
This reduces the function of its active compounds, but refrigeration can help slow things down.
This will keep the gel fresh for about five to seven days.
Use an airtight container.
That’s why it’s crucial to use an airtight container, just like you would with leftover food.
Keep it safe from light damage with non-clear containers.
Store it in anamber bottle or jar, which absorbs UV radiation and protects the gel’s beneficial compounds.
Finally, always use a clean container to limit the risk of bacterial contamination.
Wash it with warm, soapy water and let it dry completely before using.
For longer shelf life, freeze the gel into ice cubes.
When you have more aloe gel than you’ll use within a week, freeze it.
This will feelah-mazingon asunburnwhile significantly extending its shelf life.
To freeze the gel, pour it into an ice cube tray and stick it in the freezer.
Do Mother Nature a favor and opt for a freezer-safereusable bag, if possible.
you’ve got the option to use a strip of masking tape to label and date the bag.
Trim the leaf, cube the flesh, then freeze.
Here’s how:
Does aloe vera gel expire?
When it comes straight from the plant, it’s preservative-free.
(Otherwise, they’ll go bad or worse: grow mold and bacteria.)
Without them, you’re able to only use ingredients when freshly harvested.
These are made with preservatives, which mean their shelf-life extends to about two years.
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store fresh aloe vera?
Refrigerate fresh aloe vera gel in an airtight containerthis will extend the shelf life for up to one week.
Toss it at the first sign of it going bad: Look for discolorations or odor.
How do you store aloe vera gel for a long time?
The best way to store aloe vera gel for an extended period of time is by freezing it.
Pour the gel into an ice cube tray and stick it in the freezer.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage: smell or change of color.
If anything looks or smells unpleasant, go ahead and toss it.
Your skin will thank youand it will also thank you after using thesealoe vera masks.
