What's Aloe Ferox, exactly?

Aloe Ferox - One of the Hero Ingredients for skin care.

Being a plant packed with loads of healing properties, Aloe Ferox has been viewed as the miracle plant by many over the years. 

Commonly known as the Cape Aloe, most people are more familiar with its cousin, Aloe Vera. However, the differences between the two are significant, with Aloe Ferox containing a massive 20 times more sap than its relative, as well as containing higher nutrient levels. 

With its Latin name translating to “fierce”, it’s easy to see why. The appearance of the plant is a lot pricklier, but what we are concerned about is the mean way it provides it’s healing properties. 

What exactly does Aloe Ferox do?

Aloe Ferox is commonly used in skincare to treat inflammation, which makes it excellent for sunburn, irritated skin conditions and blemished skin. Adding to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also contains antioxidants, acts as an analgesic and a detoxicant, and has antiviral and antimicrobial properties! That’s a lot to pack into the humble aloe. 

It is one of our favourite ingredients to use because it works on all skin types (even sensitive skins) and helps improve skin texture by balancing sebum and contributing to the exfoliation of the top layer of skin. It is also high in humid acid, which also helps to treat irritated skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. 

We’re certainly not alone in the recognition of this wonderful plant, the medical industry has also taken note of its healing properties. In 1967, a surgeon on Prof. Christiaan Barnard’s first heart transplant team noted that applying Aloe Ferox gel to wounds accelerated the production of cells responsible for collagen production. 

This was confirmed by later studies showing the healing properties of aloe sap, which is high in polysaccharides, amino acids and minerals (which all work to aid collagen production and fight the signs of ageing).

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