Aloe Vera Vs Hyaluronic Acid

by Vorst Canada November 21, 2022

Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.

People in the skincare community often compare aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid because even though both have quite similar hydrating effects on the skin, there is a vast difference in their mechanisms of action, and so there are some disparities in their skin benefits as well.

Each one is unique and has its very own way of how it impacts the skin as well as the human body. Besides, both aloe vera and hyaluronic acid offer a range of potential health benefits other than skin. Keep reading to learn more exactly what sets them apart from each another and what benefits they can offer for the skin as well as the human body.

In this article, we’ll be comparing aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid basically in terms of their properties, functions, and benefits. But before we get into the difference between aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, it’s worth learning the fundamentals of these natural substances a little bit more. So, let’s get started.

What is aloe vera?
What is hyaluronic acid?
Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: properties and functions
Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: skin benefits
Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: other benefits
Final words

What is aloe vera?

Aloe vera, botanically known as Aloe barbadensis miller, is a small cactus-like plant that has distinctive succulent stems with leaves filled with of gel-like substance. The plant stores water molecules inside its leaves, which forms the gel and provides its leaves with unique thickness.

Aloe vera plants have historically been used in traditional and folk medicines to treat various health conditions for more than 5000 years, since the age of ancient Egypt. Today, the gel found in the plant’s leaves is widely used to produce aloe vera products used across several industries including dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, making the plant one of the most used natural sources in the world.

Aloe vera is available in various forms including capsules, liquid juice, creams, lotions, and more. It can be taken by mouth as an oral supplement or used directly on the skin as a topical application.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid or otherwise also called hyaluronate or hyaluronan is a natural sugar (polysaccharide) found in the human body and certain types of foods. It is widely distributed throughout the epithelial, neural, and connective tissues, especially in the skin, joints, and eyes.

Food sources of hyaluronic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, potatoes, various citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits, and different types of soy foods including soy milk, tofu, and soy chunks.

For supplementary use, hyaluronic acid is made from certain types of bacteria using fermentation or collected from rooster combs, the red, fleshy crest on the top of a cock's head.

Hyaluronic acid is available in various forms including oral capsules, pills, injections, eye drops, lotions, creams, and ointments, among others, all of which have been used in medicine to treat diverse health conditions.

Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: properties and functions

Aloe vera gel derived from the plant’s leaves contains various beneficial nutrients including antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, active enzymes, minerals, and even hyaluronic acid. The antioxidant properties of aloe vera seem to come from the polyphenols compounds it contains.

Antioxidants help prevent damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that have unpaired oxygens, making them highly reactive and unstable. They tend to cause large chain reactions called oxidation that can cause damage or even death of cells, tissues, and even organs.

In addition, aloe vera has tremendous antibacterial activities that can help fight against the growth of harmful bacteria.

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, acts as a potent natural humectant. In molecular structure, it has huge spots that can hold onto a plentiful of water molecules that help keep cells and tissues stay hydrated. It acts as a lubricant and absorbs shocks, which is highly beneficial for improving joint mobility and reducing stiffness.

The chain-like scaffold structure of hyaluronic acid supports cell growth and circulation. This helps faster wound healing. Besides, it has anti-inflammatory actions that can help reduce inflammatory symptoms such as pain.

Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: skin benefits

Skin benefits of aloe vera

Hydrates the skin and helps retain skin moisture
Increases the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin
Reduces visible symptoms of aging like wrinkles with its anti-aging effects
Exfoliates the skin or removes dead skin cells from the surface
Helps build a more radiant and youthful-looking skin
Helps treat acne and its associated symptoms such as inflammation and acne scars
Helps prevent and reduce sun damage
Helps treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation
Boosts wound healing
Provides a range of vital nutrients including vitamins C and E

Skin benefits of hyaluronic acid

Acts as a potent natural humectant that helps preserve skin moisture
Supports skin structure by assisting the proteins, such as collagen for instance, that makes up the matrix of the skin
Smooths skin texture and enhances elasticity
Improves wound healing
Improves the skin’s overall appearance by reducing various symptoms such as redness, dermatitis, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid: other benefits

Other benefits of aloe vera

Strengthens the immune system
Helps remove toxins from the body
Improves digestive health
Helps stave off infections caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria
Reduces constipation
Helps treat dental plaques and canker sores
Helps keep blood sugar levels in control

Other benefits of hyaluronic acid

Improves joints functionality and alleviates pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis
Soothes dry eyes
Reduces acid reflux in GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Helps treat mouth ulcers and gum disease
Prevents bladder pain
Helps treat vaginal dryness

Final words

If compared to aloe vera vs hyaluronic acid, both are great for skin health. While aloe vera is widely used to treat various conditions such as inflammation and infections, hyaluronic acid is mainly used for hydration and lubrication. Consider working with a certified nutritionist or naturopath to determine their best method of use and safety precautions.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Aloe Vera Capsules

Here you can see Vosrt’s pure and natural Hyaluronic Acid Capsules

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