Is Aloe Vera Safe During Pregnancy?
Updated September 11, 2026
The Answer
Aloe vera is considered likely safe for normal use in formulated skin, scalp, and hair cosmetics during pregnancy. Swallowed aloe including juices, supplements, whole leaf preparations, and latex laxatives is a different exposure and warrants caution; oral aloe may be unsafe in pregnancy.
The key distinction is applying a formulated aloe cosmetic to your skin versus swallowing aloe not simply whether the label says gel or juice.
Small randomized trials have used topical aloe in pregnant participants, and CIR accepts several cosmetic aloe ingredients when anthraquinones are limited; direct fetal safety data remain limited, while NCCIH warns that oral aloe may be unsafe in pregnancy.
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What Is Aloe Vera?
You may also see it listed as: Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vera is a succulent plant used for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Its leaf gel, juice, and extracts appear in moisturizers, after sun gels, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. Aloe is also sold in drinks, supplements, whole leaf preparations, and latex laxatives, which need a separate safety assessment from cosmetics.
What Other Ingredients Should You Look Out for in Products With Aloe Vera?
A product's full ingredient list determines whether it's pregnancy-safe or not. These ingredients also appear in some of the aloe vera products we analyzed and may deserve a closer look.
Retinoid
AvoidLook for retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, in aloe skin and hair formulas. Pregnancy guidance discourages routine cosmetic topical retinoid use despite generally low absorption, so check the full formula for this ingredient rather than relying on the aloe claim.
Flagged in 19 products (2.9%) in this analysis.
Salicylic Acid
CautionCheck for salicylic acid in aloe acne, exfoliating, hair, or foot care products, then check its strength and intended use. Directed low dose topical acne use is low concern, but stronger peels, wart or callus treatments, and large area, covered, prolonged, or broken skin use need separate consideration.
Flagged in 16 products (2.4%) in this analysis.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra
CautionGlycyrrhiza glabra root extract is licorice extract used in aloe cosmetics for soothing and skin conditioning. Check that it is a topical cosmetic rather than an oral preparation: typical cosmetic use is lower concern, with limited pregnancy specific data, and heavy oral licorice findings should not be transferred to skincare.
Flagged in 14 products (2.1%) in this analysis.
DMDM Hydantoin
CautionDMDM hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing preservative found in some aloe gels, lotions, and shampoos. Check for it if you have formaldehyde sensitivity or use products frequently on irritated skin; contact allergy is the main concern at regulated cosmetic levels, not demonstrated fetal harm from normal topical use.
Flagged in 11 products (1.7%) in this analysis.
Does Aloe Vera Strength or Product Type Matter During Pregnancy?
The low concern topical assessment covers normal use of formulated cosmetics, not swallowed products. Cosmetic safety assessments accept several Aloe barbadensis ingredients when anthraquinones are limited, although direct fetal safety data remain limited. Oral latex can act as a stimulant laxative, causing diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and potassium loss; whole leaf ingestion also raises uterine contraction concerns. A leaf juice ingredient in lotion should therefore not be interpreted like an aloe drink.
What Products Contain Aloe Vera?
Pregnancy Safe has looked at 1,003 products that have aloe vera as an ingredient. The category and grade breakdowns below use 659 products whose names mention Aloe Vera or another name for it.
What Types of Products Contain Aloe Vera?
Products You May Have That Contain Aloe Vera
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C- | Clear Aloe Vera Gel - 16Oz - Up & Up™ | Up & Up | Aloe Vera Gel |
| C- | Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Fortifying Shampoo, With Aloe And Vitamin E Extract | Garnier Fructis Pure Clean | Shampoo |
| C | Super Nature Potent Aloe Moisturizing Shampoo | Super Nature | Shampoo |
| C | Herbal Essences Shampoo, Potent Aloe & Honey, Sulfate Free | Herbal Essences | Shampoo |
| C+ | Raw Sugar The Scalp Restore Jojoba + Aloe Shampoo | Raw Sugar | Shampoo |
| B+ | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C | Body Wash |
| C+ | Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer Aloe Green Tea | Trader Joe'S | Moisturizer |
| C+ | Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Pump Spray 6 Fl Oz | Banana Boat | After Sun Lotion |
How Do Products Containing Aloe Vera Score?
It can be helpful to see how products containing aloe vera generally score during pregnancy. This does not tell you whether your exact product is safe, but it gives you a general idea of what we found. In this breakdown of 659 products, 81% receive a C grade. A C grade means the complete formula has some pregnancy considerations, so use it sparingly and consider a higher scoring alternative when one is available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aloe Vera During Pregnancy
Can I use aloe vera gel for sunburn or on my belly while pregnant?
Normal use of a formulated topical aloe cosmetic is considered low concern in pregnancy. This assessment does not establish that aloe prevents stretch marks or endorse every after sun or belly care formula; the other ingredients still matter.
Can I drink aloe vera juice during pregnancy?
The reassuring assessment for topical aloe does not extend to drinks. NCCIH says oral aloe may be unsafe in pregnancy, and latex or whole leaf preparations have additional laxative related and uterine contraction concerns.
Does Aloe barbadensis leaf juice in my lotion mean it has the same concern as an aloe drink?
No. Leaf juice can be an ingredient in a formulated skin cosmetic. Applying that lotion is a different exposure from swallowing aloe juice, so the word 'juice' alone does not determine the assessment.
Does the advice change between the first, second, and third trimester?
The available evidence does not establish separate trimester specific rules. The supported distinction remains normal topical cosmetic use versus oral aloe, with limited direct fetal safety data for topical use.
Can topical aloe irritate my skin?
Yes. Topical aloe can occasionally cause burning, itching, rash, or eczema. A low concern pregnancy assessment does not mean it cannot cause a skin reaction.
Does aloe's topical assessment mean my whole product is pregnancy safe?
No. Aloe's topical assessment applies to aloe in that exposure context, not every ingredient in the product. A product grade describes the complete formula, so check the full ingredient list.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains an ingredient Pregnancy Safe recommends avoiding during pregnancy. This may reflect an established risk or a precaution based on limited evidence; check the ingredient guidance and exposure context.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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