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Aloe vera gel can be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and humidity for about two years or longer if kept in the fridge. Raw aloe vera gel may not be as long-lasting. An expiration date is frequently printed on the container of store-bought gel.

Aloe vera gel is a wonderful tool on hand while going to the beach, trekking in the hills, or kayaking on your favorite lake. It can aid in soothing and healing various skin ailments, including sunburn, wounds, and scrapes.

But you’re undoubtedly wondering, does aloe vera gel expire? Yes, it does.

However, the amount of time it will last is primarily determined by the type of product and how it is stored. We’ve put up a quick tutorial with some storage recommendations to help you get the most out of your product.

What is Aloe Vera Gel?

A leaf pulp preparation made from the parenchymal tissue of the plant Aloe vera (Liliaceae).  Aloe vera gel consists of various carbohydrate polymers like glucomannans and pectic acid, alongside essential amino acids, vitamins, and a range of organic and inorganic compounds. This substance has been used internally and externally to treat sunburn, skin disorders, bug bites, ulcers, arthritis, and constipation and as an immune system stimulant.

How Long Does Aloe Vera Gel Last?

The shelf life of aloe vera gel can vary depending on various factors such as the brand, preservatives used, storage conditions, and whether it has been opened or not. Typically, unopened, commercially packaged aloe vera gel can last about two to three years. However, once you open the container, the shelf life may shorten to around six months to a year.

Homemade Aloe Vera Gel

• Room temperature: up to 24 hours
• Refrigerator: up to a week
• Freezer: around one to two weeks

Homemade aloe vera gel does not typically survive as long as store-bought aloe vera gel. This is because fresh aloe vera gel extracted directly from the plant’s leaves has no preservatives to keep it fresh for longer. It’s essentially a raw material.

Extracting the gel from the aloe vera plant will usually only last around 24 hours.

If you keep the uncooked gel in the refrigerator, it should last for up to a week. You can also freeze it, but this will only give you an extra week until it expires.

Prepackaged Aloe Vera Gel

• Room temperature: around two years
• Refrigerator: around five years
• Freezer: around five years

Preservatives have been added to many prepackaged aloe vera gels to make them stay longer than the raw gel found in the leaves. The expiration date is commonly marked on the bottle of most prepackaged aloe vera gel products.

When maintained at room temperature, store-bought aloe vera gel will typically last two years. If you keep it in the fridge, it will last much longer: usually five years or more. You can also freeze aloe vera gel, which has the same expiration date as storing it in the refrigerator.

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Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire?

Fresh and natural aloe vera gel will expire in approximately one to two days when kept at room temperature, approximately one week when refrigerated, and up to one year when freezing.

When something originates directly from the plant, it lacks preservatives. Despite their negative reputation in the cosmetics industry, many products require preservatives to maintain their shelf life. (Otherwise, they will rot or worse: mold and bacteria will develop.) Without them, only freshly harvested ingredients can be used.

There are methods to extend the shelf life of natural aloe vera, but please do not keep the gel for too long. Utilizing expired products can be hazardous, so discard them at the first sign of discoloration or odor.

If throwing your new gel every week (minimum) sounds like too much labor, DIY may not be for you. While there are numerous advantages and reasons to collect aloe at home (cost and freshness), store-bought gels will last longer. Because they are made with preservatives, they have a two-year shelf life.

When Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire?

Aloe vera is utilized in a variety of cosmetic and therapeutic applications. The gel from the Aloe vera plant is used in lotions, gels, and ointments. It is also available in capsules and liquid oral forms.

When unprocessed, aloe vera gel has a one-day shelf life at room temperature and a week if refrigerated. Preservatives in commercial aloe vera keep it fresh for two years, and refrigerating or freezing it can extend the shelf life to five years.

The inner gel of an Aloe vera leaf can be applied to the skin raw or combined with a liquid to form Aloe Vera Juice. This gel can be used for a day or a week, depending on how you keep it.

• Room temperature: up to 24 hours
• Refrigerator: 1 week
• Freezer: up to 2 weeks

Aloe vera sold commercially contains chemical preservatives that extend their shelf life to two years. Refrigerating or freezing it can add additional years to its shelf life. The following preservatives are added to Aloe vera gel during the stabilization process:

• Citric acid
• Potassium sorbate
• Sodium benzoate

The purpose of Aloe vera capsules is to have a long shelf life spanning multiple years. Before popping a capsule, always check the expiration date.  Using an oral formulation that has passed its expiration date can be more detrimental than a topical formulation that has expired.

The expiration date listed above estimates how long it will take for Aloe vera to lose its therapeutic characteristics. There are numerous techniques to increase the shelf life of Aloe vera and its many forms if you want to keep it fresh for longer.

How to Know Aloe Vera Gel is Expired?

Aloe Vera gel is a popular skincare product known for its incredible healing properties. However, like all skincare products, Aloe Vera gel has a shelf life and can expire if not used within a certain period. Here’s how to know if your Aloe Vera gel is expired:

1. Check the expiration date: Most skincare products, including Aloe Vera gel, have an expiration date on the packaging. If the product is past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it.
2. Smell it: Expired Aloe Vera gel may have a foul odor, indicating it has gone wrong.
3. Check the texture: Aloe Vera gel is supposed to have a smooth and thick consistency. If you notice any clumps or changes in the texture, the product has likely expired.
4. Observe the color: Fresh Aloe Vera gel is usually transparent or slightly greenish-yellow. If you notice a color change, it’s a sign that the product has expired.

It’s essential to check the expiration date and observe the changes in texture, smell, and color of Aloe Vera gel to know if it has expired. Store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure it stays fresh for longer.

Ways To Store Aloe Vera Gel 

You can use several methods to extend the shelf life of aloe vera gel. 

Store It In A Freezer

Freeze aloe vera gel if you want to keep it for a more extended period of time. All you have to do is place the gel in ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. These gel cubes can be used anytime and are particularly helpful for sunburns and dry skin. These aloe vera gel cubes can serve as an emergency first-aid kit.

Use Vitamin E Oil

This storage method is appropriate if you use aloe vera gel for facial, manicure, or hair treatments. This is primarily because the aloe vera gel has added vitamin E oil. Adding vitamin E oil to the emulsion can significantly improve its effectiveness. Simply combine the gel with vitamin E oil in a blender and blend thoroughly. Transfer this to a container, and refrigerate it. Use as and when necessary.

Honey Preservation Method

The main disadvantage of utilizing aloe vera gel in its natural gel-like state is that you don’t always use all of the gel extracted from the aloe vera leaf, resulting in enormous waste. To avoid this, add aloe vera gel with honey, which will help the gel remain longer. Simply combine the leftover aloe vera gel with an equal amount of honey. Make smoothies and face masks using this mixture.

Add Vitamin C To It

By adding vitamin C to aloe vera gel, you can extend its expiration life in the refrigerator to up to one month. The aloe vera gel is extracted and placed in a blender. Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and a natural preservative; add it to the dish. After blending the ingredients, transfer the mixture into a container and refrigerate it.

Therefore, you can increase the shelf life of aloe vera gel and make it last longer by following the aforementioned simple steps. Bring these tips to your aid and proceed.

What Happens If You Use Expired Date Aloe Vera?

When aloe vera gel has expired, you may notice it no longer smells the same. You may also notice that it is foggy rather than clear and that mold is growing on it. This can happen with handmade and prepackaged aloe vera, but you might not notice any differences with store-bought gel.

The benefits of aloe vera depend on the aloe vera being fresh and within its expiration date. Expired aloe vera gel may not be as effective because it will not be the same quality.

Aloe vera loses its hydrating properties with time, which means it may not be able to soothe your skin or treat wounds as effectively as you may think.

In some instances, it may simply not function as expected, whereas, in others, it may hurt your skin. For instance, it might irritate or dry out your epidermis. If the aloe vera gel contains bacteria, it could cause infections if applied to exposed wounds. You should not consume or imbibe expired aloe vera products if you are using edible aloe vera.

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Can I Use Expired Aloe Vera Gel on Sunburn?

Using aloe vera gel on sunburn is a terrific idea, but when using store-bought aloe vera gel, check the expiration date. If the gel has been stored for an extended period of time, it may have gone bad and could be dangerous if put on your skin.

When contaminated aloe vera gel is applied to the skin, it can cause redness and itching, so be sure you’re using an up-to-date product. If your store-bought aloe vera gel expires, you should hunt for pure aloe vera instead.

This is available at health food stores as well as online. Aloe vera gel lasts longer than store-bought kinds. So you may still benefit from its therapeutic properties without being concerned about how long it has been sitting in your refrigerator or cabinet.

When using any aloe product, however, always test a tiny area first to ensure no bad reactions on your skin.

If everything appears to be in order after testing the region with pure aloe vera or a recent store-bought variety, then apply the gel to the hot and irritated burnt areas.

Can I Use Expired Aloe Vera Gel on My Face?

Despite its healing properties, you may wonder if using outdated aloe vera gel on your face or other body parts is safe. Aloe vera gel should not be used after the expiration date since it may be ruined, damaged, ineffective, or dangerous owing to a change in chemical composition or a drop in strength.

According to the FDA, no rules or regulations in the United States require cosmetics to have precise shelf lives or expiration dates on their labels. On the other hand, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products’ safety. The FDA considers calculating a product’s shelf life the manufacturer’s duty.

All personal care products are not classified as cosmetics. Some, such as sunscreen and acne treatments, are considered pharmaceuticals under the law. Some products, such as sunscreen makeup and moisturizers with “SPF” labeling, are regulated as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Final Words

While aloe vera gel has a long shelf life and theoretically does not expire, it does lose part of its potency and usefulness with time. Proper storage can extend its usefulness, but changes in color, texture, or odor indicate that the aloe vera gel is losing potency. Finally, it is up to the individual user to determine when aloe vera gel should no longer be used and to err on the side of caution if its efficacy is in doubt.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Check out some commonly asked questions on aloe vera gel.

Is it ok to use expired aloe vera gel?

Aloe vera gel does have an expiration date and should not be used after that period since it may cause skin irritations or other unpleasant responses. When you use outdated aloe vera gel, microorganisms that are detrimental to your skin and body may be present.

Can I use expired aloe vera gel on my hair? 

Using aloe vera gel that has expired on your tresses is not recommended. Products that have expired may not be as effective and may cause damage to your hair and scalp. Use aloe vera gel that is fresh, or purchase a product that has not expired.

How do you know if aloe vera gel is expired?

Aloe vera gel purchased at a store contains preservatives and can survive for months, if not years, if properly preserved. Expired aloe vera gel has an unusual odor, a change in texture, and cloudiness caused by mold or bacteria.

How do you know if aloe vera gel is expired?

Aloe vera juice you buy in a store has preservatives so that it can last longer—sometimes for years—if you store it right. Aloe vera juice that has gone bad will have a strange smell, change in texture, and look cloudy because of mold or bacteria.

How many years does aloe vera gel last?

Preservatives are added to store-bought aloe vera gel to make it shelf-stable, so you don’t have to bother storing it properly. It’s still vital to keep it in a cold, dark spot, such as a pantry or linen closet, which lasts 2-3 years.

How long before aloe expires?

Aloe Vera gel has a typical shelf life of two to three years when stored according to the instructions on the label. Refrigerating is unnecessary, but storing in a quiet, dry location out of direct sunlight is recommended.

What color should aloe vera gel be?

Pure aloe vera gel is neither brilliant green nor fully translucent. Instead, it’s somewhat yellow or translucent gold. The color of the gel also varies depending on when it is harvested. The aloe gel was obtained during the monsoon season if it was clear in color.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information is not comprehensive and should not be used to make health or well-being decisions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about a medical condition, treatment options, or health regimen. This website or the content should never replace professional medical advice.