Does Aloe Vera Gel Expire? (Types/Shelf-life FAQs)

Given that aloe vera gel is a biological substance, it makes sense that you might wonder if it ever goes bad.

Aloe vera gel does have an expiration date, although it varies depending on the type and storage method. Although raw Aloe vera spoils quickly, it can be kept for a week in the refrigerator. Aloe vera that has been chemically preserved has a two-year shelf life at room temperature, but five years in the fridge.

Aloe vera may be your go-to moisturiser for dry skin or the item you reach for before going outside in the sun. However, take a moment to double check the expiration date or search for indications of spoiled aloe vera. Continue reading to learn how to detect whether your aloe vera is past its prime and how to store it to prolong its freshness.

How Do I Know if My Aloe vera Gel Has Expired?

Aloe vera gel exhibits ageing and expiration symptoms much like any other biologically active product. Aloe vera gel’s scent and look can both indicate that it has gone bad, just like with food.

If your aloe vera gel has become murky or opaque, smells bad, or has an unusual colour, it has gone bad. Aloe vera leaves wilt and even develop mould when they start to lose their effectiveness. There is an expiration date on the container of the aloe gel you purchased; after that date, caution must be used.

Before using aloe vera, be aware of the following:

Check the Color and Appearance of the Aloe vera Gel

Contrary to popular belief, aloe vera gel or liquid is not a green colour. Green is chemically added together with colours to improve the product’s appearance.

Depending on the season it was harvested in, aloe vera gel or liquid naturally has a light yellow to gold translucent tint or is fully clear. Exposure to air or sunshine may cause a colour shift to pink or red, but using it is typically harmless. Aloe vera should be chilled right away after use.

Aloe vera gone bad can be identified by any drastic colour changes.

Smell the Aloe vera Gel

The scent of aloe vera might be the first indication that it has gone bad before the plant changes colour. You should discard your aloe vera right away if it starts to smell bad or looks hazy. Aloe vera juice is an exception since it typically turns colour before it starts to smell terrible.

Check for Mold Growth on the Aloe vera Gel

Any item, gel, liquid, or fresh leaves with even the smallest amounts of mould developing on them should be thrown away. Mold is a fungal that grows on biological products and can cause allergic reactions in people. Any mould on the aloe vera that has been applied to the skin might hurt the skin or irritate it.

Confirm the Aloe vera Gel’s Expiry Date

Although these symptoms may not be very noticeable in store-bought aloe vera gel, it is easy to check for expiration. Simply look at the expiration date that is listed somewhere on the product’s bottle or container. The product’s usefulness after first opening is also indicated by the period-after-opening symbol, which is located on the packaging.

Let’s say you recently purchased aloe vera or intend to use leaves from a houseplant. In that scenario, it would be wise to become familiar with the various formulas, their typical expiration dates, and the best ways to store them.

When Does Aloe vera gel Expire?

Several cosmetic and medical uses exist for aloe vera. Aloe vera plant gel is used in the production of lotions, gels, and ointments. Additionally, it can be found in liquid or capsule formulations that are administered orally.

When consumed in its raw form, aloe vera gel loses its potency after a day at room temperature and after a week in the refrigerator. Commercial aloe vera is preserved for two years, and freezing or refrigeration can extend its shelf life to five years.

Aloe vera leaf inner gel is used either raw to apply to skin or combined with liquid to create aloe juice. Depending on how you keep it, this gel has a shelf life of either one day or one week.

for up to 24 hours at room temperature

1 week in the refrigerator

2 weeks in the freezer

Aloe vera that is sold commercially now has chemical preservatives to increase its shelf life to two years. If you store it in the refrigerator or freezer, you can extend its freshness by years. The stabilisation method involves adding the following preservatives to aloe vera gel:

Acidic citrus

sorbate of potassium

Benzoate sodium

The Aloe vera capsules are made to last for a number of years. A capsule should always be opened after checking the expiration date. More harm than good can be done by an outdated oral formulation.

The time until aloe vera loses its beneficial characteristics is estimated by the expiration date indicated above. There are certain techniques to increase the shelf life of aloe vera and its many forms if you want to keep it fresh for longer.

How Can the Expiry Date of the Aloe vera Be Extended?

Aloe vera, a bioactive substance, should be handled similarly to food goods, which are kept fresh by refrigeration or freezing. To increase or decrease the aloe vera plant’s gel expiration date, you should be aware of some dos and don’ts.

Aloe vera can be kept fresher longer by being kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. Or you can substantially increase the shelf life by adding natural preservatives like vitamins C or E or honey. Then, to keep Aloe vera as fresh as possible, refrigerate or freeze it.

Keep in mind the following things when keeping Aloe vera at room temperature:

Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm the plant and the extracted gel, causing both to lose their original health benefits.

Use containers that are airtight. Aloe vera, whether it is purchased from a store or is fresh, can oxidise, and the gel can dry out and lose its effectiveness.

Avoid moisture. Aloe vera may grow mould in moist, humid environments, and mold-covered aloe vera is particularly bad for the skin.

To raw aloe vera, add natural preservatives like honey, vitamin C, or a few drops of vitamin E. After blending the preservative and aloe vera in a blender, pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays and freeze. Aloe vera can be kept for a few extra months in airtight containers, even in the freezer.

Even when kept in the refrigerator, honey can increase the shelf life of aloe vera by up to three years. For preservation, combine the same proportions of honey and aloe vera gel. To prepare a mask known to lessen acne-causing germs, you can also add cinnamon to this mixture.

When wrapped in a moist towel, fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for one week. Then, for a good eight months, the leaves can be preserved in the freezer in an airtight freezer bag to keep them from wilting and losing their freshness. (source)

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, aloe vera, a bioactive product, can become bad. Honey, vitamin C, or vitamin E can be used as preservatives to extend the freshness of raw aloe vera, but preservatives are already added to commercially processed aloe vera, greatly extending shelf life.

Aloe vera should be stored in airtight containers and kept out of direct sunlight and moisture. Aloe vera should always be refrigerated or frozen to make things simple if all else fails.