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how to store aloe vera gel
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13402
6 days ago
34

how to store aloe vera gel - #13402

Vihaan

I am a little worried about my aloe vera gel. I planted an aloe vera plant like, a year ago, and I finally figured out how to harvest the gel. I got it out and it worked wonders on my sunburn! But now I’m not sure how to store aloe vera gel properly! Do I need to refrigerate it? I’ve read some things about how to store aloe vera gel but it’s kinda conflicting, like some people say it lasts a week in the fridge, while others say you can add Vitamin E or lemon juice to extend the shelf life? How to store aloe vera gel without turning it into some gross science experiment? What’s the best way to actually keep it fresh? Plus, I’ve already gone through two jars and I’m worried about wasting it. Should I freeze how to store aloe vera gel, or is that just going to ruin its texture? I just don’t wanna mess this up! Like, I’m not very good at remembering stuff, ya know? If I don’t get this figured out, I might as well throw my plant out. Please help! How to store aloe vera gel effectively without losing all the benefits?

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Doctors’ responses

To keep your aloe vera gel fresh without it becoming a science experiment, storing it correctly is key. First off, once you’ve harvested the gel, put it into an airtight container to minimize its exposure to air, which can degrade its quality. Refrigerating is a good idea—aloe vera gel can last about a week in the fridge when stored properly. To extend its shelf life beyond a week, you could add a natural preservative. Vitamin E oil works well; it not only extends the gel’s lifespan by a few weeks but also adds skin benefits due to its antioxidant properties. Adding a little lemon juice is an option too, as its citric acid can help preserve the gel, but watch out as it can sometimes alter the pH and might irritate sensitive skin. If you’re looking for longer-term storage, freezing the gel is feasible too. Use ice cube trays for portion-sized amounts, which you can then pop into a Ziploc bag once frozen. This helps prevent freezer burn. Freezing might slightly change the texture, making it a bit watery upon thawing, but it mostly retains its beneficial properties. Just remember that each time you defrost some, use it as soon as possible for maximum benefit. Preventing it from turning into a “gross science experiment”’ really comes down to minimizing exposure to air and heat, both of which break down the gel’s properties. Keep it simple and stick to your storage routine—you’ve got this!

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