Aloe vera, which is supposedly good for the skin, is carcinogenic?

Memories of the aloe vera my grandmother used to apply to me

In the past, my grandmother would apply this to me when I got injured.

I'm sure many of you have similar memories of aloe vera.

This may be a hard truth to believe for some people, but it has been found that the outer skin of aloe vera contains naturally occurring carcinogens.

California and French Ministry of Health recognize it as carcinogenic

The state of California in the United States has its own designated list of hazardous substances. A state law called " Proposition 65 " lists harmful chemicals.
It is created to protect citizens from chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, and more.

And it also contains aloe vera extract.

In 2018, the French Ministry of Health and Solidarity announced that a substance called a hydroxyanthracene derivative is secreted from the outer skin of aloe vera leaves, indicating that this substance may be carcinogenic.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer also lists aloe vera as a " possible carcinogen ."

Conditions under which aloe is carcinogenic

However, not all aloe vera extracts are carcinogenic.

Raw aloe, that is, the outer skin of aloe that has not been processed or treated in any way, contains carcinogenic substances. However, when it is "bleached" for use in cosmetics, the carcinogenic substances are removed and it is rendered non-toxic.

For this reason, California's Proposition 65 designates unbleached aloe vera extract as a potential carcinogen.

The carcinogenic substances are only found in the outer skin of aloe vera leaves.
The jelly-like contents, once the outer skin has been thoroughly removed, are not carcinogenic.

Aloe vera extract used in cosmetics

Aloe vera has an image of being good for the skin, which is why it is used in various forms in cosmetics.
And of course, most Japanese cosmetics use aloe vera ingredients that have been treated to be detoxified.

However, you can't tell how aloe ingredients are made just by looking at the ingredients list . To get the right information, you'll need to contact the manufacturer.

Be careful with aloe vera during pregnancy

There is another concerning statement in California's Proposition 65.
This means that harmful substances from untreated aloe vera can be transferred from the mother to her baby.

If you are not sure whether the product has been made non-toxic (especially if it is a cosmetic product from overseas), it may be a good idea to refrain from using it during pregnancy just to be on the safe side.

*Most of the aloe in Japan is Aloe arborescens, not Aloe vera, but the risk of carcinogenicity is thought to be about the same.

Is it okay because it's natural?

Because it's natural .
Because it's natural.
Because it's organic .

Such standards do not serve as a basis for the safety of cosmetics or their gentleness to the skin.

Whether natural or synthetic, dangerous things are dangerous and safe things are safe.
In reality, safety should be determined based on the properties of a substance, not its origin.

Some people may be surprised by this article and think, "No way, that aloe vera?"

However, just like pollen and plant allergies, some common natural ingredients can pose risks to your skin and health.

Related article: The fact that most "natural cosmetics" contain allergenic ingredients

Cosmetics are used every day. We should not underestimate the impact of repeated use. We hope you will learn that knowing the right things and choosing the right products will lead to the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

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