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Aloe vera

Aloe vera suppliers and sourcing guide

Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera), a succulent grown commercially in Mexico, Texas, the Caribbean and Asia. The trade product is the inner leaf gel, filleted or whole-leaf processed to remove the yellow latex (aloin), then sold as liquid juice, concentrate, or freeze-dried or spray-dried powder, often as 200:1 powder. The latex is a separate material with a separate regulatory position.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Aloe barbadensis Miller · Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. · aloe vera gel · aloe inner leaf
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of aloe vera

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Inner leaf juice

    Single-strength or concentrated gel juice, preserved and often decolorized, for drinks and cosmetics.

  • Inner leaf powder

    Gel dried by freeze-drying or spray-drying, sold by concentration ratio (for example 100:1 or 200:1).

  • Decolorized whole leaf

    Whole leaf processed with activated carbon to reduce aloin.

  • Organic and certified grades

    Certified organic gel or material certified by an industry aloe program, with documents tied to the lot.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Aloin
Aloin A and B (and related hydroxyanthracenes) by HPLC, checked against a ceiling such as 10 ppm for oral products.
Acemannan / polysaccharides
Acetylated polysaccharide content by NMR or a colorimetric method, the main identity and quality marker for aloe gel.
Identity and adulteration
NMR or HPLC for malic acid, glucose and acemannan to detect dilution or added maltodextrin.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella. Raw herb powders carry more microbial load than extracts and may be steam treated, which should be stated on the COA.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, usually by ICP-MS, checked against the buyer's limits and Prop 65 exposure targets where relevant.
Solids and pH
Total solids, pH and, for juice, preservatives used.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep aloe powder sealed in lined drums in a cool, dry place; it is very hygroscopic. Liquid gel and concentrate need chilled storage or preservatives as specified by the supplier and should be used promptly once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's spec, with aloin and microbiology rechecked at retest.

Lots and expiry dates

Polysaccharide content, color and aloin level vary with leaf age, season and processing, so check each lot. Record the supplier lot, concentration ratio, aloin result and retest date.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.510 lists aloe (Aloe perryi, A. barbadensis, A. ferox and hybrids) among natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 310.545 lists aloe ingredients (aloe, aloe extract, aloe flower extract) among OTC stimulant laxative ingredients for which data are inadequate to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Aloe Vera Leaf Gel (oral) monograph lists fresh leaf gel of Aloe vera and requires hydroxyanthracene derivatives (barbaloin/aloin) in the finished gel product to be below 10 ppm.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • The EU Novel Food status Catalogue entry for Aloe barbadensis (POL-NF-00105) lists the inner part of the leaves (gel, mucilage or pulp) as not novel in food.

    Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Aloe vera suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking aloe vera suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell aloe vera? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of aloe vera can brands buy?

Common forms include inner leaf juice, inner leaf powder, decolorized whole leaf and organic and certified grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for aloe vera include?

Expect aloin, acemannan / polysaccharides, identity and adulteration, microbiology, heavy metals and solids and pH, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should aloe vera be stored?

Keep aloe powder sealed in lined drums in a cool, dry place; it is very hygroscopic. Liquid gel and concentrate need chilled storage or preservatives as specified by the supplier and should be used promptly once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's spec, with aloin and microbiology rechecked at retest.

What is the regulatory status of aloe vera?

21 CFR 172.510 lists aloe (Aloe perryi, A. barbadensis, A. ferox and hybrids) among natural flavoring substances and natural substances used in conjunction with flavors. 21 CFR 310.545 lists aloe ingredients (aloe, aloe extract, aloe flower extract) among OTC stimulant laxative ingredients for which data are inadequate to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness. Health Canada's Aloe Vera Leaf Gel (oral) monograph lists fresh leaf gel of Aloe vera and requires hydroxyanthracene derivatives (barbaloin/aloin) in the finished gel product to be below 10 ppm. The EU Novel Food status Catalogue entry for Aloe barbadensis (POL-NF-00105) lists the inner part of the leaves (gel, mucilage or pulp) as not novel in food.

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