Aloe Vera

The one living green note in a black formula.

Also known as: Aloe barbadensis · Aloe barbadensis leaf juice

What it is

The inner gel of the aloe barbadensis leaf: mostly water, with polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals dissolved in it.

Why it's in the formula

Charcoal cleans hard; aloe keeps that from reading as tightness. It hydrates and calms the scalp and skin during and after washing, and it thickens a formula without silicone.

Where it comes from

Pressed leaf juice rather than reconstituted powder, so it is doing work instead of appearing on a label.

What to know

Widely tolerated. Rare sensitivity exists, as with any botanical; patch test if you react easily.