I've always loved aloe for sunburn, but recently realized that using it every day is like a hearty drink of water for my mature skin.

METERy fair skin is prone to sunburn, which is why aloe vera has been my post-sun savior on many occasions. Although I’ve gotten more diligent in using SPF as I’ve gotten older, I still love the way a good aloe gel soothes my shoulders, back, and arms after being in the sun. However, I never thought of using aloe daily, or on my neck, until I found two new drugstore face products formulated with the superfood extract as the star ingredient: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe ($9) and Garnier Green. Labs Hyalu -Aloe Serum Gel 3 in 1 ($17).

The aloe-infused micellar water is the latest update to the brand’s best-selling micellar water line, offering plumping effects, while the serum delivers a triple threat of benefits as a hydrating gel, revitalizing serum, and de-puffing eye cream. And now that I’ve tried them, I want to use them every day.

Table of Contents

The benefits of using aloe for the skin

While aloe might typically be considered an after-sun product, it’s an excellent moisturizer, skin protectant, and anti-irritant, says Joshua Zeichner, M., associate professor of dermatology and director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Monte Hospital. Sinai in New York City.

“Aloe contains polysaccharides, or sugars, that coat the skin to form a breathable, protective seal over the skin barrier,” he explains. “It acts as an emollient to smooth rough cells on the outer layer of the skin while offering direct hydration due to its high water content. These attributes make it a perfect choice not only for treating skin after a mild sunburn, but also for regular use.”

Aloe has the added benefits of being suitable for use on all skin types and won’t irritate sensitive skin or weigh down oily or acne-prone skin. When combined with hyaluronic acid, aloe provides double the hydration benefits, says Dr. Zeichner. “While aloe offers direct hydration and protection, hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge to draw water into the outer layer of skin to hydrate and plump the skin,” he adds.

What happened when I used Garnier aloe products every day?

I’ve been using Garnier Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water ($9) as part of my nightly cleansing routine for years because the product works well at a great price. After washing my face and applying the aloe/hyaluronic acid micellar water with a cotton pad, it did an equally excellent job of removing any stubborn impurities and leaving my skin feeling clean and refreshed. The formula is very light and does not leave a greasy film. I also tried using the micellar water on my neck and was amazed at how much dirt it removed, who knew, and now I have added this step to my nightly skincare routine.

The serum gel comes in a small pump dispenser and looks like a typical aloe gel, thick with little floating bubbles, but as promised, it’s pretty lightweight. My biggest thought after applying the gel at the end of a hot summer day was how nice it felt on my skin, as if a cool breeze had gently blown across my face and lingered there. The gel kept my skin, including under my eyes, calm and hydrated throughout the day without the typical stickiness of many aloe-based body products. While I liked the lightweight texture of the product when worn alone (under SPF sunscreen if going outside) during the day, I preferred applying it under thicker moisturizers for the face and eye area at night.

While my shoulders and back will always beg for aloe after a day at the beach or pool, I’m happy to discover that aloe can also benefit my face year-round. And I’ll put him to work long after the summer is over.

Our editors select these products independently. Making a purchase through our links may generate a commission for Well+Good.