Aloe Ferox vs Aloe Vera: What is the difference?

Aloe Ferox vs Aloe Vera | Aloe Ferox Skin Products

Aloe Ferox is not a plant we hear much about. But the benefits are amazing and under-estimated.

Aloe preparations have been used as a natural remedy for millennia. As the clean beauty movement continues to gain momentum, with more consumers seeking brands that are as transparent in their ingredient list as they are natural in their products, some species of aloe continue to dominate the beauty and skincare world.

If whilst browsing the beauty and skincare aisles and skimming over the ingredients list, you might have come across the ingredients Aloe Ferox and Aloe Vera. You might ask yourself what is the difference between Aloe Vera and Aloe Ferox. Aren’t they the same thing?

The answer is no and here’s why …

Firstly, We Need to Understand, What is the Difference Between Aloe vs Aloe Vera?

Aloe vs Aloe Vera is a confusing question that’s worth understanding.

When people refer to an Aloe they are generally referring to the broad categorisation of the plant type Aloe
On the other hand when people are talking about Aloe Vera, they are specifically referring to the Aloe Vera plant
In other words, Aloe refers to the whole family of 289 different types of aloe plants. But when they are talking about Aloe Vera or Aloe Ferox, they are referring to one specific type of Aloe plant

This bring us to the next question we should be asking …

Secondly, What is the Difference Between Aloe Vera vs Aloe Ferox?

Aloe Ferox has been viewed as the miracle plant by many over the years. Commonly known as the Cape Aloe or Bitter Aloe, most people are more familiar with its ‘cousin,’ Aloe Vera. However, the differences between the two are significant.

1. Aloe Ferox is Free Range

Contrary to Aloe Vera that is heavily cultivated worldwide, Aloe Ferox is indigenous to our rich African soil and grows wild in its natural habitat without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers. It is also free range harvested using ancient methods.

2. Double the Amino Acids

Scientifically proven to penetrate the skin to the deepest layer, Aloe Ferox is ideal for skin care. Rich in amino acids (the building blocks for new cells which make up healthy skin), Aloe Ferox contains almost double the amount of amino acids compared to Aloe Vera.

3. 20 Times More Aloin

In contrast to its relative, which contains very little sap, Aloe Ferox has 20x more bitter sap containing the powerful agent Aloin.

Aloin is an anti-oxidant and viral stimulant known for its healing properties.

In addition to the above, Aloe Ferox is rich in polysaccharides and other plant metabolites, all of which contributes to soft and smooth skin that is hydrated, nourished and revitalised.

4. Aloe Ferox is Never Filtered

While the Aloe Ferox plant is similar to Aloe Vera in many ways, the chemical composition of the aloe gel from its leaves (which is the part of the plant used in skin-care) differs. In Aloe Ferox, the bitter Aloin is found just under the skin and can be easily separated from the gel-like inner leaf. However, in Aloe Vera, the Aloin is found throughout the leaf and is extracted via a chemical process.

Aloe Ferox, unlike Aloe Vera, NEVER has to be filtered. This means it retains all the naturally present active plant chemicals. After extraction, the juice of the Aloe vera leaves decolourises and loses its viscosity much more rapidly than that of the Aloe Ferox.

5. More Iron and Calcium

The solids content of the juice in Aloe Ferox are greater in volume than those obtained from Aloe Vera and contain considerably more Iron and Calcium.

6. Cold-pressed

Aloe Ferox is also cold-pressed – no heat means, no degradation of the natural plant botanicals.

7. The Aloe Ferox Plant Looks Different

Aloe Ferox plant

Aloe Vera plant

Although both plants form part of the succulent family, they differ in appearance. Resembling a cactus, the Aloe Vera plant is stemless or very short-stemmed with thick, greenish, fleshy leaves that fan out from the plant’s central stem. The margin of the leaf is serrated with small teeth.

Aloe Ferox is a large and showy, evergreen succulent forming a dense rosette of green, lance-shaped leaves. Leaves feature dark brown spines along the edges and on the leaf surfaces. This single stemmed majestic plant blooms striking red-orange flowers in winter that resemble furry flames.

More Benefits of Aloe Ferox

In addition to the many benefits discussed, Aloe Ferox also contains powerful active ingredients and vitamins that boast a range of benefits and medicinal properties:

1. Stimulates Growth of New Cells

Cape Aloe Ferox gel has a dilatory effect on the capillaries and the veins, thus resulting in an increase of the amount of nutrients being transported. With more nutrients available for growth, nutrition and repair, the process of rejuvenation and regeneration can occur more rapidly. It also stimulates normal lymphocytes and possesses enzymes which stimulate the growth of new cells.

2. Powerful Antioxidant

Vitamin E or Tocopherol is a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to neutralize excess free radicals both within and on the surface of the skin. In this way, it protects against the oxidation of skin cells and ageing. The photo protective effect of vitamin E can also be attributed to its radical scavenger capacity.

3. Vitamin E

With its enhanced water-binding capacity, Vitamin E prevents trans-epidermal water loss, keeping our skin both moisturised and hydrated, thus counteracting ageing. With anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in maintaining skin health, Vitamin E is also known to reduce excessive pigmentation.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid (Water Soluble) is a powerful anti-oxidant protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. With anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C helps speed up the healing process of wounds and counteracts bacterial infections. Well known as a skin whitening agent, it inhibits UVA & UVB induced damage as well as melanin formulation. It also helps regulate biosynthesis of collagen.

5. Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid stimulates cellular activity, cell growth and tissue formation. An anti-inflammatory, it is also effective in healing wounds, protecting against sunburn and promotes normal keratinization. Best known for being a humectant, it protects the skin’s barrier and helps the skin to retain its moisture levels.

6. Vitamin B2

Vitamen B2 (Riboflavin) is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which can contribute to premature aging. While Riboflavin itself is not an emollient, it is crucial for overall skin health as it supports cellular energy production and repair processes. Additionally, Riboflavin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, supporting the healing of minor skin irritations.

7. Vitamin A

Vitamin A Palmitate, a form of Vitamin A, acts as an effective antioxidant when applied to the skin. It is well-known for its role in normalizing skin cell turnover, which can help improve skin texture and tone. While it can contribute to the overall health of the skin by supporting cell regeneration, its effects on collagen and elastin production are milder compared to stronger Vitamin A derivatives like retinol or retinoic acid.

8. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine (Oil soluble) helps break down proteins into amino-acids which are used for cellular construction. It also prevents scaling and skin dryness.

Insert pic of using Aloe Ferox on skin