Aloe vera is known for being soothing and promoting healing for dry or irritated skin. Aloe vera is water based and needs a preservative, but you can use aloe vera powder to create an oil infusion to make an aloe vera balm recipe. This is an easy oil based recipe that doesn't need a preservative, so it's still a good recipe for beginners.

Aloe Vera Salve Recipe

Aloe is a wonderful natural ingredient for both the hair and skin. I like to use it for a hair mask because it hydrates my hair without making it oily.

I also use it for sunburns and for dry skin recipes. However, aloe is water based and doesn't work well in oil based recipes like salves or balms.

You can use aloe butter like I did in my eczema body butter. Or you can make an aloe and oil infusion like I did with this sunburn salve recipe.

For more aloe recipes, check out these posts:

Essential Ingredients for Aloe Vera Salve

You'll need a few ingredients to make this aloe vera salve:

Aloe Vera Powder: A concentrated form of Aloe Vera gel that is easier to store and use in salve formulations. It retains the plant's beneficial properties while providing a longer shelf life. You can get aloe vera powder from Mountain Rose Herbs, Starwest Botanicals, or Amazon.
Carrier Oils: Essential for diluting Aloe Vera powder and carrying its healing compounds deep into the skin. Common carrier oils include jojoba, almond, coconut, and olive oil, each with unique nourishing qualities.
Beeswax: This natural substance acts as a binding agent, giving the salve its thick consistency and sealing in the active ingredients for extended effectiveness.
Essential Oils: These highly concentrated plant extracts add therapeutic scents and enhance the healing benefits of the Aloe Vera Salve. Lavender, tea tree, and chamomile are popular choices.

Selecting Carrier Oils for Your Salve

Choosing the right carrier oils is crucial as they can significantly impact the overall quality of your Aloe Vera Salve. Each carrier oil has distinct properties, ranging from fast absorption to deep moisturization.

Blending multiple carrier oils can maximize their benefits, providing the best results for your specific skincare needs.

Since this aloe salve recipe is used to promote healing for dry or irritated skin, I recommend using a heavier oil with more skin benefits.

Here are the oils that I recommend:

Avocado oil
Argan oil
Chia seed oil
Rosehip seed oil
Hemp seed oil
Safflower oil

You can learn more about carrier oils and their benefits to choose the best one.

I buy my oils from Crafty Bubbles, Mountain Rose Herbs, or HB Oils.

Using Beeswax as a Binding Agent

Beeswax is a natural wonder in the world of skincare products. Its water-repellent properties create a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss while allowing it to breathe.

When used in Aloe Vera Salve, beeswax ensures the active compounds from Aloe Vera and carrier oils are locked in, ensuring prolonged relief for your skin.

I get my beeswax from HB Oils or Mountain Rose Herbs.

Incorporating Essential Oils

Essential oils are the aromatic essence of plants and flowers, extracted through various methods. When combined with Aloe Vera Salve, they not only add a delightful fragrance but also contribute their unique therapeutic properties.

Here are some good essential oils and blends to try for your sunburn salve recipe:

Lavender essential oil
Frankincense essential oil
Helichrysum essential oil
Bumps and Boo Boos
Soft Skin

I get my essential oils from Simply Earth or Plant Therapy.

Customizing Your Aloe Vera Salve

This is a base recipe that works well on its own, or you can customize your aloe vera salve recipe if you choose to.

Adding Herbs and Botanicals for Therapeutic Effects

Since we're creating an herbal infusion with the aloe powder, you can also add other botanicals for their benefits.

Calendula flowers provide soothing properties, while chamomile adds a gentle touch for sensitive skin. Infuse these herbs into your carrier oils along with the aloe vera powder.

Changing the Consistency

If you prefer a firmer salve, you can add more beeswax. For a thinner salve, add more of the carrier oil.

Generally, a salve is 1 part beeswax to 3 to 5 parts oil. After you melt your ingredients, you can take a small amount of the mixture and place on a spoon. Let cool for a minute and test the consistency. Add more oil or beeswax as needed.

Storing and Preserving Your Aloe Vera Salve

Opt for dark glass jars or metal tins to protect the salve from exposure to light and air, which can lead to the degradation of its active ingredients.

You can also pour it into paper tubes for easier application.

Store your Aloe Vera Salve in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Properly stored, your salve can maintain its efficacy for several months.

Using Aloe Vera Salve

Now that your Aloe Vera Salve is ready, let's explore how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.

For dry or chapped skin, massage a small amount of the salve onto the affected areas. Its moisturizing properties will provide relief and promote healing.
In case of minor burns, sunburns, or irritations, apply a thin layer of the salve to soothe and reduce redness.
This makes an excellent foot salve recipe. Use it nightly for soft feet.
You can also use it as a lip balm. Pour a small amount into a lip balm container.
Aloe vera salve is great for cuticles. You can use it all over your hands or pour into a lip balm container for easier application for your cuticles.

Aloe Vera Salve Ingredients

You will need the following:

1/2 cup aloe vera powder
1 1/4 cup avocado oil
2 1/2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
96 drops essential oils

How to Make Aloe Vera Salve

Step #1

Place the aloe vera powder in a jar and cover with avocado oil. It will take a few minutes for the powder to soak up the oil. Put a lid on the jar and let sit for a few weeks. Shake it gently every day or two to help the infusion.

Step #2

Strain out the aloe vera powder with a coffee filter. Toss the aloe vera powder and save the oil.

Step #3

Combine the beeswax and infused oil in a double boiler. Heat over medium heat until the beeswax is melted. This can take a while.

Step #4

Pour the salve into tins or tubes. Let sit uncovered for several hours until fully hardened.

This makes about 6 to 8 ounces of salve. You'll lose some oil during the infusion, which accounts for the range.

I hope you enjoy this aloe vera balm recipe!

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aloe vera salve

Yield: 6 ounces

Author: Cari @ Everything Pretty

Estimated cost: $10