The convenience of a large retailer like Target makes it a common destination for purchasing topical aloe vera, a plant extract recognized for its soothing properties. The Aloe barbadensis miller plant’s inner leaf gel is utilized to hydrate and calm skin irritated by sun exposure or minor abrasions. Consumers seek this product for its ability to provide immediate cooling relief and aid in the skin’s natural recovery process. The variety of gels, lotions, and sprays requires a careful approach to ensure you select a product that delivers genuine benefits. Understanding the formulation differences is the first step in making an informed selection.
Identifying Product Purity and Formulations
The effectiveness of a bottled aloe product is largely determined by the concentration and quality of the Aloe barbadensis leaf juice it contains. To ensure a high-quality purchase, the ingredient list must feature “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice” as the very first item, indicating it is the most abundant component. Look for products that clearly state a high percentage of aloe, ideally 90% or higher, as lower concentrations mean you are primarily buying water and thickeners.
Additives can detract from the aloe’s healing capabilities and may cause irritation to stressed skin. Drying alcohols, such as SD alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, are commonly added for a quick-drying sensation but can dehydrate the skin barrier, which is counterproductive when treating sunburn. Pure aloe vera gel is naturally clear or pale golden; a bright green gel indicates artificial dyes, which offer no therapeutic benefit and may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.
Many commercial formulas include synthetic fragrances or parabens, which are best avoided, especially when applying the product to damaged skin. Aloe combined with lidocaine acts as a topical anesthetic to block nerve signals and provide temporary numbness. While this formulation is appropriate when immediate pain relief is the primary goal, such as with a severe sunburn, a purer aloe gel without the anesthetic is preferred for general hydration or promoting long-term healing.
Understanding Target’s Aloe Brand Landscape
When browsing the aisles at Target, shoppers will encounter a mix of well-known national brands and the store’s private label offering, up&up. The up&up brand typically provides a cost-effective alternative and often presents two distinct formulations: a green-tinted gel and a clear gel. Analyzing the ingredient list on these store brands can illustrate the purity differences that affect value.
The up&up Clear Aloe Vera Gel is often marketed as 96% pure aloe and is formulated without added color or fragrance, positioning it as a purer option. Conversely, the up&up Green Aloe Vera Gel commonly lists water as its primary ingredient, followed by aloe juice, and contains SD Alcohol 40-B, artificial dyes, and fragrance. Comparing these two options demonstrates that price point alone does not dictate quality, making label scrutiny paramount even within the same store brand.
National brands like Sun Bum or Fruit of the Earth are consistently stocked, often at a higher price per ounce than the private label options. Consumers should compare the value of these national brands against the purer up&up clear gel, considering both the volume and the percentage of aloe listed. This comparison allows shoppers to weigh whether the cost savings of a heavily-diluted or additive-laden product are worth sacrificing the therapeutic benefits of a high-purity formula.
Practical Shopping and Storage Considerations
Locating aloe products within Target depends on the time of year, as stocking placement shifts seasonally. During summer months, aloe gels are prominently displayed in sun care displays near the front of the store or alongside sunscreen. Year-round, the product is typically found in two main areas: the pharmacy section with first-aid supplies or within the general beauty and skincare aisle under “After Sun Care”.
Before purchasing, inspect the product container for its integrity and shelf life. Check the bottom or back of the bottle for the expiration date to ensure the preservatives are effective and the gel’s bioactive compounds, like acemannan, remain potent. Ensure the seal beneath the cap is intact and has not been tampered with, guaranteeing the product has not been contaminated prior to sale.
Once the aloe gel is brought home, proper storage is necessary to maintain its efficacy and enhance its cooling effect. Storing the bottle in the refrigerator is a common practice that increases the immediate soothing sensation upon application. To prevent degradation of the active compounds, the container should be kept in a cool, dark location, shielded from direct sunlight and excessive heat.