Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions

Why should people take aloe?
Aloe Vera has been shown to assist with digestive problems because it assists in lowering the pH of the stomach’s acid. Aloe is the most studied herb in the natural products industry. Other studies have shown that Aloe helps support a healthy immune system, improves absorption of other vitamins, minerals, and herbs, and support general wellness.
What makes Lily of the Desert’s formulated products better?
Through 35 years in business, Lily of the Desert has proven to be the most effective brand on the market for aloe benefits. There are 3 major differences between Lily products and others:
Why are polysaccharides important?
A University of Mississippi study showed that aloe polysaccharides, which are found in the solid portion of aloe are the main driving component of aloe. They stated for an aloe product to be most effective and beneficial, it needs to have the full range of polysaccharides. This study showed that Lily of the Desert products had this range and in larger concentrations than any other brand sold in health foods Stores.

Learn more about the Structure and Qualities of Aloe Vera (PDF).
Are your products “cold processed”?
All aloe plants must be heat treated at some point in the process. This is to remove any active harmful bacteria on the plant. The key to retaining the over 200 biologically active components of aloe is to apply a limited temperature for a limited time. Lily uses a process which ensures any harmful bacteria is removed but does not harm the active components including the aloe polysaccharides. In fact, we utilize a “flash” pasteurization method which is different from “batch” pasteurization. Batch pasteurization is basically “cooking” the aloe in the pan. Flash pasteurization is utilized as the aloe is moved along the process.
Does your product contain aloin, aloe latex, etc.?
Yes, one of the benefits of aloe is the regularity effect it has on body elimination. However, we maintain a low amount of aloin (Less the 1 ppm) which keeps one regular without have a more cathartic effect. Other brands use higher concentration and this can lead to diarrhea.
What is the difference between your traditional products and your preservative free products?
For over 35 years Lily has made a very effective and beneficial product that contained potassium sorbate as a preservative. Potassium sorbate is a food grade preservative that is commonly used throughout the natural products industry. We have now developed a technology that allows us to make a preservative free product which still contains all of the 200 biologically active components of aloe plus does not break down the aloe polysaccharides. This process also eliminates the “bitter taste” of aloe. Our Preservative Free products have a clean, fresh taste.
What is the difference between juice and gel?
The only difference is in the Gel products we add carageenan to provide a gelling effect. Carrageen is a seaweed derived product that is safe to use. Many consumers like the soothing effect of taking the gel aloe as it is swallowed. There are NO beneficial differences in the two products.
What percent of Aloe is in your products? What else is in it?
Our juices contain 99.7% of Aloe and our gels contain 99.5% (the added carageenan makes the difference). In our Traditional Juices/Gels, we are add Potassium Sorbate for preservation benefits and citric acid as a pH balancer. Our Preservative Free Juices only contain citric acid outside of the aloe.
Are your products Organic?
All of our products are made from 100% organically grown leaves. Our Preservative Free Products are the ONLY brand on the market allowed to use the USDA Organic seal on the bottle. Our traditional products contain potassium sorbate as a preservative. Most other brands are grown organically and use a similar preservative in their products. Again, our preservative free products are the only brand that are able to put the USDA Organic seal on the label.
What is the difference between whole leaf and fillet?
Fillet aloe vera products are made by filleting off the outer rind of the aloe leaf and processing only the inner gel. Whole leaf products are made by processing the entire leaf and filtering out the unwanted bitter constituents.
What is the difference between fractionally distilled liquid of aloe and aloe?
Products made from the Fractionally Distilled Liquid of Aloe contain none of the solids or any of the biologically active components of Aloe. It is scientifically proven that all of the beneficial components of Aloe are in the solids of the Aloe leaf, not in the liquid. Any benefits derived from this product is placebo based at best.
Should I take a concentrate? What is the difference?
One of our major competitors developed a concentrate several years ago. In fact, the University of Mississippi study showed that Lily’s 1:1 formula was 46% higher in polysaccharides and had a broader range than the concentrate. We developed a 5x concentrate for consumers that had more chronic conditions. Our concentrate is Preservative Free and has more of the benefits that a person seeking a concentrate desires. We recommend using a concentrate until the immediate condition diminishes and then going back to our regular formulations.
Do you add any additional herbs to your products?
We have several Condition Specific Herbal formulations: Stomach, Detox, and Joint. In each of these formulas, we have added additional science driven herbs to enhance the benefits of the product plus each contain Aloesorb™.
How much aloe should I take a day?
We recommend 4 - 8 ounces per day. Most people take part in the morning and part in the evening. Also, it can be mixed with your favorite juice and will retain its benefits.
Will taking aloe cause a laxative effect?
The aloin in the plant is the part that has a cathartic effect on the body. We keep our levels of aloin at less than 1 ppm which maintains regularity but should not cause a laxative effect. Other brands use a higher amount of aloin and could cause more of a laxative effect.
Should I take aloe when pregnant?
Many Doctors do not recommend taking aloe when pregnant mainly due to the laxative effect some aloe could have. Our low amount of aloin should not have that affect, but consult with your physician before taking.
Is aloe safe to give to children?
Aloe is completely safe but you should limit the dosage based on the age and size of the child. Aloe can have a laxative effect if given in too large a dosage. We would not recommend children under the age of two take any product unless approved by their physician.
What makes your personal care products different from other brands on the market?
Science has proven that products that contain at least a 30% concentration of Aloe will enhance the benefits of skin and hair care. Our products contain a minimum of 80% Aloe. This allows aloe to penetrate through three epidermal layers to improve cell regeneration, moisturize the skin, and promote healing. Our product also has Aloesorb™ which allows more of the other ingredients to reach the skin/hair cells. Our Aloe 80 Organic formula contain NO parabens and is the most effective aloe based product on the market.
What is the shelf life?
2½ years
How long are aloe vera products good after opening?
The Preservative Free Product must be refrigerated after opening. The traditional product is recommended to be refrigerated after opening. How long products will last after opening depends on the temperature, humidity, etc.
Do you sell direct to customers?
No. We sell to distributors only.
Are your products gluten free?
Yes.
What species of aloe do you use?
Barbadenis Miller
Are your products cruelty free?
Yes. No animal by products are used in the manufacturing or testing.
Are your products Kosher?
No. We do not have Kosher certification.
Can I give aloe to my pets?
Yes. However, dosage amount should be considered as over dosing could cause a laxative effect.