Comparisons
Aloe Vera or Calendula?
Aloe vera inner-leaf gel and calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers are common in creams and gels applied to the skin. Their evidence and warnings differ. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | Aloe VeraAloe vera (L.) Burm.f. | CalendulaCalendula officinalis |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | B Limited clinical evidence | T Traditional use |
| Needs | Skin & Hair | Skin & Hair, Respiratory, Throat & Mouth |
| Form | Clay, Soap & Other | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Apply a preparation made specifically for topical use from aloe inner-leaf gel to the skin. Stop if irritation occurs and seek medical assessment for extensive, deep, or serious burns. No standard amount or duration applies to every gel formulation in the reviewed sources. | Infuse 1–2 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of water and use the warm infusion for compresses. Apply ready-made creams in a thin layer. |
| Pregnancy | Caution | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Caution | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | Not stated | From age 6 |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Aloe Vera
In some studies, inner-leaf gel shortened healing of second-degree burns by about 3.8 days on average; traditionally used for mild irritation and after-sun discomfort. Oral aloe products are not the same as the skin gel.
Full card →Calendula
Traditionally used as a compress or ointment for mild skin inflammation such as sunburn and small wounds, and as a gargle for mouth and throat inflammation; not swallowed. Skin use is not recommended under 6.
Full card →Good to know
- Seek medical care for large or deep burns, or burns on the face, hands or genitals.
- Calendula is not used with a daisy-family (Asteraceae) allergy.
- See a doctor if the skin shows signs of infection.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Calendula officinalis L., flos – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2018 · MonographSource accessed:
- Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancerJournal of Clinical Oncology · 2004 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:
- Efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis on prevalence of radiation-induced dermatitis: a randomised controlled trialAustralasian Journal of Dermatology · 2021 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:
- Aloe Vera: Usefulness and SafetyNIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health · 2025 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Effects of Aloe vera on Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsJournal of Burn Care & Research · 2024 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- Aloe vera for treating acute and chronic woundsCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2021 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
- AloeNIH Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) · 2024 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- EFSA confirms health concerns for hydroxyanthracene derivatives in foodEuropean Food Safety Authority · 2018 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Aloes folii succus siccatus - herbal medicinal productEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA/HMPC) · 2017 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Aloe VeraNIH LiverTox · 2022 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- AloeMayo Clinic · 2025 · ReviewSource accessed:
- Aloe vera and the skinDermNet New Zealand · 2021 · ReviewSource accessed:
- Some Drugs and Herbal Products: Evaluation — Aloe veraIARC Monographs Volume 108 · 2016 · MonographSource accessed: