Rose water and aloe vera night gel: a fresh DIY recipe
A light, cooling gel made with two natural ingredients to soothe and hydrate skin before bed. How to make it, store it and use it.
By ICOLAN 4 min read
Aloe vera grows on many Moroccan terraces, and rose water from the Dades valley sits in almost every bathroom. Together they make a light, cooling night gel that refreshes the skin after a day of sun and heat and prepares it for your night cream. The key to a good homemade gel is preparing the aloe leaf correctly. Here is the full method, from cutting the leaf to storing the gel safely.
At a glance
- Best forNormal, combination and sun-tired skin
- Time20 minutes, including 10 minutes of draining
- Keeps5 days in the fridge, 2 weeks frozen in cubes
- You need1 aloe leaf, alcohol-free rose water, a blender
Why this gel works
- Aloe vera gel is about 99% water, with natural sugars that help the skin hold moisture. It is known for its cooling, soothing feel.
- Rose water refreshes and gives a gentle scent.
- The texture is light and non-greasy, so it layers well under a night cream.
How to prepare a fresh aloe leaf
- Cut a mature outer leaf close to the base with a clean knife.
- Drain the yellow sap: stand the leaf cut side down in a glass for 10 minutes. This yellow liquid, called aloin or latex, can irritate the skin and should not go into your gel.
- Rinse the leaf and cut off the spiky edges.
- Peel it: slice off the top green skin like filleting a fish, then scoop out the clear gel with a spoon.
- Rinse the gel pieces quickly under cold water to remove any remaining yellow traces.
No plant at home? Use 3 tablespoons of 100% pure aloe vera gel from a pharmacy. Check the label: aloe should be the first ingredient, with no alcohol.
The recipe
- 3 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of pure, alcohol-free rose water
- A small clean glass jar with a lid
- Blend the aloe gel and rose water for 20 to 30 seconds, until smooth. Some foam is normal; it settles in a few minutes.
- Pour into the clean jar and close it.
- Keep it in the fridge straight away.
How to store it
| Where | How long | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge, in a closed glass jar | Up to 5 days | Use a clean spoon, not your fingers |
| Freezer, in an ice-cube tray | Up to 2 weeks | Thaw one cube in a small bowl each evening |
| Room temperature | Not recommended | Without preservatives, it spoils quickly |
Throw it away if the smell, colour or texture changes.
How to use it
- As a night layer: after cleansing, smooth a thin layer onto the face and neck, wait two minutes, then apply your night cream on top to seal in the hydration.
- After a day in the sun: a cool layer straight from the fridge is very comforting. For real sunburn, see a pharmacist.
- Under the eyes: a tiny amount, cold from the fridge, feels refreshing in the morning.
Safety: some people are allergic to aloe vera, especially if they react to garlic, onions or tulips. Test the gel on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Never put the yellow sap on your skin.
Read next
Discover the benefits of rose water for the face and our night skincare routine for wrinkles. After the gel, apply RENOVA night cream with retinol, hyaluronic acid and argan oil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this gel every night?
Yes. It is gentle enough for daily use, as long as you make fresh batches and store them properly.
Can I use it with retinol?
Yes. Apply the gel first, then your retinol cream. The extra hydration can make the first weeks of retinol more comfortable.
Why did my gel turn pink or brown?
Aloe gel oxidises in contact with air. A slight colour change is normal, but if it smells sour or looks cloudy, throw it away.
Does it work for oily skin?
Yes. It is light and water-based, so many people with oily or combination skin use it instead of a heavier cream in summer.
