Is aloe vera bad?????

[nora--not a llama]

I was researching some California Baby items on the skindeep website, and a couple of them had ratings close to 1.0 (moderate concern) because their ingredient listing includes aloe vera. They are saying that aloe is a possible reproductive or developmental toxin.
I have never ever heard of this. Is this true?

[calebsmama03]

I don't know but I take the EWG ratings with a grain of salt. IMO they rate some things too high of a conern and others too low (like parabens). THey even state shea butter is a potential carcinogen :

In all honestly, though, there are far better choices out there than CA baby for most things. They are more natural than mainstream but not as much as other brands, including some WAHM stuff from our own MDC mamas

[nora--not a llama]

Originally Posted by calebsmama03

They are more natural than mainstream but not as much as other brands, including some WAHM stuff from our own MDC mamas

Such as?????

[chandistar]

I was wondering the same thing about aloe vera from the skin deep site. That's pretty weird.

Anyway I'd like some more info on better products too. Thanks

[zinemama]

I'd certainly hope it's not bad. I spritz 100% aloe vera on my face every day.

[Dillpicklechip]

I was just wondering the same thing! I've never heard before that aloe has any harmful effects. I mean, you can even take it externally. Although, I did know a guy once who actually overdosed on aloe vera because he took an enormous quanitity of it orally. He was very very sick afterwards...yeah, I know some weird people.

[calebsmama03]

Originally Posted by nora--not a llama

Such as?????

Well, for lotion I really like the shea and meadowfoam varieties from Indygo Wild. THey're available at most WF stores or online.

I'm blanking on the lotion-making MDC WAHMS but quite honestly I prefer to use true body butters (not the kind sold at Bath and Bady work labeled "Body dutter" ) or solid lotion sticks or just straight shea or jojoba butters because they contain no water. ANything with water needs to be preserved and there are very few natural, safe and effective preservative systems out there.