Summer officially starts in the Philippines on the first day of Holy Week, which is on March 28 of this year, where people head to the beach just to cool off from the extra heat. Of course, just because we’re used to the sun, it doesn’t mean we don’t get sunburn or feel just a little pain from sun exposure. And that’s where aloe vera becomes really handy. The most famous one is this one from a Korean brand, but is it really good? Scroll down to read my Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel review.
WHAT IS IT?
Made from 92% Aloe Vera gel, Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel is enriched with vitamins and can be used for just about anything, from soothing sunburns to hydrating the skin and hair in the form of a mask, to an everyday moisturizer for supple skin. The aloe vera used to make this product comes from certified organic farmers in California (CCOF) and is kind to even the most sensitive of skins, making this suitable for all skin types. No wonder this is one of the best selling products. For its ingredients, you can check this CosDNA Analysis.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: As a face mask, apply a generous layer onto the skin and leave on the skin for 20-30 minutes before washing off. As a moisturizer, apply a thin layer onto the skin and gently pat in for better absorption. As a hair mask, apply a generous layer onto your hair and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing off. And lastly, as an after-sun cooling gel or for treating a sunburn, just apply an adequate amount on the skin where it feels hot or painful.
SMELL: It has a refreshing smell of aloe vera.
PACKAGING: The Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel comes in three packaging, the one above is packaged in a 300ml jar which is the most popular. The other two are packaged in a tube and a spray bottle which is more convenient for traveling.
TEXTURE: It has a thick gel formula which feels a little cold on the skin when you applied it even when you don’t store it in a refrigerator. Despite the thick texture, it is lightweight and non-sticky. It absorbs well into the skin too.
RESULT: I own both the plain gel in a jar and the mist version of this Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. I prefer keeping them both on the refrigerator to make it extra cold which is perfect for treating sunburns or even a mild burn from cooking.
My brother used the plain gel version when he gets burns while cooking. I also used it after when I went out one time without sunblock or even an umbrella. I didn’t get a sunburn but my skin was painful and almost red, so I slathered my skin with the Aloe Vera Soothing Gel after a shower. It felt so relaxing! I used the plain gel as a moisturizer too for my face when I had a chemical peel treatment, it just soothes my itchy chemical peeled skin.
Since the jar is too big for travel, I bought the Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist too as an after-sun treatment. After a long day out at the beach, even when I have a cover-up and applied a sunblock, it still feels hot so I love to spray the Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist that I kept in the hotel refrigerator all-over my body. It’s refreshing and indeed soothing. The only thing I haven’t tried using these is as a hair mask.
VERDICT
PROS: It’s soothing and moisturizing. Any skin type could use this and it’s a multi-tasking product that you can even use a sunburn treatment and hair mask. Although I still haven’t used it as a hair mask.
CONS: It contains alcohol so those with dry skin may find this a little drying on their face. I have oily skin, I only learned it from someone who has dry skin and used this.
WHERE TO BUY?
| SHOP | PRICE | DETAILS |
| Hi Charis | $3.99 or Php220 | Offers free international shipping |
| Style Korean | $9 for the 300ml jar $6.87 for the 250ml tube version $8.22 for the Soothing Gel Mist | Offers free international shipping and freebies in every order. |
| Althea Korea | Php330 for the 300ml jar Php260 for the soothing mist gel | Offers free shipping to the Philippines. |
| BeautyMNL | Php230 for the 300ml jar Php275 for the soothing mist gel | Ships to the Philippines only. |