When choosing an aloe vera product, it is worth reading the label carefully and asking the team at Pumpernickel if you are unsure. We stock a range of aloe vera products in Bedford and are always glad to answer questions about them.
A plant with a long history
Aloe vera has a long history of use in food and herbal traditions, stretching back centuries. It has traditionally been taken in many forms, from fresh leaf gel to prepared juices, and it remains one of the most widely recognised plants on our shelves. That long tradition is exactly why it is worth understanding what modern research has been looking at — and, just as importantly, what it has not.
What the research says
Much of the recent research has focused on safety rather than on any particular effect. A 2024 study looked at the safety of aloe vera inner leaf gel beverages over a 90-day period, paying particular attention to the hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives (HADs) found in the latex layer of the leaf. These compounds can cause adverse effects when consumed in large amounts or over long periods, which is why reputable manufacturers take care to remove them from products intended for drinking.
Another study from 2025 explored the use of aloe vera gel as a natural antioxidant in food preservation, testing it on cold-stored seafood. It is a useful reminder that scientific interest in this plant extends well beyond the supplement shelf, and that research into a plant is not the same thing as a proven benefit for the person taking it.
Safety first
Aloe vera is not suitable for everyone, and honesty about that matters more to us than a sale. Some people report mild side effects, especially with large amounts taken over a long time. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication, have a word with your GP or pharmacist before trying an ingested aloe vera product — a short conversation can save a lot of guesswork.
How to choose
Aloe vera turns up in many forms, and the first step is deciding which kind of product you are actually looking for. Juices and gels are intended to be taken by mouth, while topical products such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant are for external use only. The aloe vera range we stock at Pumpernickel is topical, and we would never suggest using a topical product as a way to take aloe vera internally.
Our aloe vera, tea tree and fennel fluoride-free toothpaste is made with aloe vera and is a popular everyday choice for customers who prefer a fluoride-free option. You can find it here.
For a traditional approach to the daily wash, the aloe vera pure vegetable soap is made with natural ingredients and keeps things simple. You can find it here.
And for something a little more refreshing, the mint and aloe vera deo is a light, natural deodorant with a fresh scent. You can find it here.
If you are comparing aloe vera products that are intended to be taken by mouth, read the label with care. Look for a clear statement of which part of the leaf is used — inner leaf only, or whole leaf — and check whether the latex-derived HADs have been removed. Reputable brands state this plainly. If anything on a label is unclear, our team is happy to help you make sense of it.
Visit us
At Pumpernickel, we have been on the high street in Bedford for many years, and we have always believed in natural, high-quality products and straight answers. Whether you are curious about aloe vera for the first time or weighing up two similar labels, we are glad to talk it through with you.
You can visit us at 7 The Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1NS. We are open from Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 17:15. If you have any questions about choosing the right product, you can call us on 01234 348179. Our team knows their customers by name and can offer advice based on years of experience.
We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer. Come in and see us — we would love to welcome you.