What is Aloin? The Science Behind Kelp's Skin-Regenerating Power

Most people know that aloe vera is good for skin but far fewer people know why. The answer lies in a remarkable compound called aloin. Even fewer know that an analysis of Yorkshire kelp seaweed found it to contain aloin in higher concentrations than aloe vera itself. At Cosy Cottage Soap, aloin is used alongside aloe vera as the hero ingredient in our award-winning Aloin Rich Regenerative Face Mask, formulated by our in-house chemists using kelp harvested from the Yorkshire coast.

What is Aloin?

Aloin is a naturally occurring anthraquinone compound found in aloe vera and in kelp (Laminaria Digitata). It is responsible for many of the skin benefits long associated with aloe vera, including its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Aloin also plays a key role in regenerating the connective tissues within the skin, helping to improve its structure, resilience, and appearance over time.

The Science: What Peer-Reviewed Research Tells Us

Protecting Skin Cells from Oxidative Damage

A 2015 study published in PLoS One demonstrated that aloin actively protects human skin fibroblast cells against heat stress-induced oxidative damage. The researchers found that aloin achieved this by regulating the skin's own oxidative defence system. In other words, aloin from kelp and aloe vera helps your skin cells defend themselves against environmental stressors that cause premature ageing and cellular breakdown.

Citation: Liu FW, Liu FC, Wang YR, Tsai HI, Yu HP. Aloin Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage by Regulating the Oxidative Defense System. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 4;10(12):e0143528. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143528. PMID: 26637174; PMCID: PMC4670167.

A Broad Spectrum of Therapeutic Properties

A comprehensive 2020 review published in 'Molecules' drew together data from numerous in-vitro skin studies to assess the full pharmacological profile of aloin and aloe vera's major active constituents. The review confirmed aloin's well-evidenced benefits for skin through its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Significantly, the authors concluded that the cumulative weight of basic research evidence is sufficient to justify further investigation into aloin's potential benefits for bone protection, cancer prevention (including radiation-induced skin cancer), and diabetes management.

Citation: Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules. 2020 Mar 13;25(6):1324. doi: 10.3390/molecules25061324. PMID: 32183224; PMCID: PMC7144722.

This is not a single-benefit ingredient. The science points to aloin as a compound with a genuinely broad spectrum of protective and regenerative properties; with skin health as its most thoroughly evidenced application. While these skin applications are most relevant to our research at Cosy Cottage, the power of aloin as a more universal wellness application is notable.

Why Kelp, Not Just Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera has long been celebrated as a source of aloin but from analyses of Yorkshire produced kelp, kelp (Laminaria Digitata) has been found to contain aloin in even higher concentrations. This makes sustainably harvested Yorkshire kelp an exceptionally potent source of this regenerative compound, and a compelling ingredient choice for serious skincare formulations.

The kelp we use is harvested from the clean, cold sea-waters of the Yorkshire coast. It's fast-growing, sustainable, and rich in the nutrients and compounds that make it such a powerful skincare ingredient. Combined with aloe vera leaf juice in our formulation, the result is a mask that delivers aloin from two complementary natural sources.

Aloin in Our Award-Winning Face Mask

Our Aloin Rich Regenerative Face Mask was developed by our in-house chemists in partnership with external cosmetic safety consultants and skincare specialists, and is made entirely in our workshops in Malton, North Yorkshire. It is particularly well suited to sensitive, mature, and menopausal skin, and has been recognised with an industry award for its performance on sensitive skin.

As with all Cosy Cottage products, it is free from hormone-disrupting parabens, sulphates, and harmful preservatives. It is 100% palm oil free, and the packaging is plastic-free and fully recyclable.

References

1. Liu FW, Liu FC, Wang YR, Tsai HI, Yu HP. Aloin Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage by Regulating the Oxidative Defense System. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0143528. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143528.
2. Sánchez M, González-Burgos E, Iglesias I, Gómez-Serranillos MP. Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents. Molecules. 2020;25(6):1324. doi: 10.3390/molecules25061324.