Why Is Aloe On the California Prop 65 List?

California Proposition 65 is a law requiring businesses to inform Californians about harmful chemicals in their products. It is also titled “The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act”. You may not live in California, and you wonder why non-Californians would care. The items on the list can cause harm to anyone, not just Californians, so is aloe now dangerous?

The particular type of aloe on the list, “Aloe Vera, Non-Decolorized Whole Leaf Extract”, was involved in a study on rats. This particular aloe was freeze dried, gamma-irradiated and put in the rats drinking water for two years. The rats then showed an increase in intestinal tumors. Whole aloe contains anthraquinones (notably aloin and/or barbaloin). These compounds are known to have a laxative effect when ingested. The anthraquinones are mostly found in the rind and the yellow layer just below the rind, not the gelatinous inner portion. This means not all forms of aloe are on the Prop 65 list. Skin care products in the US typically use the aloe gel, which is believed to be safe.

Oak Manour uses 100% aloe vera for our glitter gel. The aloe vera we source is only the gel from the inner portion of the leaf, believed to be safe for everyone.. even Californians.