Since the time of the Pharaohs, the gel from the spiny grey-green leaves of the Aloe vera plant has been soothing sunburns, skin irritations, insect bites and dry skin. The gel is created by adding two gelling agents, Irish moss extract (Rodophycea spp.) and xanthan gum to the juice. Aloe vera gel spreads on quickly and leaves no residual stickiness.