Aloe vera is a tremendously versatile plant, and its soothing powers can be useful in a number of different situations. Aloe Labs has been working in this industry for years, so it should come as no surprise that we are familiar with the many benefits that this plant has to offer. One of the ways to unlock this beneficial versatility is by understanding the different forms aloe vera can take.
Even looking at just one form of aloe vera, aloe vera powder, you will find that there are variations. Over the next few months, we will be featuring articles to help you learn some of the important distinctions that can be made between different types of aloe vera powders. We hope this helps you as you decide which form of aloe vera is best suited to your needs.
Leaf Powder vs Inner Leaf Powder
When deciding which the type of aloe vera powder that is best suited to your needs, it is very important to distinguish between leaf powder (some times distinguished by “100X”) and inner leaf powder (sometimes referred to as “200X”).
Leaf powder is made from the entire leaf, which means it may include aloin. This is because the aloin (or aloe latex) is a substance found just under the skin of an aloe leaf and if the source juice is not decolorized (a filtration process where most, if not all, of the aloin is removed). This process is very important and, if it is not performed, your leaf juice product will not be California Proposition 65 compliant which means it needs to be listed on labels (in California) as carcinogenic. Aloe Labs performs this filtration step that makes this product compliant. This type of powder is generally less expensive because it is less labor-intensive and due to its higher brix level, we are able to obtain more powder from the liquid than inner leaf product. Leaf powders have smaller polysaccharide chains so Aloe Labs produces two types: Standard Quality (SQ) and Higher Quality (HQ) Leaf Powders. The HQ process is designed to produce longer-chain polysaccharides (50% over 200,000 daltons) than the SQ process (usually under 200,000 daltons) though not quite as long as those in an Inner Leaf powder. The color of these powders range from beige to light beige.
Even so, some government regulators prohibit the use of leaf powder products in their country and so Aloe Labs offers Inner Leaf Powder. This powder uses only the gel taken from the interior of the leaf, which generally means the aloin in the aloe vera skin is left unused. This, however, depends on how well the leaf is skinned. Aloe Laboratories, Inc. performs an inspection of each fillet after the skinning process to ensure no rind remains on the inner gel. This process also ensures compliance with California Proposition 65 regulations. Inner leaf juice, the source of inner leaf powder has lower brix level which means more liquid is used to produce the same amount of powder. Couple this with a more labor-intensive process makes the resulting powder is generally more expensive. However, this type of powder has the greatest amount of long-chain polysaccharides than the leaf powders. This powder is generally white in color.
There are advantages to each type of powder for whatever your needs are. Next month, we will discuss the processes used in making aloe powders.
Looking for Aloe Vera?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. At Aloe Labs, we’ve cultivated more than 150 acres of aloe vera, because we believe in the many benefits that this plant has to offer.
Want to take a look at the products we have available? You can do so by taking a look at our store. Have any questions? If so, you can give us a call at 956-428-8416.