Aloe vera, also known as the “plant of immortality,” is a perennial succulent in the lily family with long, slender lance-shaped leaves that contain a clear, latex gel. While the gel is used internally and as a topical treatment for burns, the whole dried leaf is dried and powdered for use in the nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. It can be encapsulated or added to smoothies and other beverages, and used in a wide variety of skin care products.