Adulteration is the practice of substituting, diluting, or otherwise manipulating a botanical ingredient so that what’s sold is not what the label implies: whether that’s the wrong species, the wrong plant part, or undeclared colorants, synthetic pharmaceuticals, or low cost fillers that make the consumer believe into purchasing a product of better quality than what it truly is.
This post series on botanical ingredient adulteration is inspired by the excellent work coming out of the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) by the American Botanical Council (ABC) starting today with:
Aloe vera: a globally popular ingredient in supplements, beverages, and personal care that’s also become a prime target for dilution and substitution in the supply chain.
Aloe vera is one of the most widely used botanicals globally, showing up in dietary supplements, functional beverages, dermatological preparations, oral care, and a huge range of cosmetic and personal care products. Its inner leaf gel is used topically for minor burns, wound healing support, and skin barrier comfort, while orally it appears in GI‑focused products, “detox” formulas, and general wellness blends aimed at hydration and mucosal support.
There is a substantial clinical and preclinical research supporting the benefits of Aloe vera, including human trials on wound healing, burn and radiation dermatitis, oral mucositis, glycemic control, and gastrointestinal function, alongside in vitro and animal work on immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and more. Outcomes vary by preparation and study quality.
For companies, confirming identity is not optional; it’s a legal and ethical duty under cGMPs to verify that each incoming botanical is the right species, the right plant part, and meets agreed quality specs. Brands and manufacturers should be leaning on resources like the BAPP adulteration bulletins (they’re freely available) and implementing fit‑for‑purpose analytical methods, rather than relying on minimal or nonspecific tests, if they want to genuinely protect consumers and the integrity of the category.
To see the full downloadable PDF, go to the LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kerry-hughes-941353_aloe-vera-adulterants-activity-7451645827183472640-Mph9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAANEoEBzLdbgS9fjLoyZvrkZbXD8Nj5SFM