Alofe African Cape Aloe Skincare: an Introduction

Alofe (say it aloe-fay) is a new one on me and an interesting proposition for anyone who likes their skincare to be on the natural side of things. But lets add in a dose of performance too, shall we? While this isn't a 100% natural, organic certified line, it does contain something that's pretty interesting: aloe ferox, which they say is 20 times more powerful than yer common-or-garden aloe.

I reckon most people already know that aloe's a healing ingredient that's good for skin - it's nearly always found in after-sun remedies for example - so it's a totally common-sense inclusion in skincare. The Alofe brand comes to us from South Africa where their super-charged aloe grows wild in protected conditions, and is used across the very extensive product range.

You're looking at some of the brand's anti-ageing products above as well as a tube of all-purpose aloe gel which is one of those products that's a hard-working keeper for your medicine cabinet and can be used for soothing burns, irritations and general itchy skin complaints.

This particular Age Defying line claims its name because aloe is skin-smoothing, cell-growth-stimulating, hydrating and healing all on its own, but these products also contain extra ingredients designed to deliver anti-ageing benefits (which I did ask about and now shamefully forget as it's been a few weeks since I met the brand's distributor here. Whoops!)

These are a cute idea: Eye Slices are aloe-infused jellified pieces of wibble that you place over eyes to hydrate and soothe. They do leave a little residue which you need to wipe off - so I wouldn't recommend using them at lunchtime over makeup; they're best kept for an at-home relax session. They're re-usable up to ten times as well which is appreciated as they cost £15 for two.

Speaking of sterling pricing, Alofe's not yet available on Irish soil but you can buy on-line from www.alofe-europe.com and prices on the anti-ageing range are as follows: Age Defying Day Cream, £36, Night Cream, £46, Serum, £65 and Eye Gel, £45.

So, they're more than mid-priced, but there is choice in the range for anyone unwilling to commit hefty wodges of cash for products they can't try before they buy - the aloe gel is £20, and there are other cheaper choices like Moisturising Day Lotion at £12 and a hand and body cream for £11.

Has anyone tried the line? Leave us some feedback in the comments if you have!