Aloin, chemical name 10-glucopyranosyl-1,8-dihydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenone. The active ingredient is a mixture of mainly aloe vera glycosides, an extract of the dicotyledonous plant Aloe vera. It has antiseptic and detoxifying effects on acne and pimples.
Aloin forms the monohydrate as lemon yellow crystals on crystallisation from H2O (450g/1.5L) which has a lower m ~70-80o than the anhydrous substance. [Cahn & Simonsen J Chem Soc 2573 1932, Hay & Haynes J Chem Soc 3141 1956.]
