Answer: ALOE

Aloe is a plant that has thick, fleshy leaves with spiky edges. It is commonly used in various products, including hand sanitizers, as it contains gel-like substances that are known for their soothing, moisturizing, and antibacterial properties.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Source of a natural gel. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.