Washing your hands has never been so popular, but what about those times when you feel you need to sanitize your hands and you are not near a sink or soap? Hand sanitizers are your answer. Follow along while we show you how to make your own DIY Hand Sanitizer with this easy recipe.
Ingredient #1 – Alcohol
Ideally we would all have access to Ethyl Alcohol, since that is the exact alcohol type that is used in commercial Hand Sanitizers. However, as I write this, no on-line store or market has this available, and neither do the 5 local stores I searched. This item is a hot commodity for hospitals and first responders, so we will have to settle with the next best antiseptic: Isopropyl alcohol.
This is the ingredient that will get rid of some bacteria and germs, and while it’s not a cure for Coronavirus or other viruses, it will do its sanitizing job until you get to wash your hands properly.
Ingredient #2 – Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is added to a hand sanitizer to soften your hands and to prevent them from getting too dry due to the high concentration of alcohol. When you look for an aloe vera gel, you need to turn to the ingredients list and ensure that the first ingredient is Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis). The only other ingredients should be Xanthan Gum, which gives this ingredient a gel consistency, and some mild preservatives.
Avoid products that are green in color – aloe is colorless, the green color is added to trick a consumer in thinking they are buying a product with “real” aloe vera.
Ignore products that claim on the front label 100% Gel, as they are also trying to trick you into thinking the product is made with “100% aloe vera” gel.
For our recipes we found a reputable brand, Beauty By Earth, and we are happy to share their info so you can take advantage of their honest Aloe Vera Gel.
Ingredient #3 – Tea Tree Essential Oil
Essential Oils are always optional if you want to add a natural scent to your recipe. However, in this case we recommend you add some scent to your hand sanitizer as it will otherwise smell pretty strongly of alcohol.
Plus, Tea Tree Oils is known for its antibacterial and soothing properties, and it has a fresh, piney smell. We think you will love it.
What you need
- 1/2 cup Alcohol
- 1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel
- 1/2 teaspoon Tea Tree Oil
- Silicon or plastic top containers for easy dispensing
How to
Pour your three ingredients in a bowl, mix them well for a few minutes. Once combined pour the mixture into your final containers. Shake before use. A little goes a long way.
PS: Remember to wash your hands as usual once you have access to water and soap.
Don’t forget to moisturize!
Frequent hand washing or using a product with a high concentration of alcohol will dry your skin. Our Unrefined, 100% Pure Shea Butter is here to save the day, grab yours here!
DIY Hand Sanitizer Video Tutorial
https://web.youtube.com/watch?v=H2DDRA68ZDM
I followed the recipe but I got these fibrous clumps in mine- I got the exact same aloe brand too. Did I do something wrong? Is this still ok to use? Thanks
In the one we made there is some aloe floating in the alcohol, you should be able to see it in the video when the mix is being poured into the bottles. Is that what yours look like? If that’s the case, just shake the bottle before you use it.
Ethyl alcohol is the same as grain alchohol, available at 95% in liquor stores. EverClear is the most common brand, but Mohawk is a good brand as well. Technically, vodka or any alcohol will work, but most are 45% alchohol, which is less effective. 151 rum (or any spirit) is 75% alcohol. I have occasionally seen 95% Vodka (190 proof)
Great recipe! I wish I could find a store (anywhere) with a reasonable price on first aid alcohol. . . It’s like $47 on amazon!
50% alcohol is NOT strong enough to use in hand sanitizer. ” For alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (5) recommends a concentration of 60% to 95% ethanol or isopropanol, the concentration range of greatest germicidal efficacy.”
Yes, that’s what they recommend. We are trying to offer ideas on how to cope with keeping your hands clean, we are not claiming that our recipe will kill every virus and bacteria in sight. Just giving solutions to improve things a bit.
thank you for sharing this.