Important Note: Always check with your healthcare provider before using a home remedy as this has never been tested in a lab. Also This hand sanitizer recipe does not include the 60%+ alcohol content that the CDC and other health organizations recommend for hand sanitizer to properly kill coronavirus. I have never been a fan of hand sanitizers, you know the usual kind in dispensers everywhere! I’ve always had sensitive skin and they don’t agree with me at all. In fact whenever I’ve been forced to use them, within days my skin cracks and bleeds everywhere. And when I took a food safety course, they taught us that proper hand washing methods are often more effective. My worst experience with it was when we went on a cruise for our honeymoon. They wouldn’t let use into any restaurant area without hand sanitizer first. And while I understand they were just trying to prevent a ship full of sick people, I didn’t do well with it. In fact after a couple of days, my hand were cracked and bleeding so bad, I knew I had to come up with something to do to make it through the trip. So what I would do is let them put it into the palm of my hand, then proceed into the restaurant area and find a place to dump if off. It was after that experience I had the idea to make my own. However somehow years went by, (as in 9 to be exact) and I didn’t do anything about it. So I guess that’s about how interested I’ve been in hand sanitizer! But over the years when we’ve traveled and done some road trips, I started thinking more and more about it. For quite a while, I just used straight Witch Hazel which has done very well for me. However I finally got down to business to add some essential oils and do the thing right!
How to make hand sanitizer without alcohol?
In place of alcohol as a base, you can use Witch Hazel which is great for killing off germs. It’s probably not quite as potent as say Vodka, but it does do some good! Also most people who want to use a homemade hand sanitizer for children prefer to use Witch Hazel rather than alcohol as a base. And while I’m not here to tell you what should/shouldn’t be used for your child, you might also check out the Germ Buster Essential Oils blend from Plant Therapy which is formulated for children. Not all essential oils are considered safe for children, so it’s nice to have an blend already made up.
Why use alcohol as a base rather than Witch Hazel?
Alcohol like Isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) is very effective at killing most germs. Witch hazel is effective but not as much so. Studies suggest that alcohol is 60-90% more effective which sounds pretty good to me. Especially when you think about traveling situations from the plane to rental cars.
Why make your own hand sanitizer?
What to store your hand sanitizer in?
What essential oils are best for homemade hand sanitizer? If you make this Homemade Hand Sanitizer, I hope you’ll leave me a comment/rating below. I love hearing from you, and please don’t hesitate to ask questions! And of course you can always tag me over on Instagram #getinspiredeveryday, I really enjoy seeing all your creations! No reviews 3 Tablespoons aloe vera gel 3 Tablespoons witch hazel, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or vodka 15 drops lemon essential oil 15 drops lavender essential oil 15–30 drops of tea tree essential oil, see notes For a squeeze bottle: 1/4 cup aloe vera gel 2 Tablespoons witch hazel, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or vodka 15 drops lemon essential oil 15 drops lavender essential oil 15–30 drops of tea tree essential oil, see notes If you’re using a clear container, be sure and store it in a dark place to help preserve the properties of the essential oils. Essential oils can separate over time, so I recommend shaking up your hand sanitizer before each use. Also this recipe makes about 3 ounces each – spray or squeeze bottle.
