DIY Guide: Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer

Commercial hand sanitizers can contain ingredients that are as concerning as the germs they aim to protect you from. Creating your own hand sanitizer allows you to control the ingredients, making it a safer option for you and your family. This project is suitable for both kids and adults and can also serve as an educational activity about hygiene and disinfection. Not only will you save money, but you can also customize the scent to avoid that medicinal smell.

How It Works

The key ingredient in homemade hand sanitizer is alcohol, which must make up at least 60% of the final product to effectively kill germs. This recipe requires 99% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (commonly found at 90-95%). Avoid using other alcohols such as methanol or butanol, which are harmful. If you opt for a lower alcohol concentration, like 70%, you’ll need to modify the quantities to maintain the effectiveness of the sanitizer.

Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils can add a pleasant fragrance to your hand sanitizer and may also offer additional antimicrobial benefits. For instance, thyme and clove oils have strong antimicrobial properties. Use these oils sparingly, as they can be potent and potentially irritating. Oils such as lavender or chamomile can provide a soothing effect, while tea tree oil, known for its antimicrobial properties, should be used with caution as it can cause skin sensitivity.

Ingredients and Tools

Equipment / Tools:

• Bowl and spoon
• Funnel
• Bottle with pump dispenser

Materials:

• 2/3 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 8 to 10 drops essential oil (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Confirm that you have all required ingredients—rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, and any optional essential oils—measured and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel until well combined. Gradually add any essential oils, incorporating them one drop at a time.

Bottle the Sanitizer: Employ a funnel to guide the mixture smoothly into a bottle equipped with a pump dispenser. Ensure the pump is firmly attached. Your hand sanitizer is now prepared for use.

Substitutions

The primary component of hand sanitizer is alcohol. Aloe vera gel is included to counteract the drying effect of alcohol by acting as a humectant, which retains moisture. If aloe vera gel is unavailable, glycerin or hand lotion can be used as substitutes. It’s crucial to maintain the alcohol concentration at a minimum of 60%. If you cannot obtain alcohol, washing your hands with soap and water is the best alternative.

Using 70% Alcohol

If your alcohol is 70%, it’s effective for disinfecting on its own, but adding other ingredients will dilute it below the recommended 60% alcohol concentration. Therefore, if you only have 70% alcohol, limit any additives to just a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.

Hand Care Tips

Alcohol can dry out your skin, removing natural oils and leaving it susceptible to cracks that can harbor bacteria and viruses. To keep your skin healthy, use a good hand lotion after sanitizing or washing your hands. If you have sensitive skin, aim to maintain an alcohol concentration of 60-70% in your sanitizer to reduce irritation.

Making your own hand sanitizer is straightforward and customizable to fit your preferences. Following this guide, you can create a product that is both safe and effective in keeping germs at bay while also preserving the health of your skin.