The COVID pandemic brought wide usage of hand sanitizers so much that whether you want or not, you’re expected to use hand sanitizers almost every day to avoid getting affected.
Using hand sanitizers was one of the hardest things that happen to me during the pandemic because my hands reacted to so many hand sanitizers and it was difficult for me to finally settle for any.
I switched between several hand sanitizers, leaving so many unfinished and wasting money that could be used for something useful to purchase these bottles.
When I realized I had no more money to spend buying sanitizers plus I had just enough unfinished bottles splattered across my dresser, I decided to explore different ways to put together something I would manageably prefer.
Here are some safe recipes I finally settled for.
If you’re looking to go chemical-free or try to minimize your contact with chemicals as much as possible, then, you might as well explore these alternatives to your regular store-bought hand sanitizers.
4 unique DIY hand sanitizer recipes that are effective, gentle on the skin, and easy to create at home.
4 Non-Toxic DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes
Recipe 1: Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- 1/3 cup of pure aloe vera gel
- 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel.
- Stir the mixture until it becomes well blended and smooth.
- Add the tea tree essential oil and lavender essential oil (if using) to the mixture.
- Stir again to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a small, empty container with a lid, such as a travel-sized squeeze bottle or a reusable silicone tube.
- Label the container clearly as “Hand Sanitizer” and include the date of preparation.
- Store your homemade hand sanitizer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
How to Use
To use this hand sanitizer, squeeze a small amount onto your palms and rub your hands together until the sanitizer evaporates completely, which usually takes about 20-30 seconds. Use as often as needed, particularly when soap and water are not readily available.
Recipe 2: Witch Hazel and Citrus Hand Sanitizer (non-alcohol)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of witch hazel extract
- 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- Zest of one citrus fruit (e.g., lemon, lime, or orange)
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a glass jar, combine the witch hazel extract, aloe vera gel, and distilled water.
- Add the zest of the citrus fruit to the jar.
- Close the jar tightly and shake vigorously for a few minutes to infuse the citrus fragrance into the mixture.
- Open the jar and add the lemon essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and grapefruit essential oil (if using).
- Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Use a funnel to transfer the sanitizer into a small, clean container with a lid.
- Label the container appropriately and include the date of preparation.
- Store the hand sanitizer in a cool, dark place to preserve its effectiveness.
How to Use
To use this hand sanitizer, shake the container before each use to disperse the essential oils. Apply a small amount to your hands and rub them together until the sanitizer dries completely. Use it whenever you need to sanitize your hands on the go.
Recipe 3: Rosemary and Eucalyptus Hand Sanitizer Spray
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
- 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera gel, and distilled water.
- Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well blended.
- Add the rosemary essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the essential oils.
- Using a funnel, pour the sanitizer into a spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle.
- Label the bottle and include the date of preparation.
- Store the hand sanitizer spray in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
How to Use
Before each use, shake the bottle well to disperse the essential oils. Spray a sufficient amount onto your hands and rub them together until the sanitizer has evaporated completely. This recipe is particularly convenient for situations where you prefer a spray-on sanitizer.
Additional Recipe 4: Chamomile and Lavender Gel Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients
- 1 T apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of pure aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of chamomile essential oil
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the isopropyl alcohol and dried chamomile flowers.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Strain the mixture to remove the chamomile flowers, collecting the infused alcohol in a clean bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the infused alcohol and aloe vera gel.
- Stir the mixture until it becomes well blended and smooth.
- Add the lavender essential oil and chamomile essential oil to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the sanitizer into a small container with a lid.
- Label the container and include the date of preparation.
- Store the hand sanitizer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Usage guide
Apply a small amount of the gel sanitizer onto your hands and rub them together until the sanitizer has dried completely. The calming scents of chamomile and lavender make this hand sanitizer recipe especially enjoyable to use.
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