Creating your own hand sanitizer at home is an empowering skill and a fantastic way to ensure you’re using safe, natural ingredients.

The CDC requires sanitizing products to contain at least 60% alcohol; this recipe has about 75%. With the increasing awareness of the importance of hygiene, having a reliable hand sanitizer within arm’s reach is essential for keeping germs at bay. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, customizable recipe that you can tailor to your preferences, whether you want to add your favorite essential oils for a pleasing scent or adjust the consistency.

Embrace the opportunity to blend effectiveness with natural goodness, and let’s begin crafting your homemade hand sanitizer!

What Is A Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizers are alcohol-based products designed to eliminate germs and bacteria on the skin. They work effectively by disrupting the external surfaces of pathogens, leading to their destruction and reducing the likelihood of illness. However, it’s important to note that sanitizers are less effective when there is a significant amount of oil or dirt on your hands, which is why they are not a substitute for soap and water. Instead, they are a convenient alternative when handwashing facilities are not readily available.

To ensure maximum efficacy, sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol. Common types include isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, and ethanol, which can be found in products like Simply Earth’s perfumer’s alcohol. A reliable hand sanitizer is a smart addition to your hygiene toolkit, especially when maintaining cleanliness is crucial!

Things You’ll Need

Perfumer’s Alcohol

Between using rubbing alcohol and perfumer’s alcohol, I highly recommend choosing Simply Earth’s Perfumer’s Alcohol. With an impressive 95% alcohol concentration, it exceeds the CDC’s recommendations for effective hand sanitizers, ensuring optimal germ-killing power. Its milder aroma sets it apart, unlike rubbing alcohol, which typically has a potent scent. Perfumer’s alcohol offers a more pleasant experience without compromising on effectiveness. Additionally, it functions as a solvent for essential oils, allowing them to dissolve safely for effective dilution.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is naturally soothing and cooling to the skin, making it an excellent addition to your homemade hand sanitizer. Including Simply Earth’s Aloe Vera brings moisture and a delicate, thin consistency that works wonderfully in sprays or hand applications. This versatility ensures that your hand sanitizer won’t feel too thick or sticky, providing a refreshing application experience. Aloe vera’s innate ability to hydrate and calm irritation complements the sanitizing effects of alcohol, resulting in a product that cares for your hands while effectively eliminating germs.

Vegetable Glycerin

When it comes to hand sanitizers, Vegetable Glycerin plays a crucial role that goes beyond texture. Simply Earth’s Vegetable Glycerin provides a moisturizing touch and contributes significantly to the formulation’s consistency. Unlike thinner sprays meant for surfaces, hand sanitizers benefit from the richer, thickened texture that glycerin offers. As a plus, glycerin is known for its hydrating properties that help prevent the dryness that often results from alcohol-based sanitizers.

Essential Oil(s)

Incorporating Essential Oils into your homemade hand sanitizer enhances its fragrance and provides soothing skin benefits. While some essential oils possess natural antibacterial properties, the primary task of killing germs is already handled by the alcohol in your recipe. Therefore, choosing essential oils is more about personal preference and skin comfort. A few drops transform your hand sanitizer from a utilitarian necessity to a delightful, aromatic experience!

Things to Remember When Using this Recipe

Always Use Diluted Oils

Always dilute an essential oil when using it on the skin. Essential oils are unlikely to cause skin irritation when diluted properly. If an oil has been oxidized (left with the cap off for long periods), it is more likely to cause skin irritation. Check out this dilution chart for diluting this essential oil properly.

Never Ingest Essential Oils

We don’t recommend ingesting essential oils unless directed by a doctor certified in aromatherapy. For more information on why we don’t ingest essential oils, check out this blog post.

Essential Oils Aren’t Safe For Everyone

When using essential oils around children, pregnant women, and pets, caution should be taken.

For more information on using essential oils with cats, check out this blog post.

For more information on using essential oils with dogs, check out this blog post.