How To Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer
Fact: Commercial hand sanitizers are chemically-scented and made with toxic ingredients. While, yes, they do kill certain bacteria and viruses, the unfortunate byproduct is that these chemicals also seep into the pores of the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
The primary active ingredients in commercial sanitizers are Ethyl alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol. [1] Isopropyl alcohol is a petrochemical that is commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a well-known neurotoxin, meaning it is toxic to the human brain and nervous system. [2] Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is both neurotoxic and psychoactive.
Thankfully there are natural sanitizer alternatives that can help keep you and your children’s hands clean and germ-free, without damaging your nervous system in the process. And today I’m going to share with you two simple recipes I came up with that are effective and very easy to make at home! The first one is a gel and the other one is a spray. They both work great, it just depends on your preference.
Both of these hand sanitizer recipes are great to keep handy because Each ingredient has many purposes besides just cleaning your hands. Not only do they act as a hand sanitizer, they also act as a natural antiseptic which is a great way to help the healing process for cuts and scrapes.
The Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which help to fight germs and infections. [6][7] The Witch Hazel is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent commonly used to treat minor itches, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, and other skin irritations. [8] Aloe Vera gel is incredibly healing to the skin [9] while Vitamin E oil helps to heal the skin while also serving as the natural preservative agent in these recipes.
Gel Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients:
• 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
• 8 ounces 100% pure Aloe Vera gel
• 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
Directions:
• Mix together the essential oils and the Vitamin E in a container.
• Add Witch Hazel and mix.
• Add this mixture to the Aloe Vera gel and mix.
• Shake well before each use.
Both of these hand sanitizer recipes are great to keep handy because Each ingredient has many purposes besides just cleaning your hands. Not only do they act as a hand sanitizer, they also act as a natural antiseptic which is a great way to help the healing process for cuts and scrapes.
The Tea Tree and Lavender essential oils are known for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which help to fight germs and infections. [6][7] The Witch Hazel is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent commonly used to treat minor itches, bruises, insect bites, minor burns, and other skin irritations. [8] Aloe Vera gel is incredibly healing to the skin [9] while Vitamin E oil helps to heal the skin while also serving as the natural preservative agent in these recipes. [10]
Gel Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients:
• 1 Tablespoon Witch Hazel
• 8 ounces 100% pure Aloe Vera gel
• 1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
• 10 drops Tea Tree essential oil
• 5 drops Lavender essential oil
Directions:
• Mix together the essential oils and the Vitamin E in a container.
• Add Witch Hazel and mix.
• Add this mixture to the Aloe Vera gel and mix.
• Shake well before each use.
Storage-
For this recipe you will need a 4oz (120 ml) glass spray bottle, or similar. It is best not to use plastic as it may react with the essential oils.
