Arielle Cruz
Hand sanitizer is a convenient way to keep your hands clean when soap and water are not readily available. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizer was difficult to find in stores, so many people turned to DIY options. You can make an effective hand sanitizer at home with just a few simple ingredients, primarily alcohol and aloe vera gel. Alcohol is the key ingredient in hand sanitizers, as it kills germs, and aloe vera helps to moisturize and soothe the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hand sanitizer contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. This means that the ratio of alcohol to aloe vera should be 2:1. Essential oils can also be added to your DIY hand sanitizer for fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, aloe vera gel, essential oils (optional) |
| Active Ingredient | Alcohol |
| Alcohol Content | At least 60% |
| Purpose of Aloe Vera | To protect hands against the drying effects of alcohol, to keep hands smooth |
| Recipe | Combine 2/3 cup of alcohol with 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel and 8-10 drops of essential oil (optional) |
| Mixing Technique | Mix ingredients together and use a funnel to pour into a bottle |
| Application | Spray or apply to the palm of one hand, rub hands together, covering the entire surface of hands and fingers, continue for 30-60 seconds or until dry |
| Warnings | Do not use homemade hand sanitizers on children's skin, do not consume aloe vera |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of using isopropyl or rubbing alcohol
When making your own hand sanitiser, it is important to use isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, as these are the only types of alcohol that are suitable for this purpose. Other types of alcohol, such as methanol and butanol, are toxic.
Isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol have similar properties: they are both antibacterial, antiseptic, flammable, and toxic when inhaled or ingested. However, they are not the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol with a concentration of 100%, while rubbing alcohol typically contains 70% isopropyl alcohol, along with water and other ingredients.
Isopropyl alcohol is too hazardous to be used on the skin or in the home. It can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning. Rubbing alcohol, on the other hand, is intended for at-home use and is safer to use as a disinfectant on the skin and on household surfaces. It is important to note that, when making hand sanitiser, the final product should contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective.
Rubbing alcohol is a common household item with a variety of uses. As well as being used to disinfect cuts and scrapes, it can be used to treat fevers, remove stains, and clean surfaces. It is also used in DIY cleaning products, such as glass and window cleaners, and can even be used to get rid of pests on houseplants.
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How to source aloe vera gel
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that has been used to treat various health conditions for thousands of years. The gel within the leaves of the aloe vera plant can be used to make hand sanitizer.
If you own an aloe vera plant, you can use its gel for your recipe. It is best to use the outer leaves as they are more likely to be mature and contain plenty of fresh, healthy gel. Only cut off a couple of leaves at a time, as the gel will only last about a week without preservatives.
To harvest the gel, first, cut off one of the outer leaves from the base of the plant. Wash the leaf well, removing any dirt, and then stand it upright in a cup or bowl for 10-15 minutes. This allows the yellow-tinted resin to drain out of the leaf. The resin contains latex, which can irritate the skin, so this step is important. After the resin has drained, wash off any remains and peel off the thick skin using a small knife or vegetable peeler. Once the leaf has been peeled, you will see the natural aloe vera gel. Using a small spoon, scoop it into a blender. Be careful not to include any pieces of the aloe vera skin. Blend the gel until it is frothy and liquefied, which should only take a few seconds.
If you plan on keeping your gel for more than a week, you should add preservatives. Vitamins C and E are excellent preservatives that can greatly extend the shelf life of your gel. Though the gel naturally contains some of these vitamins, it is not enough to preserve the gel for longer than a week. For every 1/4 cup (60 ml) of aloe vera gel, add 500 mg of powdered vitamin C or 400 International Units (IU) of powdered vitamin E, or both. Simply add the powdered vitamins directly to the blender and mix the gel until the additives are fully incorporated.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 2] – 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade Sanitizer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HhMdCiB3L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The role of essential oils
When making your own hand sanitizer, the role of essential oils is multifaceted. Firstly, essential oils can be used to mask the strong smell of alcohol, which is the active ingredient in hand sanitizer. However, their role extends beyond fragrance; essential oils have been used for thousands of years to treat various mental, physical, and emotional conditions.
The inclusion of essential oils in hand sanitizer can create a therapeutic experience while sanitizing. For example, inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil can induce relaxation and a feeling of calm. Similarly, rosemary essential oil stimulates information retention, alertness, and memory. Lemon essential oil helps relieve depression and sadness while increasing energy, and peppermint essential oil soothes weakened nerves and improves mental clarity.
Some essential oils also possess antimicrobial properties, which can further enhance the sanitizing effect. Thyme, clove, and tea tree oils are examples of antimicrobial essential oils. However, it is important to note that individual essential oils only affect certain types of germs and bacteria, and they may only be effective against specific stages in a germ's lifespan. Therefore, while essential oils can provide additional protection, they should not be solely relied upon to kill germs and prevent the spread of disease.
It is recommended to exercise caution when adding essential oils to hand sanitizer. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the essential oils are safe for topical use and do not cause skin irritation. A skin test is advisable before incorporating them into hand sanitizer. Additionally, some essential oils may not be suitable for certain individuals, such as pregnant women or those with immune deficiencies, so consulting a doctor is recommended for those with specific concerns. Furthermore, essential oils are highly concentrated, and excessive amounts can lead to negative side effects. When adding essential oils to hand sanitizer, only a drop or two is sufficient, as these oils are very powerful.
In conclusion, essential oils play a significant role in DIY hand sanitizer by providing a pleasant fragrance, creating a therapeutic experience, and offering additional antimicrobial protection. However, it is important to use them safely and in conjunction with effective active ingredients, such as alcohol, to ensure optimal sanitizing effects.
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The mixing process
First, gather your ingredients and equipment. You will need a bowl, a spoon, a funnel, and a bottle with a pump dispenser or squirt top. For the sanitizer, you will need isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. The alcohol should be at least 91% alcohol, and the final product should contain at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs. If your alcohol is less than 91%, you will need to adjust the ratios and use more alcohol. You can also add 8 to 10 drops of essential oil, such as tea tree, thyme, clove, lavender, or chamomile, for fragrance and extra protection against germs. However, some people are sensitive to essential oils, so this step can be skipped.
Once you have your ingredients and equipment, start by pouring the alcohol into the bowl. Add the aloe vera gel and any essential oils you wish to include. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly. You may need to stir for a while, as some people have reported that the alcohol and aloe vera gel can separate, with the aloe sinking to the bottom. If this happens, try finding a more watery aloe vera gel to blend with the alcohol.
Once your mixture is combined, use the funnel to pour it into your chosen bottle. Screw the pump or top back on, and your hand sanitizer is ready to use.
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![McKesson Hand Sanitizer with Aloe, 18 oz Pump Bottle [Pack of 3] - 70% Ethyl Alcohol, Spring Water Scent, No-Rinse Sanitizing Gel with Vitamin E and Moisturizers, Medical-Grade](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71r1uS+Ep5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Application and safety instructions
Mixing
- When mixing your hand sanitizer, use a clean spoon and whisk. Wash these items thoroughly before and after use.
- Make sure the alcohol is not diluted. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well blended.
- If you are using fresh aloe vera, use only the inner gel portion of the leaf – the fibrous outer skin should be discarded.
- If you are using bottled aloe vera, make sure it is pure and does not contain other ingredients.
- It is recommended to use a blender to mix the ingredients, as it can be hard to mix alcohol and aloe by hand.
- If you are adding essential oils, vitamin E oil, or other ingredients, add them after the alcohol and aloe vera gel are completely combined.
Storage
- Store your hand sanitizer in sealed containers at or below room temperature.
- Use a small spray bottle, squeeze bottle, pump bottle, or other storage containers.
- The hand sanitizer will stay good for several months or longer.
Usage
- Hand sanitizer is most effective when used correctly.
- Apply enough hand sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands.
- Rub your hands together until they feel dry. This should take around 20 seconds.
- Hand sanitizer may not work well if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. In this case, opt for handwashing instead.
- While hand sanitizer can be effective at killing germs, health authorities recommend handwashing whenever possible to keep your hands free of disease-causing viruses and other germs.
Safety
- Hand sanitizer should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Do not touch the mixture with your hands until it is ready for use.
- Avoid using peppermint or cinnamon oils, as they can irritate the skin and burn if you accidentally rub your eyes.
- Methanol is a toxic type of alcohol that can have adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, or headaches when used on the skin. If ingested, it can cause blindness, seizures, or damage to the nervous system. Always check the ingredients of the alcohol you are using to ensure it does not contain methanol.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel. The alcohol should be at least 91% alcohol, and the final product should be at least 60% alcohol to effectively kill germs.
The proportions vary depending on the source, but one recipe calls for 2/3 cup of alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. Another recipe calls for 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel to make 1 cup of hand sanitizer.
Yes, you can add essential oils for fragrance. Oils such as thyme, clove, and tea tree have antimicrobial properties, while lavender and chamomile may help soothe the skin. Only use a drop or two of antimicrobial oils as they can irritate the skin.
Combine the alcohol and aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl and stir until well combined. You can then use a funnel to fill a pump or squeeze bottle with the hand sanitizer.
If you don't have access to aloe vera gel, you can buy an aloe vera plant and scoop out the fleshy insides. Alternatively, you can use other humectants such as glycerin or hand lotion, or simply use moisturizer after sanitizing.
![McKesson Hand Sanitizer Pump with Aloe, 8 oz [Pack of 24] Bulk, 62% Ethyl Alcohol](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wT9Zub5mL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
