DIY Hand Sanitizer

In an effort to gradually move away from products that have lots of chemicals in them, I found instructions about how to make your own hand sanitizer.

One of the reasons I don't use hand sanitizer is that it reeks of alcohol and chemicals. I wanted to find something that would be easy to use - rather than soap and water - yet would be natural and safe to use.

Ingredients to make homemade hand sanitizer...

without all the chemicals. 

On Pinterest, there was a pin that led to Baby Step to Essential Oils where there was a recipe for Homemade Thieves Hand Sanitizer.

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons aloe vera gel
4 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
8-10 drops Thieves oil. (I used the homemade version of Thieves oil which is a combination of 5 essential oils. If using the homemade version, simply blend the essential oils and do not add a carrier oil. I placed the homemade Thieves oil in an empty essential oil bottle so that I could use the dropper)
Small Squeeze Container (I used a small pump container)

Directions:

In a bowl combine aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil. Add 8-10 drops of Thieves oil to the aloe vera mixture.

Add water and mix well to combine. Add more or less water depending on the consistency you want.

Pour or scoop the mixture into the container. Put your homemade hand sanitizer in your bathroom, kitchen, office, bag, or car for an effective, alcohol-free hand sanitizer.

The finished hand sanitizer.

Benefits to Using Natural Hand Sanitizer

According to Conscious Life News, there are three main ingredients in commercially-purchased hand sanitizer that people should avoid:

=> Parabens - these chemicals are used to prevent microbe growth in products. Linked to cancer, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and skin irritation, parabens should be avoided.

=> Triclosan - has been foundby the FDA to be a pointless chemical with no health benefits. Even though it kills bacteria, it may contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. In other words, it helps create super bacteria.

=> Fragrances - have been associated with respiratory distress, allergies, dermatitis, and potential effects on the reproductive system. As with parabens and triclosan, chemical fragrances should be avoided.

Notes:

This mixture is a thick liquid/gel. It absorbs quickly into one's skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. The scent is much more pleasant than commercially-purchased hand sanitizers that are filled with alcohol. I will definitely make this again.

The ingredients are a more expensive than what a store-bought hand sanitizer cost. Yet, I would rather use something natural and safe - and that smells good - than use something that has the chemicals mentioned above.