Why Choose a Combination of Hand Sanitizers?
Aloe vera gel-based hand sanitizer with essential oils is my go-to choice for hand cleaning when I’m on the move and can’t find a sink. However, there are instances where an alcohol-based hand sanitizer spray is more practical. During the cold and flu season, I prefer to use a combination of both: an alcohol-based spray followed by my gentle, skin-friendly gel sanitizer. While alcohol effectively keeps germs at bay, it can also be quite drying on the skin, potentially leading to cracked, irritated hands that are more susceptible to infection. Therefore, giving your hands a little extra tender loving care (TLC) is essential, and the aloe vera gel-based sanitizer does just that, especially when paired with regular moisturizing.
Additionally, an alcohol-based spray is versatile; it can be used on surfaces such as door handles and toilet seats, which is something you would never want to do with a gel-based hand sanitizer!
Disclaimer: None of the information presented in this post should be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional guidance. Always consult your healthcare provider for any questions regarding the use of sanitizing products. This product is intended for casual cleaning purposes and does not claim to possess antiviral or antibacterial properties. Keep this product out of reach of children, as ingestion can cause serious harm. Use with caution, especially around small children and pets. Hand sanitizer products do not replace proper handwashing with soap and water. For guidance on proper handwashing techniques, visit CDC.gov.
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How to Create Your Own Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Spray
To ensure the effectiveness of your hand sanitizer spray, the CDC recommends a formulation with an alcohol content of at least 60%. This was a primary consideration when crafting this recipe. For simplicity, I opted for basic, readily available ingredients that you might already have at home. It is crucial to use precise measurements to maintain the correct percentage of alcohol.
Special Considerations
When formulating hand sanitizer spray, remember that high alcohol content poses risks, including flammability and accidental ingestion, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. Always store your alcohol-based hand sanitizer spray in a safe location. If using it around children, do so under close supervision. Be sure to clearly label the contents of the bottle, and keep the Poison Control Center’s number readily available.
Before we proceed, I want to inform you that you can find this and many more homemade recipes for cleaning in my FREE Resource Library. For this post, I have also included beautiful labels you can print out to label your handmade hand sanitizer spray.
The Best Ingredients for Your Hand Sanitizer Spray
Whenever I create a recipe, my focus is on using the most effective ingredients—nothing more, nothing less. This formulation is no exception. Having made my own cleaning supplies and skin care products for years, I generally have everything I need on hand. Let’s delve into the specific ingredients I chose for this recipe and their benefits.
Which Alcohol is Best for Sanitizer?
Not all alcohols are equal. The most common and accessible options are Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol and Ethyl Alcohol, such as Vodka. For this recipe, I chose Isopropyl alcohol because it is cost-effective and highly effective. While 70% ABV (alcohol by volume) is available, vodka typically has around 40% ABV, which means you would need significantly more to reach the recommended 60% alcohol concentration for hand sanitizer. Save your premium vodka for a celebratory cocktail!
Isopropyl alcohol is commonly found in concentrations of 70%, 91%, and 99%. Surprisingly, the 70% concentration is the most effective for killing bacteria. This is because the 30% water content is crucial; it acts as a catalyst, slowing down evaporation. This slower evaporation allows more time for the sanitizing solution to remain in contact with surfaces, enhancing its germ-killing efficacy. Additionally, the lower concentration reduces the risk of exposure to fumes and explosion. Just remember, ingesting Isopropyl Alcohol can be fatal.
What to Do if You Can’t Find 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
If you only have 91% or 99% alcohol, you can dilute it to achieve the proper concentration. However, it’s essential to follow exact measurements to ensure safety and effectiveness. I found a helpful article that explains how to dilute 99% alcohol for use in hand sanitizer.
Why Add Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) is an astringent commonly used as a facial toner. In the United States, it is regulated as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug for soothing minor skin irritations. In this recipe, witch hazel serves two purposes: it provides skin-soothing properties and acts as a dispersant, allowing the hand sanitizer to spray evenly and linger in the air a bit longer. You can find witch hazel in any drugstore or at retailers like Walmart and Target, available in organic formulations. Note that it contains 14% ABV, which is included in this recipe. If you choose alcohol-free witch hazel, be aware that it will drop the alcohol content below the recommended 60% total volume.
Glycerin
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is an odorless, syrupy liquid with a mildly sweet taste. It is widely used in the cosmetic and food industries. In this recipe, glycerin is included for its moisturizing emollient properties and to slightly thicken the solution. Glycerin is readily available at health food stores and is derived from soybeans, coconut, or palm oils. If you have sensitivities to soy or palm products, ensure that you select glycerin that does not contain any unwanted ingredients.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera can be used interchangeably with glycerin in this recipe, as both share similar properties; aloe vera has a more gel-like consistency. Both ingredients have numerous applications, making them valuable additions to your skincare product collection.
Essential Oils
This recipe also incorporates essential oils, many of which have been valued for their antibacterial and skin-soothing properties for centuries. You can find my favorite high-quality sources for essential oils here.
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Recipe
For this recipe, combine:
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
- 1/4 cup (60ml) witch hazel, 14% alcohol content
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) glycerin or aloe vera gel
- 25 drops of Thieves blend essential oil or 10 drops each of tea tree (melaleuca) and rosemary, plus 5 drops of lavender essential oil
To use: Liberally spray your hands with the sanitizer solution and rub in until your hands are dry. Spray surfaces and allow the sanitizer to dry completely for maximum effectiveness. This recipe yields a total of 14 oz (415ml), which you can store in various sizes of spray bottles. I recommend keeping a 4 oz bottle at home for quick disinfecting of countertops and faucets, while 2 oz bottles are convenient for your purse or car. These bottles come in colorful plastic options (which you can designate by color for each family member!) or colored glass. You can even use empty 15 ml essential oil bottles with small sprayers for a lightweight solution that fits almost anywhere. Reuse your spray bottles again and again!
As previously mentioned, I keep both an alcohol-based hand sanitizer spray and a tube of my alcohol-free hand sanitizer gel readily available. Reusable silicone tubes are perfect for this purpose! Don’t forget to grab your bottle labels from the FREE Resource Library! I have designed two different sizes of labels that fit most bottles. They are my free gift to you. Using 8 1/2 glossy label sheets allows you to create any size label you need without being restricted to a specific template, making them useful for a variety of labeling tasks.
For more useful recipes, including my favorite and super simple hand balm recipe to keep your frequently washed and sanitized hands happy, check out these posts!
- How to Make Organic Lip and Hand Balm
- Easy and Affordable Skincare You Can Make in a Snap
- Three Easy and Luxurious Gifts You Can Make in No Time