Creating Your Own Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer
Whether we like it or not, hand sanitizer has become an essential item in every household, especially in recent times. While nothing can quite replace thorough handwashing with soap and water, hand sanitizer serves as a valuable alternative when washing isn’t feasible. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for an alcohol-free hand sanitizer. This is especially beneficial for those who may not tolerate alcohol-based sanitizers or prefer to use natural alternatives due to concerns about potentially harmful ingredients like triclosan, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this homemade formula is not a substitute for proper handwashing. For detailed handwashing techniques, please refer to the CDC website. Also, keep in mind that this formula does not contain alcohol, and there is no scientific evidence that it can prevent illnesses such as the common cold, flu, or other viruses. Use it at your own discretion. If an alcohol-based solution is what you seek, I recommend my recipe for a hand sanitizer spray that contains at least 60% alcohol by volume.
That said, our family opts for non-toxic products, and I wanted to discover a way to keep our hands clean without resorting to harsh chemicals. This led me to develop a recipe that we have been using for quite some time. It works effectively and is gentle on the skin. In fact, we’ve even found several additional uses for it, which I will share below. In my quest for an alternative to commercial hand sanitizers, I encountered numerous recipes. However, many of them produced insufficient quantities for our needs and still contained rubbing alcohol, which we wanted to avoid. My goal was to use only the most skin-friendly and effective ingredients in this recipe, which I have narrowed down to a few key components, each serving a vital role.
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HOW TO MAKE HAND SANITIZER WITHOUT ALCOHOL
Equipment Needed for DIY Hand Sanitizer Gel:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small spatula (silicone works best)
- Medium-sized bowl for mixing
- Soap bottle with a pump (I recommend using a pump for mason jars)
- Silicone squeeze tube for a portable version
Hand Sanitizer Ingredients:
- Pure aloe vera gel – preferably the non-colored kind (found in the skincare aisle)*
- Witch hazel
- Jojoba oil or glycerine
- High-quality essential oils – check out my essential oil buying guide here
Before we dive into the actual recipe, let’s explore why I selected these specific ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of this hand sanitizer.
ALOE VERA GEL
Aloe vera is a well-respected skincare ingredient, utilized for centuries due to its remarkable properties. It boasts therapeutic and antibacterial benefits, making it an excellent base for this gel-based hand sanitizer. Common uses for aloe include soothing sunburns, alleviating itching, and calming chafed skin. Its gentle nature means it is readily available at most drug stores and online. I personally keep an aloe vera plant at home; they are easy to cultivate, visually appealing, and even cat-proof! In case of scrapes or burns, a quick cut to a leaf provides fresh gel for application. This recipe can also accommodate freshly made aloe vera gel, but be sure to refrigerate it and use it within two weeks.
WITCH HAZEL
Witch hazel, derived from the bark and leaves of the North American Virginian Witch Hazel plant (Hamamelis Virginiana), offers strong antioxidant and astringent properties, along with mild disinfectant qualities. This age-old remedy is often used for various skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and as an aftershave treatment. Unlike rubbing alcohol, witch hazel is soothing and helps evenly distribute the ingredients in this recipe. It’s also a key component in many hemorrhoid remedies, showcasing its versatility. My household always keeps witch hazel on hand!
JOJOBA OIL
Incorporating moisturizing ingredients was a priority for this recipe. If your hands are suffering from dryness due to frequent washing, they will greatly appreciate the moisture from jojoba oil. Extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia Chinensis shrub, native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, jojoba oil holds numerous skin benefits, including moisturizing, antibacterial, and wound healing properties. It is also non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. This oil can even gently remove eye makeup and works wonderfully for the oil cleansing method. If you prefer, you can substitute glycerine or vitamin E oil for jojoba oil.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils not only add extra antibacterial benefits but also impart a delightful natural fragrance. Various essential oils have been recognized in folk medicine for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and emerging studies are beginning to confirm these benefits. Some popular choices include tea tree, lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus oils such as lemon and orange. My favorite blend for this recipe includes a combination of Thieves and Purification oils, which encompass many of these beneficial properties. While using blends is not necessary, feel free to mix single oils to suit your preferences. Just ensure you select high-quality oils—check out my buying guide for reputable sources.
HAND SANITIZER RECIPE:
COMBINE THE INGREDIENTS IN A BOWL
- 1 cup pure organic aloe vera gel
- 1/4 cup witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil or glycerine
- A total of 15-20 drops of your chosen essential oils: try a combination of lemon, lavender, and Thieves (5 drops each) or tea tree, Thieves, and Purification (5 drops each)
The combination of tea tree, Thieves, and Purification is our household favorite. If you don’t have Thieves or Purification on hand, simply use 10-15 drops of tea tree oil. Gently stir until fully combined; the mixture should form a smooth gel with a slight white tint.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, transfer the hand sanitizer into a pump dispenser or several small reusable silicone tubes. Wide-mouth jars are ideal for filling. These fun reusable silicone tubes make it easy to carry your alcohol-free hand sanitizer with you!
How to Use Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer
To use, simply dispense a pea-sized amount of your homemade alcohol-free hand sanitizer into your palm and rub it in thoroughly until dry. A little goes a long way, and it dries quickly. I recommend keeping a bottle in each bathroom for convenience. This recipe also doubles as a great moisturizer after washing your hands, ensuring they remain soft and hydrated. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a small tube in your purse for those times when you’re out and about without access to a sink.
While frequent hand washing and using hand sanitizers can’t guarantee you won’t get sick during cold and flu season, it is one of the most effective methods for reducing your risk. Remember to wear your mask in public and always sneeze into your elbow or shoulder!
Helpful Hints and Suggestions:
- Mason jars with pumps work best as they have a wide mouth for easy filling.
- For bottles with a narrower neck, use a zip baggie to pipe the mixture in, similar to frosting a cupcake!
- If you choose citrus oils, avoid storing your sanitizer gel in plastic, as citrus oils can degrade plastic.
- This hand sanitizer makes a thoughtful gift at any time of year! Divide it into several personalized bottles for friends.
- Don’t forget to take your homemade hand sanitizer on your next camping trip!
- At our home, the formula containing Thieves, tea tree, and Purification serves as our go-to remedy for bug bites, itchy skin, and soothing minor irritations.
- It can even serve as a makeshift deodorant in a pinch.
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If you decide to try out any of these recipes, please share your experiences in our Facebook group or on Instagram!