DIY Hand Sanitizer: A Recipe You Can Make Without Aloe Vera Gel
Well, we saw this coming… but there is no doubt that the Coronavirus is here in the US. As much as we are told not to panic, with so much unknown surrounding this virus, it is hard not to be fearful! What this has led to, however, is the depletion of store shelves as we all try and stock up on all of the essentials. If you were able to get your hands on bottles of hand sanitizer before the depletion hit, consider yourself lucky and go buy a lottery ticket right now LOL!
Hand santitizer was actually one of the first things that stores ran low on as we all are trying to do our best to cut down on the spread of germs! Well, now as people are searching for ways to DIY their hand sanitizer, stores are now selling out of other ingredients such as aloe vera! The good news is, you can actually make a DIY hand sanitizer spray that does not require aloe vera and with the bare essentials only requires a few readily available ingredients. Just remember, the BEST thing you can do at this time is wash your hands with soap and water! Hand sanitizer should only be used when you do not have access to soap and water as it is good, but not as effective as hand washing. Stay safe and healthy my friends - stay indoors, curl up with a good book, watch some great movies, spend quality time with your family and we will all get through this!
** Note: I am a doctor, but what you will find here is not medical advice, nor is it a recipe to treat viruses or illnesses. If you feel you are sick, please consult with your doctor to receive appropriate recommendations!
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Ingredients And Supplies Needed
2 Oz Spray Bottle
2 Tsp Carrier Oil (Such As Fractionated Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil)
Alcohol (90% Proof Or Higher)
Small Mixing Bowl And Spoon
Optional:
1 Tsp Aloe Vera (Will Add Thickening And Moisturizing)
1 Tsp Vegetable Glycerin (Will Add Thickening And Moisturizing)
10- 15 Drops Essential Oils (Lemon, Orange, Rosemary, Geranium, Tea Tree, Cinnamon)
10 Drops Vitamin E (Moisturizes Skin)
5 Drops Grapefruit Seed Extract (Acts As A Preservative)
DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe Tutorial (Aloe Vera Not Required)
The first thing you will want to do is make sure you have a clean 2 oz spray bottle (or multiple). Remove the lid of the spray bottle.
If using aloe vera, add one teaspoon to the mixing bowl. If you have access to aloe vera it will allow a little thickening to the sanitizer but will also add moisture. Keeping your hands moisturized (especially when you are washing often and using drying alcohol sanitizer) is important because it prevents dry, cracked hands. Dry and cracked hands can trap more bacteria than moisturized hands. If you do not have access to aloe vera but are able to acquire any of the other optional moisturizing ingredients listed above it is recommended!
Next, add 2 teaspoons of your carrier oil. The purpose of the carrier oil is to provide a base with which to coat the hands in the alcohol so that sanitization can take place. For this recipe, I personally used fractionated coconut oil however you can use any carrier oil. Options include almond oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and even olive oil.
Another optional moisturizing component that you can add at this time is vegetable glycerin. If you have this ingredient, add 1 teaspoon at this time. This will also give the spray a little bit of thickness which will be helpful in making sure that your hands are fully coated in the sanitizer when using.
Now add approximately 10 drops of Vitamin E (this is an optional step) to add a moisturizing component to the spray.
To add even more preservation, add approximately 5 drops of grapefruit seed extract. This is certainly an optional step.
Mix all of the above ingredients together in your small bowl. Add about 1 teaspoon of alcohol into the bowl at this point to help add enough volume to disperse all ingredients evenly when stirring and subsequently when pouring contents into bottle.
Once everything in the small bowl is mixed well, using a mini funnel or steady hands, carefully pour all contents into the spray bottle.
If you choose to add essential oils, now is the time to add 10-15 drops directly into the bottle. Essential oils will help to make the scent pleasant but can also add another boost of antiviral and antibacterial properties. For my recipe I chose to add 4 drops each of lemon, orange, geranium, and rosemary. Other options can include tea tree, cinnamon, thyme, and eucalyptus.
To complete you spray you will now fill the remainder of your bottle (up to the neck of the bottle) with your alcohol. Screw the lid back onto the bottle and shake to combine all ingredients.
To use spray enough material to completely coat your hands and rub them until dry!
This spray is handy to keep in the car, in your purse, at your office desk, and anywhere else where you are on the go. Remember, keeping your hands clean and your hands away from your face, mouth, eyes, and nose is the best way to avoid picking up a virus! Stay safe and healthy everyone!
