Do you want to use hand sanitizer with a certain scent, but can't find it everywhere? Or do the ingredients in commercial hand sanitizer products worry you? Luckily, hand sanitizer is easy to make at home, with either rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. However, keep in mind that hand sanitizers made from witch hazel will not be as effective as products made from alcohol, and require special essential oils that have antimicrobial properties.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Liquid Alcohol
Step 1. Pour 2/3 cup (160 ml) of liquid alcohol into a clean bowl
Try to use 99% alcohol instead of the regular 70% alcohol. Alcohol with 99% levels can kill more germs.
Step 2. Add 1/3 cup (80 grams) of aloe vera gel
This will give the hand sanitizer a gel-like texture. In addition, aloe vera gel will also reduce the drying effect of the alcohol by moisturizing your hands.
Step 3. Add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil
You can use any scent you like. However, the following scents have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or thieves.
Step 4. Stir all ingredients until smooth with a spatula
Make sure there are no lumps or lumps in the mixture.
Step 5. Transfer the mixture into a clean bottle with a funnel
Try to use a bottle equipped with a pump or a pressure bottle. Open the bottle cap and then insert the funnel. Pour the mixture into the funnel until it enters the bottle. Use a spatula to scoop all the ingredients out of the bowl.
Step 6. Close the bottle and shake it
Your scented hand sanitizer is now ready to use. The ingredients in it may settle over time. If this happens, simply shake the bottle one more time.
Step 7. Done
Method 2 of 2: Using Witch Hazel
Step 1. Pour 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil into a clean bowl
You can use any essential oil you like, but the following oils also have antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, or thieves.
Step 2. Mix 30 drops of tea tree essential oil and teaspoon (about 1.25 ml) of vitamin E oil
Tea tree oil acts as an antiseptic, while vitamin E oil acts as a preservative as well as softens and softens hands.
Step 3. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of witch hazel
This will help kill all the germs, but it's not as harsh on the skin as rubbing alcohol. However, keep in mind that witch hazel is not as effective as liquid alcohol. If you need a stronger ingredient, try using high-alcohol vodka instead.
Step 4. Add 1 cup (about 225 grams) of aloe vera gel
This will create a gel-like texture for hand sanitizer. In addition, aloe vera gel will reduce the dry effect while making hand sanitizer more moisturizing.
Step 5. Mix all ingredients with a spatula until smooth
Stir until there are no lumps or lumps in it.
Step 6. Transfer the mixture into a clean bottle equipped with a pump or pressure bottle
Open the bottle cap and insert the funnel into it. Pour the mixture through the funnel. Use a spatula to help guide the mixture in.
Step 7. Close the bottle and shake before use
Try to use this hand sanitizer until it runs out within a few months. This hand sanitizer is natural and pure so it does not contain preservatives.
Step 8. Done
Tips
- If you want to make a smaller volume of hand sanitizer, mix 1-2 parts alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel. Start by adding 3-5 drops of scented oil then add more if necessary.
- If you already have hand sanitizer, you can simply add scent to it by adding a few drops of essential oil or other fragrance. Close the bottle and shake well before use.
- Try to use pure aloe vera gel without preservatives or coloring.
- To make colored hand sanitizer, try adding a drop of food coloring. Don't add more dye, as this can leave stains on your skin.
- You can buy essential oils at health food stores and certain arts and crafts stores.
- You can also use soap fragrances. You can buy these in the soap ingredients area of a craft store.
- You can replace 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of glycerin with 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of aloe vera gel for a more softening effect.
- The following oils have natural antimicrobial properties: cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, and thieves oils.
- Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial as well as a powerful antiseptic. This ingredient is great for adding to your homemade hand sanitizer.
- You can use an empty hand sanitizer bottle or an empty soap bottle to store hand sanitizer. You can also use a mini size shampoo bottle (travel size).
Warning
- Some citrus-based oils will make your hands sensitive to the sun. If you decide to use one of these oils, you should avoid using hand sanitizer when you leave the house.
- The essential oil will eventually disintegrate in the plastic bottle. Consider storing most hand sanitizer in a glass container and only pouring the amount you need for 1 week into a small plastic bottle.
