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{Note from Jessica: Today’s post is shared by my sweet friend Jess Kuh. Jess is a fellow real food lover with a passion for natural living, herbs, and anything that keeps her family and home healthy.}
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I’m going to say something that is going to make me sound terribly old, but I’m going go for it….when I was in school I had never heard of hand sanitizer and I lived to tell about it.
Phew. Okay, now that I got that out of the way, let’s go on!
Our culture has become fearful of germs. That doesn’t sound too bad, right? It really isn’t. I’m all about staying away for unnecessary germ spreading. (this is why we stay home when we are sick). I also believe in being clean (I have two small boys, let me tell you, my bathroom needs a good cleaning almost daily!).
However, as a culture, we have turned our fear into a bad thing. We want to kill all the germs, all the time.
People are constantly using bleach wipes to clean, sterilizing everything under the sun and are heavily using antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer.
While none of those things are horrible on their own, the fact of the matter is that while doing this, we are not building up natural immunity and we are killing off our good bacteria! We don’t just use soap, we use antibacterial soap and sanitizers.
Antibacterial soaps and cleaners often contain Triclosan. Triclosan is an ingredient that has been proven to alter hormones in animals. Studies are still being done to see if it produces the same effect on humans to determine it’s safely. I’d rather not take the chance as we already face so many things that negatively affect our body.
So, what’s a person to do?
Public restrooms can be some of the nastiest places to visit. While we try to avoid them if we can, some times you need to use them. And, any time there is a virus outbreak, hand sanitizer sales go through the roof.
Frankly, good old fashioned hand washing is going to be your best bet. So if you’re anywhere near a sink and some soap, opt for handwashing instead of hand sanitizer. And don’t forget to wash for 20 seconds MINIMUM! Most of us wash for 5-10 seconds on average and that’s not enough time to thoroughly clean your hands.
Good news! There are natural alternatives to keeping the germs away, while not killing your immunity! This is one of the areas where I really think essential oils shine. They are effective, non-toxic and when used in proper dilution, cost-effective.
The mix of oils I use is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. Perfect for killing whatever your kids may get into without the harmful chemicals. While this happens to be my favorite mix, feel free to play around to find a scent that works for you.
One thing to keep in mind is that to be effective, the hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol. Most DIY hand sanitizers (and even a lot of storebought sanitizers) do not contain that much because people don’t want to use alcohol-based products. I get it, they dry out your skin something fierce. But according to the CDC, in order for a hand sanitizer to be effective, you need that high concentration of alcohol.
Again, another reason why good ol’ soap and water will always win out. It’s a little more gentle on the skin. But, soap and water are not always available in a pinch.
Delicious Obsessions Trusted Product Recommendations for DIY Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer with Essential Oils
I am always asked about my favorite ingredients and what I use in my own kitchen. I have linked to the products from my affiliate partners that I personally use and recommend. And now, here are the special coupon offers that select affiliate partners are currently offering:
- Thrive Market: If you sign up through this link, you will get 15% OFF your first order.
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- For more information about the essential oils I use for myself and my family, click here.
DIY Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer with Essential Oils
The mix of oils I use is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. Perfect for killing whatever your kids may get into without the harmful chemicals. While this happens to be my favorite mix, feel free to play around to find a scent that works for you.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel
- 1 ounce of witch hazel
- 2/3 cup alcohol (needs to be 60% or higher - the higher, the better. We are using Everclear (which is 95%) because I'm not a fan of rubbing alcohol, but you can use that if that's all you have)
- 4 drops orange essential oil (see notes section below for an alternate essential oil idea)
- 4 drops cinnamon essential oil (see notes section below for an alternate essential oil idea)
- 2 drops clove essential oil (see notes section below for an alternate essential oil idea)
- 2 drops lavender essential oil (see notes section below for an alternate essential oil idea)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients into a container and shake until well mixed.
- *Note: Make sure you check your ingredients because sadly, aloe gel is not always just aloe gel. You want a pure one.
- Tip: For a squeeze container, look in the travel section at your local grocery store or online. I find the perfect sized ones there for around $1.00 each. Amazon has these cute silicone bottles that would be perfect for this recipe. Glass is going to be ideal though, so you might consider these glass bottles instead.
Notes
Depending on what EOs you have on hand (or want to purchase), another option is to use a "germ fighter" blend that already has a bunch of EOs in it. For this recipe, I would use 12-16 drops of whatever blend you choose (more or less depending on your preferences). I like this Plant Therapy Germ Fighter blend. I like the Plant Therapy brand in general because the owners are awesome people, they provide high-quality oils, they are affordable for everyday use, and they are easily accessible.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
-
ArtNaturals Organic Aloe Vera Gel - for Face, Hair and Body - 100% Pure Natural and Cold Pressed - for Sun Burn, Eczema, Bug or Insect Bites, Dry Damaged Aging skin, Razor Bumps and Acne - 12 oz. -
Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, 12 oz (Package may vary) -
Oursunshine Travel Bottles,Leakproof Silicone Refillable Travel Containers,Squeezable Travel Tube Sets Cosmetic Toiletry Containers for Shampoo Lotion Soap (3oz or 2oz)
Have you ever made your own hand sanitizer? What are your favorite essential oils to use? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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Hi Jessica – thanks for the great post! Quick question, do you have a recommendation for an essential oil to use in place of lavender? Though I know it has amazing benefits, I’m highly allergic to the stuff, especially in EO form. Thanks so much! Love your blog!
Hi Abby- One of the reason I love this recipe is that you can totally change it up. I’d leave out the lavender and two more drops of one of the other oils. Or an oil that you love the fragrance of. I hope that helps.
Hi, do you sue Cinnamon bark or leaf? Or does it matter?
This recipe uses cinnamon bark essential oil, which has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. Cinnamon leaf EO does have some antibacterial properties, but not nearly the range that the bark does.
What parts of this recipe are essential and what can be changed? I’m thinking the aloe and the witch hazel would need to stay. Thinking of making a vanilla peppermint green tea scented one.
Hi Sara – You can switch out the essential oils for whatever you would prefer. You do want to make sure you select EOs that are naturally anti-microbial. The base of the recipe needs to stay as is. Hope you enjoy!
Does it have to be Wild Orange essential oil or could you use Sweet Orange or just Orange essential oil? Will they do the same thing?
Hi Rebecca – You could use any of the orange EOs in this recipe. I’ll make a note of that in the post!
Do you have any idea how long this will last?
Hi Angie – I think 6 months would be a good average. Enjoy!
Love this! I even already have pure aloe vera gel on hand. 🙂 Thanks for a great recipe!
Awesome! Hope you like it! 🙂
Hi Jessica, I live in Europe, and witch hazel is not so common around here, I had never heard about it. Is there any other plant that can replace it? Thanks!
Hi Carla! I’ve never used anything but witch hazel, but I have heard some people use vinegar (apple cider if possible) in place of it. I would personally think that could be a little too harsh or smelly though. Sorry I can’t be of more help!
What brand of aloe do you usr and is it a thicker consistency? All of the pure ones I have found are very thin and therefore make for a very liquid consistency hand sanitizer.
Hi Emily – I’ve used a few different brands and they do vary a little in thickness. It really depends on what thickeners they use. I’ve yet to find one that is just pure aloe. There are always additives so you just have to decide which ones make you the most comfortable. 🙂 Here are a few brand recommendations (affiliate links):
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel: http://amzn.to/2dQkrdD
Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera: http://amzn.to/2fbZShA
Art Naturals: http://amzn.to/1Ox8QuK
I have aloe plants. Can I use that?
Hi Laura! Absolutely! But, keep in mind that fresh aloe is going to spoil rapidly so you’re going to have to use it fast or keep it refrigerated (which is not super convenient). Stay well!
Very interesting recipe for hand sanitizer as well as the others for cleaning. I found several, but yours seems to be one of the best using many of the essential oils. You do have one small error concerning the alcohol percentage. According to the National medical doctor last week on the news they said the alcohol percentage has to be 70% or higher. I could be wrong. You might want to check into that. I am going to be using your recipe, I like it.
An FYI I use 4 essential oils along with witch hazel and aloe vera juice to make natural flea spray for my dogs and cats and it works and expels other critters. Maybe post a recipe for that I have it if you want it. Thanks for sharing.😃⚘💗
Hi Gail! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are staying well amidst all the chaos. The last report I saw from the CDC on their website said 60% (it’s linked in the post), but maybe they changed it in the last couple of days? Regardless, I think in this case, higher is better, which is why we use Everclear (pretty much the highest you can get!). That’s a great idea regarding the flea spray! I’ll keep that in mind! Thanks for the idea. 🙂 Stay safe!!
Hi Jessica –
Thanks for sharing. Fantastic information!
Could you tell me if this is this safe around pets? I have a small senior dog and for peace of mind I’d like to know. Thank you
Hi Leisa – It really depends on the essential oils you use. I know cinnamon and citrus oils are not recommended as safe for dogs. But I use those oils in my home with no problems. I am just very careful to never leave anything lying around where my dog could get access to it. You can find comprehensive lists of what oils are safe and unsafe for pets online and that might help!
I’m using aloe from our plants. Is there different instructions for that or the same?
Hi Sarah – Yes, you would have to keep it refrigerated as fresh aloe is going to spoil quickly. The aloe you buy in the store has been pasteurized to prevent spoilage.