How to Create a DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer for Clean, Healthy Hands

Creating Your Own DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

When the pandemic hit, like many others, I found myself constantly on the lookout for effective hand sanitizers to keep myself safe. But, as I scrolled through the aisles of the local pharmacy, I noticed a recurring issue: most hand sanitizers were full of harsh chemicals that dried out my skin. So, I decided to make my own DIY essential oil hand sanitizer using natural ingredients that could not only sanitize but also nourish and protect my hands.

Creating your own hand sanitizer is a simple and cost-effective solution. Plus, it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you are only using natural and skin-friendly elements. In this article, I’ll share the step-by-step process I followed to create my own DIY essential oil hand sanitizer and why it’s such a great choice for your health and wellness routine.

Why Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer?

When I first started making my own hand sanitizer, I had a few important factors in mind. The first was the concern about the harsh chemicals often found in store-bought sanitizers. Ingredients like alcohol and synthetic fragrances can be drying and irritating, especially with frequent use. Secondly, I wanted to incorporate essential oils, which have natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making them ideal for hand sanitizers.

Another reason I chose to make my own hand sanitizer is sustainability. Many commercial sanitizers come in plastic bottles, contributing to environmental waste. By making my own, I was able to reuse glass bottles, reducing plastic consumption. Not only was I able to protect my hands from germs, but I was also protecting the planet, one small step at a time.

Gathering the Ingredients for Your DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

To create a truly effective and nourishing hand sanitizer, I needed a combination of ingredients that would sanitize, hydrate, and offer pleasant fragrances. Here's what I gathered:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (or Ethanol): This is the active ingredient that provides the sanitizing effect. It’s essential for killing bacteria and viruses, and you’ll need a concentration of at least 60% to be effective.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel is perfect for moisturizing your skin. It helps prevent the drying effects that alcohol can have and leaves your hands feeling soft and smooth.
• Essential Oils: Essential oils not only add fragrance, but many also have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. I chose a combination of lavender, tea tree, and lemon essential oils for their cleansing properties and refreshing scents.
• Witch Hazel (Optional): Witch hazel can be added as an additional soothing agent for your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin.
• A Small Spray Bottle or Pump Bottle: You’ll need something to store your homemade hand sanitizer in. Glass or plastic spray bottles work perfectly for this purpose.

The Step-by-Step Process to Make Your Own Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

Now that I had all the ingredients, it was time to get to work. Making your own hand sanitizer is easy and can be completed in just a few minutes. Here’s how I did it:

1. Step 1: Mix the Alcohol and Aloe Vera Gel - In a clean bowl, mix about 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol (or ethanol) with 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. The alcohol is the key ingredient for sanitizing, while the aloe vera gel will keep your hands hydrated.
2. Step 2: Add Essential Oils - Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oils. For my sanitizer, I used 5 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of tea tree oil, and 5 drops of lemon essential oil. Lavender is known for its calming properties, tea tree oil has natural antibacterial benefits, and lemon offers a fresh, clean scent.
3. Step 3: Add Witch Hazel (Optional) - If you want to add a soothing touch to your hand sanitizer, include 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Witch hazel can help reduce skin irritation and make your hands feel even more refreshed.
4. Step 4: Mix the Ingredients Together - Stir the mixture until everything is well-combined. Make sure the alcohol and aloe vera gel are thoroughly blended, and the essential oils are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Step 5: Transfer to a Bottle - Once your sanitizer is mixed, use a funnel to pour the solution into a clean spray bottle or pump bottle. Glass bottles are ideal, but plastic can work as well. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, and it’s ready for use!

How to Use Your DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

Using your homemade essential oil hand sanitizer is just as simple as using a store-bought version. Simply spray or pump a small amount onto your hands, and rub them together for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that the sanitizer covers the entire surface of your hands. This will help kill germs and leave your hands feeling clean and refreshed.

One of the things I love most about using this DIY sanitizer is that it doesn’t leave my hands feeling sticky or dry like some commercial sanitizers. Instead, my hands feel soft, and the pleasant fragrance of the essential oils lingers gently throughout the day.

Why Choose DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer?

Since I started making my own hand sanitizer, I’ve noticed a few key benefits that I hadn’t considered before. First and foremost, I have complete control over the ingredients. I know exactly what goes into each batch, and I can choose ingredients that are both effective and gentle on my skin. If I want to change up the scent or experiment with different oils, it’s easy to do so.

Additionally, making my own hand sanitizer has saved me money in the long run. While commercial hand sanitizers can be expensive, the ingredients for my DIY version are relatively affordable, especially since a little goes a long way. I can make large batches that last for months, and the ingredients are simple enough that I can always keep them on hand.

Another benefit of using DIY essential oil hand sanitizer is its environmental impact. By reusing glass bottles and avoiding plastic waste, I feel that I’m making a small but significant contribution to reducing plastic pollution. It’s a small change, but it adds up over time.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Natural Hand Sanitizer

Creating a DIY essential oil hand sanitizer is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few natural ingredients, you can make a sanitizer that’s effective, safe, and nourishing for your skin. Plus, it smells amazing! Whether you’re trying to avoid the harsh chemicals in commercial sanitizers or simply want a more sustainable option, making your own hand sanitizer with essential oils is a great choice.

If you’re ready to try making your own, I encourage you to experiment with different essential oils to find the perfect combination for your personal preferences. Not only will you be doing your part to take care of your skin, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your sanitizer is made with safe, natural ingredients.