Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
I am not a fan of commercial hand sanitizers. (Probably doesn’t surprise anyone!) This may sound strange but I don’t use antibacterial soap or strong cleaners at home because I actually believe having a little bacteria around is a good thing.
I’m glad that I started making my own personal care products years ago, especially since the FDA ruled in 2016 that manufacturers should stop using triclosan, a common ingredient in antibacterial soaps and sanitizers at the time, due to its ability to disrupt hormones and contribution to a rise in resistant strains of bacteria.
Just goes to show it pays to read the research!
That said… certain ingredients can be helpful in combating viruses, and with the current climate of those going around, I am being more proactive than I normally am. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to see other measures I’m taking to stay well.
Why Put Down the Hand Sanitizer?
My home isn’t a hospital (thanks to generally strong immune systems) so I take a gentler approach and make this homemade hand sanitizer to use only when we can’t wash our hands or are concerned about exposure to really bad bacteria.
I can see the appeal of killing “99.9% of germs” when you have a family of small children, and illness for one usually means illness for all. Still, it’s helpful to understand some reasons why the antibacterial label popping up on all kinds of soaps, wipes, and cleaners might not be the solution it seems to be.
- Reason #1: Regular hand washing might be just as effective and should be a first line of defense. Recent reports show that washing with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds is as effective as antibacterial soaps and sanitizers. They still have their place but make sure to wash hands as well!
- Reason #2: It may be true that antibacterial products kill 99.9% of germs, but that .1% is the most potentially harmful (since it can resist antibacterial agents). This small percentage that survives then breeds and passes on its antibiotic resistance to its offspring, creating lines of “super bugs” that resist antibiotic use. This may be one factor in the dramatic increase in strains like MRSA.
- Reason #3: Triclosan, the chemical in most antibacterial soaps has been shown to interact with chlorine in the water to form chloroform gas. On top of that, it has been shown to be a hormone disruptor, especially in children. I’m glad it’s been phased out from so many products, but I’m skeptical it solves the issue.
- Reason #4: Some evidence shows that kids who grow up in an overly sterile environment have higher rates of allergies and asthma than kids who don’t use antibacterial products as much. Exposure to different types of bacteria, especially early in life, helps kids’ immune systems to develop.
Give Bacteria a Little Respect!
My strategy when it comes to keeping the nasty bacteria at bay is to make sure my kids’ immune systems are strong. We focus on eating a real food diet with plenty of fermented veggies and drinks (good bacteria) and restricting sugar. We also prioritize good old fashioned play time outside, where they can get vitamin D from the sun and healthy bacteria from the soil microbiome.
I use handmade bar soaps or homemade foaming hand soap for all of our hand washing needs, and we made it through another flu season with no cases of the flu. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don’t see the need to use harsh chemicals to sanitize my house daily.
Benefits of Natural Hand Sanitizer (with Essential Oils)
We don’t use even our natural hand sanitizer very often and opt for simple hand washing whenever possible. I do keep a little bottle of homemade hand sanitizer by the sink though to ensure safety after handling meat or changing a diaper, etc.
Besides stinking to high heaven, commercial sanitizers often contain drying alcohol that is too strong for kids to use anyway. The nice thing about making my own is I can make a more gentle version for use around the kids and a stronger one to use in a place like a public restroom.
Instead of triclosan or other antibacterial agents, I use essential oils that inhibit bacteria naturally, being careful to choose ones that are safe for kids. There is also some evidence that these oils can help battle viruses, making them potentially more effective. It is important to note that these first two recipes are more like a waterless soap and not a full hand sanitizer. The CDC explains that a product must be at least 60% alcohol to be a hand sanitizer and only the last recipe can reach that percentage.
No Time to DIY?
If you need a ready-made option, try my hand sanitizer from Wellnesse. While I still don’t advocate using hand sanitizer all the time (usually just soap and water will do), this is a natural, safe option for those times when you need extra protection.
How to Make Your Own Natural Hand Sanitizer
Here are my go-to hand sanitizer recipes. I start out with the most gentle. Increase the strength as needed.
Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe (Safe for Kids)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 20 drops germ destroyer essential oil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and store in a reusable silicone tube.
- Use as needed to naturally remove germs from hands.
Notes
Stronger Hand Sanitizer Recipe
For a stronger hand sanitizer that performs like commercial versions (without the triclosan), try this recipe. If you work in a hospital, this might be a good one for your personal use. I would not use this recipe on kids!
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 20 drops Germ Destroyer oil
- 1 TBSP distilled water or colloidal silver/ionic silver for extra antibacterial power
- other essential oils (just for scent)
Instructions
- To make, mix aloe vera gel, optional glycerin, and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
- Add cinnamon essential oil and tea tree oil along with a drop or two of any other oils you want to add for scent. Lemongrass, orange, lavender, and peppermint are good choices.
- Mix well and add about 1 tablespoon of distilled water (or colloidal/ionic silver) to thin to desired consistency.
- Use a small funnel or medicine dropper to transfer hand sanitizer into spray or pump type bottles. This can also be stored in small silicone tubes for use on the go.
- Use as you would any other type of hand sanitizer.
Strongest Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe (5 Minute Recipe)
The CDC recommends at least 60% alcohol in hand sanitizer to effectively battle viruses. This formula follows this percentage and adds aloe vera for gentleness and essential oils for extra virus fighting. This is the one I am currently using after being in areas where viruses are more likely to be transmitted.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 2 Tablespoons aloe vera (If unable to find aloe vera, glycerin can be used as a substitute)
- 20 drops Germ Destroyer Essential Oil. (You can also use Germ Fighter which is stronger but I wouldn’t recommend for use on kids)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients and combine in a spray bottle (these are the perfect size) or small bottle of any kind. Use as needed.
Keep in mind that you should adjust the recipe depending on the strength of the alcohol you’re using. For example, if you’re using 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you’ll need a different amount of aloe vera than if you were using 70% alcohol. Here are some quick guidelines?
Option 1 with 99% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol:
2 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 2/3 cup alcohol + 1/3 cup aloe vera gel)
Option 2 with 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
9 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 90ml or 3 ounces of alcohol + 10ml or 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel)
Option 3 with 91% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
3 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 3/4 cup alcohol + 1/4 cup aloe vera gel)
Notes
- Always check with a doctor or healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially on children or if you have a medical condition.
- Using fresh aloe vera gel isn’t as stable for counter storage; a commercial brand is recommended.
If you like this recipe, also try my DIY disinfecting wipes for kitchen counters or bathrooms.
Other Ways We Stay Well
This time of year, we prioritize a few ways to stay well:
- Diffusing Essential Oils: I’m diffusing Germ Destroyer Kid-Safe essential oil or Germ Fighter Essential Oil (from Plant Therapy) regularly. I’m also keeping many of their blends including Respiraid on hand in case of illness.
- Hand Washing: Sources agree that regular hand washing with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds is just as effective as harsh sanitizers so we’re making sure to wash our hands even more than we normally would, especially after being in any public places.
- Nasal Irrigation: Another step I always take this time of year. We use a mixture of XClear nasal rinse with Xylitol and Nasopure Nasal Irrigation, especially after travel or potential exposure.
- Propolis Spray: We spray our throats with Propolis spray before and after leaving the house.
- Vitamin C: Several sources recommend getting enough Vitamin C to help fortify the body against viruses. I keep ascorbic acid powder on hand and increase our dose at the first sign of any sniffles. I also get Vitamin C IVs this time of year, especially before and after travel.
- Vitamin D: Sources also suggest that having optimal Vitamin D levels might help protect the body from the worst of viruses and from respiratory complications. I test our levels this time of year (EverlyWell has an at-home test) and use drops to get our levels in a good range (above 50).
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor or work with a concierge doctor at SteadyMD.
Ever made your own hand sanitizer? How did it turn out?
I know that witch hazel is a natural antiseptic, can’t I just put this is a mini spray bottle with some essential oil?
If you combine it with tea tree oil is a perfect sanitizer.
A lot of people are giving bad reviews on the aloe vera brand you are promoting. May want to get a better option
Almost all of them are sold out with the pandemic so I’m trying to find any available option that will work and will definitely change the link back to my favorite brand as soon as it is available again
I agree..avoid the silver..too much can cause silver poisoning..sounds weird but saw a programme where a woman turned grey from over use..I won’t buy plasters with colloidal silver ever..and witch hazel is definately better than alcohol..it’s a natural toner and closes the pores so if you have greasy skin..or sweaty palms it will help.
Colloidal Silver used correctly is one of the best natural antibiotics. People that turn blue or gray have to be ingesting a tremendous amount. The reason the pharmaceutical societies tell us NOT to use it is because they cannot patent it and make $$$$ on it. Research how much it was used in the past as the best healing agent, because Penicillin had not been invented and patented!
I will make some as soon as I get the ingredients (I already have silver). Thanks for all the “recipes” you give us.
It really doesn’t matter how much colloidal silver,….it matters more on the qualityand processesing to make the colloidal silver. there are a lot of “home chemist” out there extracting the silver by soaking coins…….and other methods…..no the quality and ratio is more important.
Yes, we make our colloidal silver and we use coins to make it but not any coins -Pure silver coins. I guess I might be considered a “home chemist”….glad i have the education background. Lots of excellent info out there…don’t overpay for hyped machines. God bless!
Can you tell me how you make your own colloidal silver? Thanks!!
How long can I store it for this hand sanitizer?
I agree. I’m a “home chemist” as well and the parts per million is what matters. Low ppm like 10 or 15 can be consumed almost daily (although we are healthy individuals and don’t need to nor do we), but higher ppm’s like 20-40 need to be paired with high quality probiotics because it kills the good gut bacteria that you need to have a healthy gut microbiome. It’s safe as long as you are taking probiotics and this ppm is needed for fatal infections and viruses. Anything above 40 use topically only. And I recommend a skin care routine that will replenish the microbiome layer on your skin….All natural products that won’t harm the bacteria.
Hi As a nutritional naturopath I recommend silver products, however, getting a good quality silver is essential as someone somewhere said too much silver can make you blue. It’s not the silver but oxidation of silver that does that and also having the wrong size and shape of particles so they can get in and out of cells and not get stuck in there. I used to make my own silver but since learning a lot more about it I am very careful what I choose – the best product I know on the market is noble naturals nanosilver. It is also stored in special ultraviolet bottles as all the other ones even the blue and brown still allow certain rays through that oxidize the product. If it starts turning grey or yellow its oxidised and I would not take it. I would thing taking an inferior silver as an emergency would not be harmful to the body. And yes probiotics are always recommended even though 15ppm would only kill a very small proportion of good bacteria and always take at different times of the day.
Amen! I make my own Colloidal Silver. It is very fine micro particled. Use it by the TONS now that I can make it myself. Even add it to the laundry rinse water. CS should be in every home!
Yes!!!! Thank you for this comment!
Are there alternative oils to tea tree (and lavender?) that kill viruses as effectively? I avoid using these topically, as they may be hormone disrupters.
Just FYI, yes witch hazel is a natural toner with great healing properties, but unless you’re buying 100% pure witch hazel (which is super expensive), it contains alcohol. So if you use it in place of alcohol in this recipe, you will indeed still have a hand sanitizer containing alcohol, just with some additional benefits.
Hi. I made the aloe from the plant. Is there a reason you don’t use it in your hand sanitizer recipe?
And if you do, is there a recipe? Thank you
For those concerned about Silver if you read the box when you buy it especially Sovereign silver, it tells you how it is different from the different kinds of silvers we are warned about. Its smaller amounts suspended in water which makes it safer to consume in large quantities
I actually use silver for my son’s ears when he gets ear infections. We also take a tsp every couple of hours when starting to get sick as well so putting it on hands is totally safe. It kills bacteria. We’ve never turned grey or any other color for that matter. I know there has been a lot of scare tactics surrounding it but it is awesome stuff.
Colloidal silver is not good in large doses, but large doses means consuming more than an oz per day internally. I have family who drank glasses of it and did turn grey. But if you read and pay attention to the endless information out there it will not happen by using silver water topically or by consuming the recommended doses. It’s not wise to scare people out of using beneficial treatments for lack of knowledge.
I find that odd as I use colloidal silver in just about everything from soaps to water filters. I also have been taking one ounce daily for over 10 years now and am not gray. In fact I’m insanely healthy as are all my family and pets who ingest it daily in their food and purified water. Don’t listen to everything folks say, get busy and do your own research.
Where do you get vitamin C IVs?
Are these safe for toddlers to use? Especially now with COVID-19
Be careful with colloidal silver! My husband (a chemical engineer) flipped when he saw this recipe up as I was making it because it had colloidal silver in it and told me never to use this. He said it can be poisonous if you use too much (as with any trace metal). I was making this with distilled water, and it worked great and would highly recommend that version!
Anything in excess is bad for you. For colloidal silver to hace adverse affect, you would have to INGEST A LOT of it! Some folks believe that if something is good for you…then more is better. colloidal silver kills 99.9% of germs, plus it does not smell. A colloidal silver with homeopathics gel got rid of my mothers severe case of shingle blisters overnight. If you have concerns, there are great info sites on line.
Exactly! We use colloidal silver a lot! Lots of outright WRONG info about colloidal silver. I am a huge fan of colloidal silver. Just make sure if you take it internally to follow up with probiotics about an hour after you take a large dose.
There is plenty of research out there with correct information out there. Colloidal silver is safe – tell your hubby to research it. Seriously – everything needs to be respected when using and colloidal silver ROCKS OUT LOUD BABY!!! I use it for tons of things daily!!!
I purchased some colloidal silver from a health food store to try, as I’d heard so much about it. This was a very long time ago now. It definitely poisoned me…thank God I only took a small amount. I just can’t try it again.
Nice recipe. About how much water do you usually use? I want to put them in spray bottles but I don’t want to dilute it too much. Thanks.
I don’t have grape seed extract. Can I substitute something else?
i just made this and there was a pulp like consistency in it. is this normal? should i strain it out or leave it in?
Did we ever figure out if we are supposed to strain out the pulp like stuff?
how is this different than other hand sanitizer since both contain alcohol?
1 word: triclosan
I have approx 5 different types of hand sanitizer here at home, and NONE contain triclosan. Purell does not. Germ X does not contain triclosan. The ones from the dollar tree (assorted brands) do not either. Maybe Bath and. Body Works brand does, cannot tell from that website. I think people are confusing sanitzers and anibacterial soaps. I cannot use the detergents in most hand washes, as it contains SLS, and makes my skin peel. Alcohol based sanitizers are amazng, whether home made or most commercial hrands
could i sub witch hazel for the alcohol?
Yes
I had read that tea tree oil is not safe for boys that had not gone through puberty do you know if this is true?
I’ve seen conflicting information on this. If you are concerned, you can sub another oil like lemon, which is also antibacterial.
I would be careful with adding any Citrus Essential Oils. Citrus EOs are photo-sensitive; which mean they can cause burns when exposed to direct sun light.
Some EOs like Lime can be safe to use depending on how they are produced.
Oh good! I was going to ask if I could sub something else for the Tea Tree Oil, since I am allergic to it! Lemon it is!
I can’t wait to make this recipe! Could you give me a suggestion of where to purchase the colloidal or ionic silver (& perhaps a brief explanation of the differences between the two)?
I’ve gotten both on Amazon, and it is just a slightly different molecular composition from my understanding.
Be careful with colloidal silver! I had this recipe up on my computer and when my husband (a chemical engineer) saw it, he warned me never to use it, especially on children. It is a trace metal, and in too high doses (like if you use hand sanitizer often) it can be dangerous (source: Mayo Clinic). I made this recipe with distilled water, and it works wonderfully; would highly recommend!
My sister and her husband are chemical engineers as well, and take colloidal silver as a supplement occasionally.
LOVE colloidal silver!
We been using collaidal silver for around 5 years now. My father in law who is also have double degree Engineer and inventor recommended this. Him and my mom in law been using as long I can remember. Uses for almost everything.
I have been using silver for years & also my whole family. I pretty much use silver for everything & it’s the best thing ever.
I feel your comment about Colloidal Silver is a bit scaremongering, I have used Silver for many years on myself and my grandchildren for bacteria, viruses, tummy bugs, etc, etc, I am an acupuncturist and also prescribe it for my clients, this is all taken internally, lot safer than antibiotics and some of the drugs on the market today. So can’t see how Colloidal Silver in a hand wash is dangerous.
It’s unfortunate when our government and big pharma has indeed wormed their way into the minds of decent people. Colloidal silver is perfectly safe – As with EVERYTHING – if you make your own, make it correctly… If you buy it…lol…don’t overpay! I put colloidal silver in everything! Toothpaste, foods (kills bacteria and foods keep longer in the fridge), lotions, deodorant… omg, the list is endless!!! Tons of research out there… seems most of the negative are those that don’t know the facts and/or can’t make money off it (mainly our government and big pharma.) It’s sad. Time to throw ourselves back to our grandparents’ time… God’s plants, creations, animals… soo much healing in this world without a dime paid into the hands of government, big pharma and those that run the world. Go with God – He rocks out loud and has the answers and guidance for EVERYTHING!!
Colloidal silver STOPPED ear infections for my son. LOVE IT!
We have brewed our colloidal silver for years now. We take shots of it, make mouth wash, eye wash, boo boo spray, counter cleaner and more. Love the stuff and no one is blue. Not one bit worried about it!
Amen! I make my own Colloidal Silver. It is very fine micro particled. Use it by the TONS now that I can make it myself. Even add it to the laundry rinse water. CS should be in every home!
Hi,
Aloe Vera tends to give u a feeling of stickiness, is there something else u can use?
I also would like to know the answer to that question.
Try distilled aloe. It’s shelf stable (doesn’t require a preservative), doesn’t contain any preservatives either & isn’t at all sticky. It can be used in nearly anything for internal or external use. Spectacular stuff.
We make our own using a machine from silverpuppy. We use it for a natural disinfectant and occasionally anti-biotics. I have cured several very bad UTI’s and strep throat with Colloidal silver. Just be sure if you swallow any you take pro-biotics! and dont do it regularly or more than a half a shot glass or you will cause problems (ever heard of the blue man.)
The most important thing is to do research and learn both sides of the argument.