How to Make Natural Homemade Hand Sanitizer

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Homemade DIY natural hand sanitizer
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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 DIY natural hand sanitizer
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3.62 from 65 votes

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe (Safe for Kids)

This homemade hand sanitizer recipe is non-drying with an herbal gel base and nourishes with aloe vera. It’s so simple that your children can help you make it.
Prep Time1 minute
Author: Katie Wells

Instructions

Notes

See below for some stronger versions.

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

Instructions

  1. To make, mix aloe vera gel, optional glycerin, and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix well and add about 1 tablespoon of distilled water (or colloidal/ionic silver) to thin to desired consistency.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

Instructions:

  1. 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?

Ever wanted to make homemade hand sanitizer? This tutorial will show you how to make a safe, herbal, all-natural hand sanitizer at home.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

224 responses to “How to Make Natural Homemade Hand Sanitizer”

  1. April Avatar

    Is there any proof that this actually works to kill germs? You have to have about 61% alcohol content in normal hand sanitizers for them to work. This contains only has a small amount. I know that essential oils can kill germs to a point, but these are very diluted. From some recent testing I’ve seen by someone who knows how to test products to see if they really kill germs, essential oils are not as anti-bacterial/anti-viral, etc., as we think.

  2. Amalia Avatar

    What about adding in probiotics to a homemade hand santitizer? I’ve read that that would be more helpful for fighting infections. Could you mix a bit of P2 house cleaner with some water and essential oils, or would the essential oils (onguard or lemon) kill the good bacteria? Thanks for all the wonderful work you do!

  3. John Avatar

    My company makes hand sanitizer with alcohol and water tea tree eucalyptus oil peppermint. .

  4. Sarah Avatar

    Hi,

    Thanks for this great conversation! Is it better to store hand sanitizer in a glass bottle or is plastic ok?

    Thanks!

    Sarah

  5. Deb Avatar

    I see GSE pictured, but not listed in the recipe. (Same with the remineralizing toothpaste) What is GSE, its properties, and uses? Thank you!

  6. Lori Avatar

    HI , what brand colloidal silver to use ? Some of them have water in ingredients some Purified water, polysorbate 20 and sodium bicarbonate, which one to purchase ?

      1. Savannah Avatar

        It is a good brand but pretty expensive. Honestly silver has done wonders for me and my family at half the cost. It stops my sons bug bites from itching instantly too!

  7. Johanna Silva Avatar
    Johanna Silva

    I make my homemade hand sanitizer with organic witch hazel and a little hydrogen peroxide mixed in with the essential oils.
    Personally I wouldn’t recommend rubbing alcohol.

    1. Barbara Avatar

      Well that’s interesting, never thought of that. How much and what kind and strength of peroxide?

  8. Jenae Hagel Avatar
    Jenae Hagel

    would the safest version for pregnancy be just aloe, veg G and Silver?

  9. Jenae Avatar

    Is there a version of this safe for pregnant since I know some essential oils have to be avoided during?

  10. Krista Avatar

    I noticed that you purchase your aloe gel from mountain rose herbs, but have included the fruit of the earth brand in the picture… I assume that means you don’t see any problem with the ingredients (triethanolamine, tocopheryl acetate, carbomer, tetrasodium EDTA, DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, stabilizers & preservatives) in the fruit of the earth brand? Do you have a credible source that you typically use to learn which ingredients are safe vs. toxic?

  11. Reyn Avatar

    Just a note — bacteria does not become resistant to alcohol based sanitizers. Bacteria becomes resistant to antibiotic based sanitizers. Alcohol kills bacteria through a combination of chemical reactions. Quoting Science Line: “Ethyl alcohol (also called ethanol) kills bacteria by dissociating/dissolving the bacteria’s cellular membrane (the part that holds everything together)… it would be sort of like having something that could dissolve all of your skin (yikes!), all of your insides would fall out and everything would stop working if it wasn’t held together.The way ethanol dissolves a cell membrane is by having one end that dissolves well in water (the one with the OH) and the other end that dissolves well in fatty/greasy like substances (the end with the CH2CH3). Bacteria cell membranes are like water on the outside and like fat on the inside, so when you apply ethanol to a cell membrane, instead of all the parts of the membrane sticking together, they’ll associate with the ethanol causing the membrane to fall apart.” Antibiotics on the other hand interfere with bacteria on the cellular level, which mutation can protect against.

    Regards

  12. Becky Avatar

    I’m confused… “add 0 drops of cinnamon essential oil”. Clearly this must be a mistake. How many drops of cinnamon?

  13. Heather B Avatar
    Heather B

    I am confused. You said you don’t like commercial hand sanitizer because they contain alcohol, but your recipe contains alcohol. Could you clarify?

  14. Kassie Avatar

    Hi Katie! I love your blog!! I am in the process of trying to convert to all homemade products as much as can as long as money allows. I just started using doTERRA EOs. I was wondering how you decide on if you order doTERRA or Mountain Rose Herbs. I was reading on Mountain Rose hErbs site you shouldnt use them on children. I have a 1 and 3 year old. I was planning to use this on them. Please explain!! Thank You!!

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      Mountain Rose Herbs has this warning because most oils are untested on pregnant women and children at that age, so they don’t recommend them. The oils themselves are similar grade and organic, but I am very cautious of using any oils on babies or when pregnant, no matter the brand.

      1. Kassie Avatar

        Thanks Katie! I do worry a lot about using them on my kids! The only thing I have used is On Guard on them. So would you not recommend making the hand sanitizer and soap to use on the kids? f you don’t, do you have a recipe you would recommend? I also was looking at buying Branch basics until I get the time to make these. Thanks Again!

  15. Angelica Avatar
    Angelica

    Hello Katie, I love this recipe! However, I’ve made it before using GSE…We loved the recipe! 🙂
    Would you please remind me how many drops was in your original recipe ( Was it 20)??

    Thank you very much for everything you do to make people healthier!! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!! 🙂

      1. Angelica Avatar
        Angelica

        Then.. I have a good memory! 🙂

        Thank you for replying promptly! 🙂

  16. Beth Avatar

    Hi Katie, I am a bit confused… in the picture above, I see GSE and what looks like Vitamin E oil, but they are not part of your recipe. Did you decide not to use them? I have heard good and bad about GSE, but why did you chose not to use Vit E? If I wanted to include Vit E, how much would you recommend?

    I work in an after school care, and we use this stuff a lot when we are unable to walk away to wash our hands. So I am excited about making this stuff that won’t dry hands out but will kill germs. I think I will make one for each teacher too.

  17. Joyce Avatar

    I am wondering if you are still selling DoTERRA essential oils or not. I remember that I read your affiliate links page. I am planning to order one of the essential oils for Holiday gifts through your DoTERRA essential oils business. Your respond would be greatly appreciated.

      1. Jeannie Avatar

        Hi Katie

        I too use Doterra oils and I love them.. but the site that you have up looks much cheaper. I live in canada and as such I pay the U.S. exchange which goes up and down.. is the website you order from a good company? Seems the prices are a third of the price from Doterra.. Are they organic? Thank you so much for all your wise info, and I love everything you post.. your family is very blessed to have you as their mom, keep coming up with new things.. we love it.
        Jeannie Williams

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