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.

Sources

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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. Sara Tonin Avatar
    Sara Tonin

    Hey there! I’m wondering if using aloe vera juice vs. gel be any less effective/sanitary?

  2. Brittany Avatar

    Hi, Is there a good place to buy Colloidal Silver? I found some on ebay, but didn’t know if you recommend anywhere?

    Thank You!

  3. Amy Avatar

    Can you tell me if using a homemade sanitizer with alcohol delivers the same antibiobacterial effects as essential oils? I’m looking to not use so much antibacterial ingredients so to not become resistant but I’m also a germ a phonic and on the go a lot so I can’t keep washing my hands with soap and water. My homemade hand cleansers either are antibacterial with essential oils or alcohol. Is there another alternative? What about using witch hazel without alcohol? Is that cleansing?

  4. Jenae Hagel Avatar
    Jenae Hagel

    have you ever made a spray hand sanitzer with dr bronners ? I liked the branch basics mini spray bottle for hand sanitzer

  5. Illy Avatar

    Can you replace orange essential oil with grapefruit essential oil?

    Thank you

  6. Cindy Avatar

    So, I’m assuming the essential oils in this recipe don’t destroy the plastic container they are stored in. One of your articles referenced in this recipe reminded me plastic bottles are not good for storing essential oils. Thanks

  7. Liz Avatar

    Can anyone please help with a version that can be used during pregnancy? Many thanks! And Thanks to Katie for this great information!

  8. Elisheva Avatar
    Elisheva

    Does anyone have any experience using fresh aloe gel? I cut out the gel fro. 5 leaves and was wondering if it will spoil in this recipie.
    Also the fresh aloe SUPER bitter. Is the commercial one too? Does it leave bitterness on the hands?

  9. Jenna Avatar

    How about thieves oil. I just rub a drop or two on my hands occasionally when I’m out.

  10. Terry Avatar

    To many posts to read so I’ll add my two cents at the risk of repeating someone else. I use either vodka, (just buy a 1.75 liter of the cheapest stuff to keep on hand) or grain alcohol for the stronger version. I don’t like using rubbing alcohol because it’s toxic. I am wondering about the one with aloe vera. Does it last very long?

  11. Cara Avatar

    Are cinnamon/clove oil safe to use in this sanitizer if you have an infant?

    Thank you!

  12. Judi Williams Avatar
    Judi Williams

    Isn’t it necessary to refrigerate this formula, since it does not contain preservatives? Doesn’t anything that contains water (Aloe Vera) will grow bacteria?

  13. Nesli Avatar

    I don’t have clove essential oil and cinnamon oil. Can I make one without them, should it be affective?
    Many thanks.

  14. Carol Avatar

    I made my own essential oil Four Thieves base: I took a 15 ml bottle of all the individual E.O.’s and put them in one bottle. (This a quite expensive, but since I only use at most 3 droppers full, it is really actually economical)
    I took and entire dropper full, and added in organic Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera, and a small (like 4 drops) of glycerine.
    I use it after handling things that lots of other people handle, like at the thrift store.
    I should also add in some colloidal silver, too!
    This homemade Four Thieves base also works as: adding three drops to your sink of dishes (no dishwasher, here), in any counter top cleaner, to the scrubber for the toilet, sink and tub, and to the washer for underwear (systemic yeast (candida) infection) towels, and dish rags. I still have most of the 2 oz bottle, and I have used it A LOT!

  15. Marie Nielsen Avatar
    Marie Nielsen

    This is brilliant 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    I was curious to see where you get your Aloe Vera Gel, since I too (d’uh, of course!) is looking for the most optimal, natural products without tons of other stuff in there.

    Unfortunately amazon.com doesn’t ship this one to Denmark (Europe). And it isn’t available on the co.uk site.. So is there another brand you can recommend?

    With love and appreciation for all that you bring to and do for the world, you beautiful soul.

    Your fan,
    Marie

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      Look for one that contains just aloe vera gel and that doesn’t have additives… not sure which options are available there though…

  16. Kristina Avatar
    Kristina

    What can I replace the 20 drops of orange with? I’m allergic. Would lemon work the same?

  17. Arlene Avatar

    There seems to be a lot of people here informed on silver and I have a question about silver ions. We received a mattress pad with Antibacterial Silver Ions and is this safe? I am a bit concerned with all the chemical/toxin exposure in the world and wondering if this is safe? thank you!

    1. Savannah Avatar
      Savannah

      I would be sure the mattress pad wasn’t treated with any chemicals. As many clothing/linen items are. Of course washing it (with bleach) before use is always advised! The silver ions infused into your new mattress pad are completely safe. So rest assured.. (pun intended) that when you sleep, the silver ions are helping destroy bacteria that ends up trying to cuddle up at night.

  18. Kimberly Avatar

    I love this, but am wondering if I could use aloe vera juice instead of the gel (since there are less additives, and I use it as a spray anyway) – is the gel needed or might the juice work?

      1. Kimberly Avatar

        Ahhh! Good point! Gel it is! Love keeping it in my purse and one for the bathroom counters.

  19. Janice Avatar

    Some perspective here: What is the purpose of hand sanitizers, anyway? What are we trying to accomplish with them? If we use antibacterial agents, we must be trying to kill germs. Be aware that it is impossible to kill all the bacteria on skin. That’s on ANY skin, not just hands. There is no way to sterilize skin. So, then, are we trying to kill just pathogens, those bacteria that can cause diseases and infections?
    Antibacterials don’t discriminate between good and bad bacteria. Some antibacterials kill some types of bacteria and aren’t effective against others, but generally speaking they don’t sort good and bad very effectively.
    So, let’s look at the “bacterial load” that we all have on our hands even after using a mostly waterless sanitizing hand gel. We have both “good” and “bad” bacteria on our hands, and everywhere else, at all times. That’s just the world we live in.
    In my opinion, we, especially here in the US, have developed a “germophobia”, probably largely because of the advertisements we watch. I don’t think we need to worry about trying to make our environments sterile, or free of “germs”. Look at cultures, both present and past, that don’t have a lot of water available for washing, or don’t feel the need to fight germs like we do. Do they experience a lot more bacterial and viral infections and diseases than we do? Probably not! So, why not? Is it because they don’t constantly interfere with the natural balance of bacteria that should be with us, both inside and out? Remember, there is a natural balance with everything in nature, even bacteria!
    This may sound terrible to some, but I think that good healthy soil, I mean garden soil that has a healthy natural balanced community of bacteria and all kinds of little creepy crawlies, is not really dirty. I graze in my garden all the time, and probably ingest quite a bit of soil on those tasty fresh veggies and fruits. Further, I think that maintaining a healthy inner “garden” of bacteria in our gut actually is very important for keeping our immune system in tip top condition to be our first, second, and even third line of defense against potential malicious invaders.
    I think that there is no substitute for washing hands, or any other part of the body, with soap and water. Or maybe just water in some cases. Because, when you think about it, soap also disturbes that natural pH and balance.
    That all said, personally, if I’ve been out shopping, handling objects that have been handled by many hands, if washing with soap and water is not an option, I do use a hand sanitizer. But I typically use enough to make my hands wet, and then wipe them dry with a cloth or tissue.
    Bottom line: In my opinion, we need to find balance in our fight against “germs”, realize that they are always with us, and that we actually really, really need them. Wash when really necessary, tolerate more soil, respect and guard the bugs within, and cultivate a positive attitude about accepting our place in the web of life.

    1. Katie Percy Avatar
      Katie Percy

      Hi Janice – as a fellow gardener, I appreciate & share your feelings. But what led me to look this up today is that as I’m handling plants that are sick or infested, I want something in my garden shed I can use before moving to a healthy plant. My lottery dream includes a h/c water sink there but until then running upstairs to wash my hands each time isn’t going to work. Any thoughts? Katie

  20. John Avatar

    I use vodka when I make my hand sanitizers along with tea tree eucalyptus oils and use also water comes out pretty good no film left behind

3.62 from 65 votes (56 ratings without comment)

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