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.

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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. Jaime Avatar

    Could you just use the hand sanitizer base (aloe, alcohol/witch hazel, water etc.) and use oils from the Four Thieves recipe? Just curious. Thanks!

  2. Sarah Avatar

    Hi Wellnessmama!

    When I look at the aloe you recommend on Amazon, I see that it says it needs to be refrigerated. Is your family just able to use it up so fast that it doesn’t have a chance to go bad or does it last a little longer in your purse with the essential oils mixed in? I ordered that brand before I realized that it needs to be refrigerated, so I am trying to decide if I need to send it back or not. Thank you in advance for your help!!!

  3. Lisa Pycior Avatar
    Lisa Pycior

    I have made this hand sanitizer. It turns cloudy when I add the alcohol. How can I get it to be clear. Or is that not possible. I think it has to be possible since others on the shelf are clear.

  4. Dee Avatar

    If you are letting children use this, I would be careful with cinnamon– it is a hot oil and can be irritating to the skin. Maybe consider May Chang– also a strong oil, use sparingly.

  5. Chariti Saunders Avatar
    Chariti Saunders

    The aloe vera and Kid-Safe EO mixture I made is very runny, and tends to squirt everywhere when we use it. :/ Is there something I can add to it that would thicken it a bit?

  6. Kevin Jansen Avatar
    Kevin Jansen

    Great article, I’m going to start making my own hand sanitizer!

  7. RAB Avatar

    My body has been attacked w staphylococcus infection so I wash my hands more them most bc it’s contagious ? . Tho, under control, at present, I’ve been told it’s in my system. I Use hand disinfectant when can’t wash or in a rush! Live alone but still in habit of using it. Take Clorox (1/4 C in very warm tub filled bath) baths every other nite, soaking for 15 mins., then bathe as usual using antibiotic soap.

  8. Gwen Avatar

    I made some hand sanatizer to stick in the car but then I wasn’t sure if it was safe to leave it in that extreme heat…Heat can damage essential oils right?

  9. Dale Avatar

    You should know that the only thing, available to the common woman, that kills a virus is alcohol ! Thanks for the recipe though I am going to up the alcohol amount a bit. Now that I think about it one could carry a small bottle of alcohol and a small bottle of hand cream. A little cumbersome but then LIFE is a little cumbersome

  10. LindieLee Avatar
    LindieLee

    There was a study that proved that ordinary bar soap cleaned and killed germs just a well as chemical laden hand sanitizes. It’s an industry con.

  11. Shasha Avatar

    Colloidal silver hurt me. Aloe alone may kill germs. Water/soap is best still in my opinion. I just wash hands usually with water only. Fish oil 2000mg daily stopped my colds/flu for more than 20 years. NO gluten/dairy/soy/sugar/GMO/food with a label…taking vitamins/good oils/minerals…probiotic…LDN…detoxing helps me. Gluten/Sugar can lower the immune system. Vit D3 5000IU/sunlight may help the immune system.

  12. Sally Burley Avatar
    Sally Burley

    I’ve been making hand-sanitisers for quite a few years now, although like you I use soap and water for most hand-washing. A small bottle of home-made hand-sanitiser is useful in your bag or in the car. Mine vary in composition, depending on mood and what I have available! The base is usually aloe vera gel, but I have also used witch hazel to make a quicker drying product – more like the alcohol-based ones. Then I add essential oil, usually lavender and/or tea tree. I prefer not to use more than two (or occasionally three) oils in one product.

  13. Liz Avatar

    Before finding this site, I made my own hand sanitizer with distilled water, witch hazel (14% alcohol), vitamin E, and rosemary, lavender, and tea tree essential oils. I put it in an empty saline nasal spray bottle and keep one at work and one in my purse.

  14. Monique Avatar

    What percent does the rubbing alcohol have to be i can only get a a lotion of 63% and it has fragrance in it i can get industrial/technical grade at 70%plus but the purity tho.

    Should i just stick to the EO version?

  15. Melissa Avatar

    Not sure if you are still taking questions on this post but when I tried to mix the aloe vera gel with the alcohol, it didn’t mix very thoroughly. The gel tends to glob up in clumps. What is the fix for this?

    1. Kay Collins Avatar
      Kay Collins

      This was happening to me. Check you aloe gel, if it contains xanthum gum, it will clump.

  16. Paige Avatar

    Hello,

    I really want to make this recipe but the only natural aloe vera gel I could find at my local store has to be refrigerated after opening. Once I make the sanitizer would I have to refrigerate it, or is there something I could use as a preservative?

    Thank you

  17. Kelcey Avatar

    The recipe for the first one is orange and basically thieves EO’s. How many drops of theives would i use?

    Thanks

  18. Cara Avatar

    Can I use Aloe Vera from plant directly? Like put it in a mixer with reast of ingredients?

  19. Erica Avatar

    Hi,
    I think with the new format, it’s easy to miss the comments when you’re scrolling down in a hurry! The comments are half the reason I come, because I learn so much from everyone else’s experiences and trial and errors. Just thought it would be a shame if newcomers miss this section because it’s not very easy to spot, or it’s just easy to ignore because it’s one more button to click. Humans are lazy and fickle like that 😉 I also tried to comment on the chlorella post, but the “Join the Conversation” section had disappeared. Thanks!

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      Thanks for the feedback. We changed the way the comments work because on posts with a lot of comments it takes too long to load the page and some people really disliked scrolling so far down to leave a comment. Older posts have comments disabled, but as they are updated I reopen them.

3.62 from 65 votes (56 ratings without comment)

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