It’s important to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy. Washing our hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to keep germs off of them and stop the spread of bacteria. But when we don’t have a sink around, hand sanitizers will do the trick! Homemade hand sanitizers are fun, customizable, and a great solution when we don’t have access to store-bought hand sanitizers or we simply want a more natural alternative. There are a handful of essential oils that may assist as antiviral and antibacterial ingredients that give any DIY hand sanitizer that extra boost! Not to mention the aromatherapy and therapeutic benefits.
Top essential oils to consider when making homemade hand sanitizer:
When making hand sanitizers there are a couple of options to think about:
- Witch Hazel Extract: Witch Hazel nourishes the skin and can be a substitute for alcohol if we want an alcohol-free recipe. It is also a great option for sensitive skin.
- Alcohol (190 Proof): This is a common ingredient in most hand sanitizers. It has strong anti-microbial properties and maintains the integrity of the recipe. Alcohol can be very drying to the hands so adding extra moisturizers to our recipe can help balance the effects. Use sparingly.
Below are a variety of 5 different DIY hand sanitizer recipes to help get you started...
Gentle Citrus Hand Sanitizer
*Alcohol-free, gentle for sensitive skin, safe for children
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Dropper Top
- Distilled Water
- 5 drops of Vitamin E oil
- 3 tbsp of Witch Hazel Extract
- 7 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 7 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a 2 oz amber glass bottle, adding the water last. Leave space at the top and shake until thoroughly combined. To use, apply 3-5 drops onto the palm, enough to cover all surfaces of the hand. Rub your hands together until they feel dry. Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. Store in a dark, cool location for longer shelf life.
Forest Fresh Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Glass Bottle w/ Dropper Top
- ½ tsp of Aloe Vera Oil
- 3 tbsp of 190 proof Alcohol
- 15 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Cypress Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Thyme Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a 2 oz amber glass bottle, adding the water last. Leave space at the top and shake until thoroughly combined. To use, apply 3-5 drops onto the palm, enough to cover all surfaces of the hand. Rub your hands together until they feel dry. Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. Store in a dark, cool location for longer shelf life.
Sweet Mint Mist Hand Sanitizer
*Alcohol-free, gentle for sensitive skin, safe for children
Ingredients
- 1 oz Misting Spray Bottle
- 1 tbsp of Distilled Water
- 1 tbsp of Witch Hazel Extract
- 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a 1 oz misting spray bottle, adding the water last. Leave space at the top and shake until thoroughly combined. To use, mist enough to cover all surfaces of the hand. Rub your hands together until they feel dry. Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. Store in a dark, cool location for longer shelf life.
Floral Hand Sanitizer
*Alcohol-free
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Glass Bottle
- 1 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel
- 2 tbsp of Witch Hazel Extract
- 1 tsp of Vitamin E Oil
- 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 7 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Place mixture into a 2 oz amber glass bottle. To use, apply enough to cover all surfaces of the hand. Rub your hands together until they feel dry. Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. Store in a dark, cool location for longer shelf life.
Nourishing Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Glass Bottle
- 1 1/2 tbsp of 190 proof Alcohol
- 2 tsp of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 3 drops of Vitamin E Oil
- 1 tsp of Vegetable Glycerin
- 1/2 tbsp of Aloe Vera Gel
- 10 drops each of Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Clove Bud Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Place mixture into a 2 oz amber glass bottle. To use, apply enough to cover all surfaces of the hand. Rub your hands together until they feel dry. Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry. Store in a dark, cool location for longer shelf life.