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Making DIY hand sanitizer has become popular since the beginning of COVID-19 when there was a world-wide hand sanitizer shortage. Although hand sanitizer is available throughout the world, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still enjoyable to make your own hand sanitizer at home that is effective!
Luckily, it’s very simple to make hand sanitizer at home! Keep reading this article to find the best recipes for DIY hand sanitizer!
World Health Organization Approved Hand Sanitizer Recipes
Although the DIY hand sanitizer options that I will list below are slightly different and adjusted, there are two World Health Organization Approved homemade hand sanitizer recipes.
They are:
WHO DIY Hand Sanitizer Approved Formula 1:
- Ethanol 96%
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
- Glycerol 98%
- Sterile Distilled or Boiled Cold Water
WHO At-Home Hand Sanitizer Approved Formula 2:
- Isopropyl Alcohol 99.8%
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
- Glycerol 98%
- Sterile Distilled or
Boiled Cold Water
Most Important DIY Hand Sanitizer Ingredients
Here is a small explanation of these ingredients and why you need them, as well as a couple of other possible ingredients you can include.
Alcohol
Alcohol will be the base ingredient in all of these at home hand sanitizer recipes! To kill the coronavirus or get the most out of a hand sanitizer, you need to use at least 60% alcohol!
Aloe Vera Gel
Alcohol usually dries out your skin, and having aloe vera as an ingredient of your DIY hand sanitizer will help you to avoid chapped skin! Also, aloe vera has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Here is an excellent example of organic, cold-pressed aloe vera gel made from aloe vera leaves straight from the plant which you can use to help make a homemade hand sanitizer:
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as it has anti-irritant properties!
Here is an excellent option with rose, aloe vera, and grapefruit seed extract:
- Soft rose petal fragrance cleanses and conditions face and skin without removing essential moisture
- Un-distilled witch hazel is 100% natural astringent for your entire body- non-distilled witch hazel
- Sensitive witch hazel to make your own facewash, facial scrub, makeup remover, deodorant, acne...
- Gentle relief for oily, irritated, red, blemish, inflamed, damaged, burned, or dried out skin
- and Made with organic aloe vera and free of alcohol, parabens and propylene glycol
Essential Oils
There are many different essential oils that you can add to your DIY hand sanitizer. In my opinion, the primary essential oil you should use is tea tree oil because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, and a great smell.
But, you are free to use your favorite one!
If you are new to essential oils, here is a great starter pack for you, which includes six 100% pure and natural, USDA certified organic oils:
- Included In This Gift Set: Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemongrass & Orange.
- USDA Certified Organic - the strict oversight of USDA ensures the integrity of our Aromatherapy...
- 100% Pure, Only One Ingredient - Our Premium Essential Oils are 100% Pure & Natural – No...
- Cliganic 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Risk Free - We put a lot of effort into manufacturing quality...
- Cruelty Free, Made in USA – Cliganic Organic Essential Oils are made in the USA using the highest...
Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin serves as a great base for alcohol.
It attracts and locks moisture into the skin, as well as its pH level closely matches our skin’s. It is a great option for people with sensitive skin or kids.
Here is a great example of 100% pure vegetable glycerin:
- MULTI-PURPOSE AND VERSATILE SKIN CARE: Pure vegetable glycerin is an outstanding moisturizer and...
- SOFTENS AND MOISTURIZES: It’s easily soluble in water, making it suitable for use in all of your...
- SINGLE INGREDIENT: Pure vegetable glycerin has a long shelf life and does not easily oxidize
- GMP Quality Assured: NPA A-rated GMP certification means that every aspect of the NOW manufacturing...
- Packaged in the USA by a family owned and operated company since 1968
Container
Most people have a container that they can use to hold their at-home hand sanitizers, in case you have no good options here are two great sets for you:
Travel Option:
- VARIETY OF BOTTLES TO MEET DIFFERENT NEEDS - one 60ml (2 oz. ) pump bottle, one 60ml (2 oz. )...
- BPA-FREE, TSA APPROVED - Made of high-quality non-toxic BPA-free PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)...
- CONVENINET, DURABLE AND DESIGN PRACTICABILITY - Washable and reusable plastic products and don't...
- CONFORMS WITH TSA GUIDELINESS - Premium empty travel containers durable yet flexible easy squeeze...
- 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION - ALINK are committed to provide our customers high-quality products with...
Larger Glass Option:
- GREAT VALUE - 5 Pack Clear Glass Bottles with Lotion Pumps(8oz) with extra lids and labels.
- MULTI-USE - Use for liquid soap, dish soap, lotion, aromatherapy essential oil blends, shampoo, body...
- ECO-FRIENDLY - Reuse our Clear glass pump bottles. It's easy and eco-friendly. And you help reduce...
- LOCKABLE PUMPS - Pumps twist and lock for easy closure for transport or storage.
Although you might think that it would be a great option, silicon containers aren’t suitable for alcohol-based products!
My Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipes
For each recipe, you can increase the volume by simply multiplying the amount of each ingredient in the ratio listed below.
DIY Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer
This is my favorite recipe!
- 1 Tbsp. Alcohol (at least 60%)
- 1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel
- 1-2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil (or your favorite essential oil)
Alcohol serves as a disinfectant, aloe vera serves as a base and keeps your hands moisturized, and tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and provides a pleasant smell!
Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer
Here is a fancy recipe!
- 1 Tbsp. Alcohol (at least 60%)
- 1/2 Tbsp. Witch Hazel
- 1/2 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerin
- 1-2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil (or any essential oil of your choice)
3-in-1 Hand Sanitizer
- 1 Tbsp. Alcohol (at least 60%)
- 1/3 Tbsp. Witch Hazel
- 1/3 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerin
- 1/3 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel
- 1-2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil (or any essential oil of your choice)
Vegetable Glycerin Hand Sanitizer
Of course, you can use vegetable glycerin alone as a base!
- 1 Tbsp. Alcohol (at least 60%)
- 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerin
- 1-2 Drops of Tea Tree Oil (or any essential oil of your choice)
Concluding Thoughts – Homemade Hand Sanitizer
As you can see, making your own DIY hand sanitizer is not difficult, and you can do it in just a couple of minutes! There is nothing complicated about it, and most people have these ingredients available at home!
Stay safe, and take care of your loved ones!
