Traditional store bought hand sanitizers are loaded with many chemicals such as parabens and synthetic fragrance, which can be damaging to the body. On the other hand, natural hand sanitizer essential oils and gentle ingredients to fight bacteria and germs. Making your own DIY hand sanitizer with essential oils is easy as long as you use the right ingredients! Make sure that you use essential oils that have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Top Essential Oils for Hand Sanitizer
There are plenty of benefits to adding essential oils into your hand sanitizer. Firstly, it helps to replenish nutrients and moisture in the skin. Secondly, some essential oils contain antimicrobial properties that can make it more effective than commercial hand sanitizers. Essential oils also have aromatherapy benefits such as relaxing tension in your body, increasing concentration, and boosting your mood.
Tea tree essential oil is great for a hand sanitizer, as it is well known as an effective agent against bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, it has been proven to support white blood cells in battling germs more effectively. It also functions as an antiseptic and is beneficial for healing wounds and fighting inflammation.
Extracted carefully from fresh lemon peels, lemon essential oil has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. It has a refreshing scent that gives an invigorating effect on the body and mind. Packed with plenty of antioxidants, it also works as a purifying agent.
Clove and cinnamon are particularly effective in fighting respiratory infections in the early stages, making them a good choice as well. Feel free to combine various essential oils together as it may create a little synergistic effect. However, do note that if these hand sanitizers are to be used by children, it is better to use essential oils like lavender and tea tree as they are less potent and will not cause skin irritations.
Recipe
Here is the recipe to making your own essential oil hand sanitizer!
You will need the following ingredients:
- Alcohol: This enables the hand sanitizer to be effective in killing any germs or viruses.
- Aloe vera gel: It is the base of the hand sanitizer. Use natural and real aloe vera gel.
- Carrier oil: It functions as a moisturizer as well as to dilute the essential oils.
- Glycerin: It helps to spread the essential oil throughout the alcohol and keeps the skin moisturized.
- Vitamin E: It acts as a moisturizer and slows down rancidity
- Essential oils: Choose one that has antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties
First, start with a 2-ounce spray bottle and place ½ teaspoon of carrier oil in it. It could be coconut oil or jojoba oil. Next, add 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. This is important as it will help to moisturize your hands, so do not skip this step. After which, add 10 drops of your essential oil, followed by 2 to 3 drops of vitamin E, and then ½ teaspoon of glycerin. Lastly, fill the entire bottle with alcohol. Shake to mix, and your essential oil hand sanitizer is done!