Homemade DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Overview

In today's health-conscious world, keeping your hands clean and sanitized is more important than ever. While soap and water are the best options for washing hands, hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when you're on the go. However, many store-bought sanitizers contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate your skin. This has led to a growing interest in making homemade, natural hand sanitizers using essential oils.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making your own DIY essential oil-infused hand sanitizer. We'll cover the ingredients, the benefits of using essential oils, different recipes, and tips for safe and effective use. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to create a personalized hand sanitizer that is both effective and gentle on your skin.

What is a DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer?

A DIY essential oil hand sanitizer is a homemade sanitizing gel or spray that incorporates natural ingredients, including essential oils, to kill bacteria and viruses. Unlike store-bought versions, which often contain synthetic chemicals, homemade sanitizers can be tailored to your skin type and scent preferences. Essential oils like lemon, tea tree, and lavender not only add fragrance but also bring antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties to the mix.

The Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Hand Sanitizers

Natural Antimicrobial Properties 

Many essential oils have potent antimicrobial properties, making them effective at killing germs without the need for harsh chemicals. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme are particularly effective.

Skin Nourishment 

Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can soothe and nourish the skin, preventing the dryness that often comes with frequent use of hand sanitizers.

Pleasant Scent 

One of the biggest complaints about commercial hand sanitizers is their overpowering or unpleasant scent. Essential oils allow you to customize the fragrance of your hand sanitizer, making it a more enjoyable experience to use.

Emotional and Mental Benefits 

Aromatherapy is known to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Using essential oils like lavender or lemon can help reduce stress and boost your mood, making the act of sanitizing your hands a calming ritual.

Key Ingredients for DIY Essential Oil Hand Sanitizer

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most crucial ingredient in any hand sanitizer, as it is responsible for killing bacteria and viruses. According to the CDC, hand sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. You can choose between isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol, which is found in products like Everclear or vodka.

The higher the alcohol content, the more effective the hand sanitizer will be. Rubbing alcohol is a common choice due to its availability and high concentration. This ingredient is what makes your DIY hand sanitizer a potent germ-killing agent, ensuring that your hands are protected against a wide range of pathogens.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is an essential component in your DIY hand sanitizer, as it offsets the drying effects of alcohol. Alcohol, while effective at killing germs, can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer that helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it feel soft and supple after use.

Additionally, aloe vera has healing properties that can help repair and protect the skin barrier, making your sanitizer not just effective but also gentle on the skin. The gel-like consistency of aloe vera also gives your hand sanitizer a pleasant, smooth texture, making it easy to apply.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a powerful addition to any DIY hand sanitizer. Not only do they add a pleasant fragrance, but they also bring their own set of antimicrobial properties. Lemon essential oil, for instance, has potent antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it a popular choice for hand sanitizers.

Tea tree oil is another excellent option, known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which help in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Lavender oil is not only soothing and calming but also has antibacterial properties, making it a great choice for both protection and relaxation. Eucalyptus oil can help to clear respiratory passages and provide a refreshing scent. When creating your DIY hand sanitizer, you can either use a single oil or combine several to create a custom blend that suits your preferences.

For example, a blend of lemon and tea tree oils can offer a strong antimicrobial effect, while a mix of lavender and eucalyptus can be both soothing and refreshing. The choice of essential oils allows you to tailor your hand sanitizer to your needs, whether you prefer a citrusy scent for energy or a calming lavender for stress relief.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is an optional but highly beneficial ingredient in your hand sanitizer. It acts as a skin conditioner, helping to nourish and protect the skin from the drying effects of alcohol. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that also helps to extend the shelf life of your hand sanitizer by preventing the essential oils from oxidizing. This ingredient is particularly helpful for those with sensitive or dry skin, as it adds an extra layer of protection and moisture, ensuring that your hands stay soft and smooth even with frequent use.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both gel and spray formulations of hand sanitizer. It acts as a natural astringent, helping to tighten and tone the skin. Witch hazel also has antimicrobial properties, which complement the germ-killing effects of alcohol and essential oils.

In a spray formulation, witch hazel helps to disperse the essential oils evenly and adds a cooling effect to the skin, making your hand sanitizer feel refreshing and invigorating. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and it helps to balance the skin's oil production, preventing it from becoming too greasy or too dry.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is used in hand sanitizer sprays to dilute the alcohol and essential oils. It ensures that your hand sanitizer remains free from impurities that could be present in tap water. Using distilled water helps maintain the purity and effectiveness of your DIY hand sanitizer.

It also aids in the even distribution of essential oils throughout the mixture, ensuring that each spray delivers consistent results. Distilled water is especially important in spray formulations, where the balance between alcohol and water is crucial for achieving the right consistency and effectiveness.

Best Essential Oil Choices for Hand Sanitizer

Lemon Essential Oil 

Lemon essential oil is known for its refreshing scent and potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. It’s a popular choice for hand sanitizers because it also has a natural degreasing effect, making it great for removing dirt and grime.

Tea Tree Oil 

Tea tree oil is a powerhouse when it comes to killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s also soothing for the skin and can help prevent infections.

Lavender Oil 

Lavender is not only calming and soothing, but it also has antimicrobial properties. It’s a great addition to hand sanitizers if you want to add a relaxing aroma.

Eucalyptus Oil 

Eucalyptus oil has a strong, fresh scent and is known for its ability to kill germs. It’s also effective in opening up airways, making it a good choice during cold and flu season.

Thieves Essential Oil Blend 

This is a blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils, known for its powerful antiseptic properties. Thieves® is often used in DIY cleaning products and hand sanitizers for its ability to kill germs and boost immunity.

Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil provides a cooling sensation and has antimicrobial properties. It’s also invigorating and can help boost your mood.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes Using Essential Oil

Classic Gel Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (99%)
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel. Stir until they are well combined.
• Add the essential oils and vitamin E oil, if using. Stir again to ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
• Transfer the mixture to a small squeeze bottle or pump bottle for easy use.
• Shake well before each use to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

How to Use:

Apply a dime-sized amount to your palm and rub your hands together until dry. Make sure to cover all surfaces of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails.

Benefits:

• This gel hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs while also moisturizing the skin.
• The combination of lemon, tea tree, and lavender oils provides a pleasant scent and additional antimicrobial benefits.

Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops of thieves® essential oil blend
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 5 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 1 tablespoon distilled water

Instructions:

• In a small spray bottle, combine the witch hazel and aloe vera gel.
• Add the essential oils and distilled water. Shake well to combine.
• Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the potency of the essential oils.

How to Use:

Spray the mixture onto your hands and rub them together until dry. This can also be used as a surface cleaner for small areas.

Benefits:

• This alcohol-free version is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for children and those with sensitive skin.
• The thieves® essential oil blend provides powerful antimicrobial protection, while the lavender and rosemary oils add a soothing scent.

Citrus Spice Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 5 drops of clove essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel in a mixing bowl.
• Add the essential oils and vitamin E oil, stirring well to ensure all ingredients are mixed.
• Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle or pump bottle.

How to Use:

Apply a small amount to your hands and rub them together until dry. The warm, spicy scent is perfect for the colder months.

Benefits:

• The combination of citrus and spice essential oils provides a strong antimicrobial effect while also leaving a pleasant, seasonal fragrance on your hands.
• The vitamin E oil helps to soften and protect the skin.

Herbal Hand Sanitizer Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vodka (at least 60% alcohol by volume)
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 10 drops of tea tree oil
• 5 drops of thyme essential oil

Instructions:

• In a spray bottle, mix the vodka, aloe vera gel, and witch hazel.
• Add the essential oils and shake well to combine.
• Store in a cool, dark place and shake before each use.

How to Use:

Spray on hands and rub together until dry. This herbal blend is also great for disinfecting small surfaces like phone screens.

Benefits:

• This herbal hand sanitizer is potent and effective, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme oils.
• The witch hazel and aloe vera help to keep the skin moisturized and soothed.

Lavender & Chamomile Calming Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (99%)
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 10 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix the isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
• Add the essential oils and vitamin E oil, and stir until fully combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a small bottle for easy application.

How to Use:

Apply to hands and rub until dry. This sanitizer is especially soothing and calming, perfect for use before bedtime.

Benefits:

• The lavender and chamomile oils provide a calming and soothing scent, making this hand sanitizer perfect for reducing stress while keeping your hands clean.
• The vitamin E oil adds an extra layer of moisture, preventing dryness.

Tips for Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Always use pure, high-quality essential oils and alcohol to ensure the effectiveness and safety of your hand sanitizer.

• Proper Dilution: Ensure that your hand sanitizer has at least 60% alcohol content to be effective against viruses and bacteria. Avoid diluting the alcohol too much with other ingredients.

• Storage: Store your homemade hand sanitizer in a cool, dark place to preserve the potency of the essential oils and prevent the alcohol from evaporating.

• Patch Test: Before using a new essential oil blend, do a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions.

• Avoid Contact with Eyes: Essential oils can be irritating to the eyes, so be careful not to touch your face after applying hand sanitizer.

Precautions When Using Essential Oils in Hand Sanitizer

• Skin Sensitivity: Some essential oils can cause skin irritation, especially when used in high concentrations. Always dilute essential oils properly and do a patch test before using them extensively.

• Children and Pets: Certain essential oils are not safe for children or pets. For example, tea tree oil and peppermint oil should be used with caution. Consult with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.

• Flammability: Hand sanitizers with high alcohol content are flammable. Keep them away from open flames and heat sources.

• Allergic Reactions: Be aware of any allergies to specific essential oils, and avoid those if necessary. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a homemade hand sanitizer, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Making your own DIY essential oil-infused hand sanitizer is an easy and effective way to ensure your hands stay clean and germ-free without the use of harsh chemicals. By selecting your favorite essential oils, you can create a hand sanitizer that not only sanitizes but also nourishes your skin and uplifts your mood. With the right ingredients and precautions, you can enjoy the many benefits of essential oils while keeping your hands healthy and sanitized. Whether you're at home or on the go, a homemade hand sanitizer is a practical and personalized solution for your hand hygiene needs.