September 7, 2017
DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer – Spray + Gel
Using conventional hand sanitizers might seem like the right thing to do when you’re in a pinch, but many contain chemicals that are harmful to your health. Ingredients and chemicals like triclosan, artificial fragrances, artificial dyes, to name a few.
If you have a choice, always wash your hands with soap and water but if you need a hand sanitizer for those times when soap and water aren’t available, these natural hand sanitizers are the perfect solution.
I’m linking up everything that I used and featured in the bottom of the post – you’ll notice that the essential oils I feature are Plant Therapy’s KidSafe line – perfect for these recipes. These recipes are straight from my first book, The Organically Clean Home – also linked in the ‘shop the post’ section at the bottom of this post.
Hand Cleaner Spray
Prefer a liquid for your hand cleaning needs? Ditch the chemical versions and try this. Keep it in your purse for a quick spritz. The witch hazel is a natural astringent and the vitamin E will moisturize.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon vitamin e oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
Dispense ingredients directly into a small container with a spray top and shake to combine. Spray on hands, rub thoroughly, and allow to air dry.
Hand Sanitizer Gel
This is my kids’ favorite hand sanitizer recipe. It cleans, leaves hands soft, and it is safe for the kids to apply themselves.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces pure aloe vera (not the green stuff)
- 3 teaspoons rubbing alcohol (edited to add: if you use 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and are wanting to be assured that this is KILLING germs (ie. flu, coronavirus), use 6 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol and if you are using standard 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, increase to 9 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
- 1 teaspoon vitamin e oil
- 5 drops essential oil – lemon and lavender are my favorites in this recipe
Dispense ingredients directly in a small container with a lid. Shake liberally to mix all ingredients thoroughly. If you want your gel to be slightly thinner in consistency, add a little more rubbing alcohol, up to one teaspoon.
Keep out of reach of small children, but store where you’ll use it most – in your purse, your nursery, or car. Will keep for up to 2 months – may need a little shake before using.
You can find the products I use for these recipes below and in my Amazon shop.
Rocky Mountain Mama Jen Says
Thanks for this post Becky! We don’t use the antibacterial liquid soap that is provided in just about every public bathroom you visit. I carry a travel size Dr. Bronner’s Lavender liquid Castile soap in my purse. Triclosan (the chemical antibacterial additive) is not only in antibacterial soap, wipes, and commercial hand sanitizers- it’s also in toothpaste and antiperspirants. When we use that on our skin or put that in our bodies it kills the good bacteria in our gut, which is where our health starts. There are tons of articles on the web about the damage that antibacterial chemicals do to our bodies. Thanks for the awesome recipe for an easy & healthy alternative!
Joanne Says
hell!, do you have a foam version?
my kids love the foam but wanted to opt for a safer DIY version versus store bought.
Thanks!
b r Says
Post authorI don’t, sorry!
joanne Says
for the spray version, is it essential to have the tea tree oil? or can i just use lemon. trying to see if i can make this with what i have on hand… thanks (other oils i have are : thyme, lavendar, white fir, lemon, orange…)
Tenáj Says
Hi Becky! Can you swap the alcohol for witch hazel in the gel version? I’m hoping to avoid alcohol if I can. But, prefer the squeeze bottle to the spray.
Thanks!
b r Says
Post authorTry it out and see – it’ll work but the rubbing alcohol will kill more germs 🙂
Katie Scott Says
Do you think I can replace the Vit E oil with almond, rosehip, or coconut oil? I don’t have any Vitamin E and need to make this tomorrow!
b r Says
Post authorSure! I’d try almond.
Jamie Says
Could you mix a bit of witch hazel in with your regular DIY liquid castile hand soap? Not sure if the soap would negate some of the witch hazel properties, but I enjoy using it and interested to know if witch hazel and castile could work together.
Cynthia Says
Could I make the aloe gel version and omit the essential oils? I don’t like essential oils but want to make a nontoxic hand sanitizer, would it still work without the eos?
b r Says
Post authorIt sure would!
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Patricia Says
Thanks gor posting hsanx sanitizer. Will be making some for my family today
CHC Says
Thank you for sharing. What strength rubbing alcohol should I use for this recipe?
Also, should I get ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorIsopropyl!
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Tara Says
We cany find hand sanitizer anymore with all that’s going on in the world right now. I just made this for my family and will continue to sit as we continue to navigate these crazy times! Tha k you for the great recipe!
Sonja Says
Thank you for the recipes! In place of Vitamin E oil, do you think Jojoba Oil would work?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYes!
Marisa Says
Thank you for publishing this recipe. We weren’t able to get 91% isopropyl alcohol, but we do have access to 99% isopropyl alcohol. Is that okay? We have everything else for this recipe. Please advise. Thank you!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYes!
Amy Says
I have first aid antiseptic ethyl rubbing alcohol, would this work in these recipes?
Clean Mama Says
Post authoryes!