I’m not a big fan of commercial hand sanitizers, which probably doesn’t surprise anyone. It might sound odd, but I avoid using antibacterial soap or strong cleaners at home because I believe having some bacteria around can actually be beneficial.
I’m really glad I started making my own personal care products years ago, especially since the FDA decided in 2016 that manufacturers should stop using triclosan in antibacterial soaps and sanitizers due to its hormone-disrupting effects and role in developing resistant strains of bacteria. It’s a good reminder to review the research before following trends.
While I usually keep things low-key, certain ingredients can help fight viruses, and considering the current situation, I’m taking more precautions than usual. Check out the end of this post for additional steps I’m taking to stay healthy.
Since my house isn’t a hospital (thanks to our generally strong immune systems), I prefer a gentler approach and make homemade hand sanitizer for times when washing hands isn’t an option or when we’re worried about exposure to nasty bacteria.
Sure, killing “99.9% of germs” is appealing, especially with young kids around, since if one gets sick, chances are everyone does. But it’s important to see why just using anything labeled “antibacterial” on soaps, wipes, and cleaners isn’t necessarily the best solution.
My plan for keeping bad bacteria away is to strengthen my kids’ immune systems. We eat a lot of real food, including fermented veggies and drinks (good bacteria) and cut down on sugar. Outdoor playtime is a priority too, so they can soak up Vitamin D from the sun and enjoy healthy bacteria from the soil.
For washing hands, I use handmade bar soaps or homemade foaming hand soap, and we’ve navigated another flu season without any cases. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don’t feel the need to sanitize the house daily with harsh chemicals.
We rarely use even our natural hand sanitizer, opting for simple hand washing whenever we can. But I do keep a small bottle of homemade hand sanitizer by the sink for times we need it after handling meat or changing a diaper.
Commercial sanitizers often stink and contain drying alcohol that’s too harsh for kids. Making my own means I can tailor a gentler formula for the kids and a stronger one for places like public restrooms.
Instead of triclosan or other antibacterial agents, I use essential oils known to naturally inhibit bacteria. Some evidence suggests they might fight viruses too, making them potentially more effective. It’s essential to note that the first two recipes act more like waterless soap rather than full hand sanitizers because the CDC states that a hand sanitizer must have at least 60% alcohol. Only my last recipe achieves that.
If you prefer a ready-made option, try my natural, safe hand sanitizer from Wellnesse for those times you need extra protection.
Here are my favorite hand sanitizer recipes, starting with the mildest and increasing in strength as needed.
If you want a stronger hand sanitizer, similar to commercial ones but without triclosan, this recipe is for you. If you work in a hospital, this could be suitable for personal use, but it’s not recommended for kids!
To effectively combat viruses, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. This recipe meets that standard and includes aloe vera for gentleness and essential oils for added virus-fighting power. It’s the one I currently use after being in places where virus transmission is more likely.
Remember to adjust the recipe based on the strength of the alcohol you’re using. For instance, if using 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you’ll need a different amount of aloe vera compared to using 70% alcohol. Here’s a quick guide:
Option 1 with 99% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol:
– 2 parts alcohol
– 1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 2/3 cup alcohol + 1/3 cup aloe vera gel)
Option 2 with 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
– 9 parts alcohol
– 1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 90ml or 3 ounces of alcohol + 10ml or 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel)
Option 3 with 91% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
– 3 parts alcohol
– 1 part aloe vera gel
(For example: 3/4 cup alcohol + 1/4 cup aloe vera gel)
If you like this recipe, you might also want to try my DIY disinfecting wipes for kitchen counters or bathrooms.
During this time of year, we focus on a few methods to stay healthy:
This article was reviewed by Dr. Lauren Jefferis, who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Remember, this isn’t personal medical advice, and it’s always best to consult your doctor or connect with a concierge doctor at SteadyMD.
Have you ever made your own hand sanitizer? How did it turn out?
