I’m mildly horrified every time someone whips out a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. First of all, the stench is horrible. Secondly, I know that it probably contains a noxious brew of potentially toxic compounds.

Unfortunately, we’ve been conditioned to think that we need these chemicals, in order to stay healthy. However, there’s a growing body of evidence to the contrary. In fact, some commercial hand sanitizers even contain an antibacterial agent now linked to cancer. (About 60 percent of what you put on your skin winds up in your bloodstream.)

There’s also concern that sanitizers that include the antibiotic triclosan increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These types of super bugs have become a huge problem, especially in healthcare facilities.

VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE: This post was written at a time when we were less concerned about pathogens. Now we need to listen to the experts and use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.

So here’s a recipe for making your own alcohol-based sanitizer.

DIY Non Toxic Hand Sanitizer

(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything, I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.)

The alcohol added to regular hand sanitizers is a separate issue. Typically, what’s used is isopropyl alcohol, which is toxic to the liver. Many people apply hand sanitizers liberally and regularly, especially during the winter, or when they’re in crowded areas.

Given the potential downside of chemical hand sanitzers, I’ve decided not to use them. Actually, I eat well and try to limit my stress. So I don’t believe I need a special sanitizer every day, or even during cold and flu season.

If I did, I’d use one made with natural essential oils. It’s believed that essential oils, which are highly concentrated plant extracts, contain natural germ-fighting agents. That’s why nearly every essential oil company now has its own aromatic germ-fighting blend.

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Without Alcohol

These are blends I always keep in the house. I use on the inside of my wrist when I feel a cold coming on. I don’t know if it’s my imagination or not. But sometimes the illness doesn’t seem to progress. I know I can’t prove I stayed well because of the germ-fighting blend. However, I do wonder about this.

If you already own essential oils, it’s easy to make your own DIY hand sanitizer. Keep reading, and I’ll tell you how to do this, using an essential oil formula designed to kill germs.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Without Alcohol

I’m a huge fan of germ-fighting essential oil blends. I’ve used a number of them, from several different companies. They seem to work. Although I can’t prove or claim they work. But I do seem to feel better and recover faster when I use them.

When I’m sick, I fight the illness naturally, with essential oils and homeopathic remedies. I don’t even own any OTC pain relievers or cold medications. This means I always have a germ-fighting blend on hand, especially in the winter. I buy my essential oils from Plant Therapy, which sells excellent products at competitive prices.

DIY Liquid Hand Sanitizer

I’m so happy to have discovered Plant Therapy products. I’m not a big fan of shopping through multilevel marketing networks. I was overjoyed to realize that really good oils exist outside of these networks too. Germ Fighter Synergy Blend contains the exact same types of oils as the better known Thieves oil. This is a blend sold by the Young Living company.

The proprietary formula known as “Thieves” has a very interesting history. According to various published accounts, the idea for this blend came from a group of Medieval robbers. They stole from the sick and dying during a plague. Why they didn’t get sick themselves remained a mystery. Once apprehended, they disclosed their secret herbal formula, in exchange for leniency.

Below, you can see a bottle of Germ Fighter Synergy Blend. This formula is designed for people aged 10 and older.

For children, the company recommends Germ Destroyer Synergy Blend. This formula contains a different mix of milder oils. However, both blends could be used on adults.

DIY Hand Sanitizer With Witch Hazel

Essential oils are way to strong to put them on your skin, without putting them in something else. This is especially true for Germ Fighter Synergy Blend, which contains a “hot” mix of cinnamon, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus oils, in addition to lemon essential oil.

How To Make Scented Hand Sanitizer

Normally, when I use essential oils, I put them in a carrier oil. However, this will leave your hands oily. So, another option is to use alcohol-free witch hazel instead. This is a good substitute for alcohol.

Although this is optional, it’s a good idea to add a little aloe vera gel. This has a soothing and healing quality. It may also contain natural germ-fighting agents.

Bear in mind that you can use any type of essential oil to scent your sanitizer. You can use peppermint essential oil if you want an invigorating scent. Or you can use sweet smelling lavender oil. I think lavender essential oil works really well in a hand sanitizer recipe because it seems to have skin soothing properties.

DIY Custom Hand Sanitizer

There’s no hard and fast rule as to what essential oils to add. I like the germ fighting synergy blends. But you can also use what you have on hand. It’s believed that a wide range of essential oils, including lemon, orange, rosemary, geranium, tea tree, lavender and others contain natural germ fighting agents.

You can add about 10 drops of essential oil to every ounce of liquid. For children, I’d use a little less essential oil.

You’ll want to make sure you put the oils in a glass spray bottle. That’s because essential oils are strong and volatile. So they can degrade a plastic container. This means tiny pieces of plastic can end up in your sanitizer, defeating the purpose of a healthy option.

DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Small 4-ounce glass spray bottle (If you can’t find one locally, you can find one here)

40 drops of Germ Fighter Synergy Blend (You can get it here)

Alcohol Free witch hazel (You can get it here)

1 Tbs of aloe vera gel (You can get it here)

Add the alcohol free witch hazel to the spray bottle, leaving enough room for the other ingredients. Shake well before using. Store this bottle in a cool, dark place away from heat.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.