All-natural hand sanitizer gel is very simple to make and works effectively at cleansing hands without the harsh chemicals found in conventional hand sanitizer. This DIY post will show you how to make hand sanitizer using only 3 ingredients. Safe for adults, kids, and babies.
I have recently shared my DIY hand sanitizer spray due to the recent pandemic going on in the world. I truly believe that prevention can be the most effective in situations like this, and keeping our hands clean is key, as well as keeping the immune system boosted. Today, I am going to share a DIY hand sanitizer gel.
Both of these sanitizers will keep hands and surfaces cleansed and purified. I flip back and forth between the spray and the gel and I really don’t have a preference either way. I do think the hand sanitizer spray is a little easier to apply to kids.
If you live in an area where hand sanitizer is sold out, or if you want a more natural option, this recipe is for you. I love that I can whip this up at home in just a few minutes and not have to worry if it is going to be sold out at the store.
PIN IT FOR LATER
NATURAL HAND SANITIZER
It is so important to use a natural hand sanitizer. First off, conventional hand sanitizer gels and sprays can be very harsh on the skin and cause skin irritations and dryness. Many conventional sanitizers are made with harsh chemicals you won’t want on your skin or your child’s skin.
Yet, we are constantly put this on. You can find it at most public places, churches, bathrooms, parks, libraries, grocery stores, you name it and it is probably there. Though it is good to get the germs off of our hands, overuse can cause problems too.
When we use conventional hand sanitizing spray, we are killing off the bacteria that we need to build a healthy immune system. Overusing products with anti-bacterial agents can make our bodies become immune to them, and then when we need them when we are actually sick, they may not be as effective.
ANTIBACTERIAL HAND SANITIZER
Cleaners, washes, hand soaps, and wipes are made with antibacterial agents. Again, this is an effective way to kill germs, but overuse is not a good thing.
There are so many natural ways to create antibacterial products to make our homes healthier and safer. With little kids around, this is one of my biggest goals. I don’t want to have to worry about them getting into the cleaners or not allow them to help because I am scared of the side effects of the ingredients.
Over the past eight years, I have worked hard to reduce toxins in my home. I now make my own laundry soap, natural cleaners, skincare, and hair care. I use all-natural ingredients that still have those antibacterial properties, just in a healthier way.
HOW TO MAKE HAND SANITIZER GEL
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure HERE.
INGREDIENTS
- Witch hazel or rubbing alcohol
- Pure aloe vera gel
- Essential oils
- Empty gel container
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir them together until everything is well combined.
Using a small funnel, transfer the mixture into an empty container. You can save an old hand sanitizer gel container or buy empty ones on amazon.
DIY HAND SANITIZER GEL
Just like the DIY hand sanitizer spray, I am using rubbing alcohol and essential oils in this recipe. I am adding in aloe vera to make it a gel.
RUBBING ALCOHOL OR WITCH HAZEL
Personally, I like to use witch hazel, especially when making this for the kids. It makes the gel much more gentle and still can help cleanse the hands. However, to make the gel even more effective you can add rubbing alcohol.
Witch hazel is a great natural ingredient to use for hand sanitizer; it is a known astringent. If you decide to use rubbing alcohol, it is best to use one that is at least 60% alcohol.
PURE ALOE VERA GEL
Aloe vera has strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can keep the skin clean and free of infection with its antiseptic and antimicrobial agents. It is full of powerful antioxidants. Aloe is also very moisturizing and soothing to the skin. So while you are cleansing your hands of germs, you will also be treating your skin.
If you can’t find aloe vera or if you are allergic to it, you can substitute it for glycerin.
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL
The added fractionated oil is optional but can help moisturize the skin. Rubbing alcohol can be very drying and this can help.
ESSENTIAL OILS
Several essential oils can be used to keep the skin cleansed and purified. As mentioned in my hand sanitizer spray post, on guard is one of my favorites for this. On guard is a blend made by doTERRA. If you don’t have on guard, you can make your own by using a few drops of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Other essential oils to use in this homemade hand sanitizer gel that can help cleanse and purify:
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Tea tree (or melaleuca)
- Lemon
- Patchouli
- Basil
HOW LONG WILL HAND SANITIZER LAST?
Hand sanitizer can last as long as 2 to 3 years. And even after it is “expired,” it can still be used, it just may be less effective. If you want to make a large batch at a time, go for it! It will last for a long time.
HOW TO STORE DIY HAND SANITIZER GEL?
Any DIY project with essential oils is best to be stored in a glass or metal container. However, some plastics are OK too. Look for thicker plastics. I am using an empty container that once had a conventional hand sanitizer in it. I needed to find a container that would work for the thick gel.
It is always best to store essential oil products out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. To be honest, I keep my hand sanitizer in my diaper bag or purse at all times. I like to use it on myself and my kids when we are out and about.
HOW TO USE HAND SANITIZER GEL?
Simply squirt a small amount of the gel onto the hands and rub in thoroughly. You can also use this on surfaces like a shopping cart, restaurant tables, door handles, light switches, or the steering wheel. Think about high germ places and use it!
As always, it may be best to wash your hands before applying hand sanitizer, but if washing isn’t an option, be sure to use the hand sanitizer. It will help to keep hands clean.
DIY Hand Sanitizer Gel
Materials
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Stir together until everything is well combined.
- Using a small funnel, transfer the mixture into an empty container. You can save an old hand sanitizer gel container or buy empty ones on amazon.
Rhea says
This is not a responsible post. This is not a “sanitizer” or disinfectant. A sanitizer needs at least 60% of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol as part of the formula (preferably 91% or higher) you are posting a hand cleaner, it is not the same and will not function the same way. Please clarify that for your subscribers. I use EO’s for so many things but you must have a strong alcohol component to sanitize. That is a health claim…
Laura says
It is always best to wash your hands. This is meant to cleanse and purify hands when out and about or handwashing isn’t in option. I have done a lot of research that leads me to believe this recipe is effective. You can add alcohol if you wish, as I state in the post.
Brenda says
please people read Laura’s entire post before commenting. Laura is amazing how she describes and explains the products. Thank you Laura for sharing your research.
Laura says
Thank you so much for the nice comment!
Alecia Henderson says
Hi!
I am a new wellness advocate for dōTERRA, and I really love how you educate your followers on healthy solutions with your diy recipes!
I have learned so much from watching your videos. Thank you for caring and sharing.
Laura says
Thank you so much! Blessings to you and your business!
Ramona says
Witch hazel is not disinfectant. They need to use alcohol..
Laura says
I state that in the post. 🙂
Kari says
I am thankful that this post is here. Giving me an option.
With all of the scare tactics of the media, it is refreshing to have a recipe that is helpful, beneficial and welcoming during these scary times.
I intend on making a batch of this, keeping it on hand, in my car and available to my friends should they ask.
Blessings to you for your concern!!!!
Laura says
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed this post!
Linda says
Thank you for this! I’m just starting out making changes for simpler, healthier living and I really appreciate the care you put into your posts!
Laura says
That is wonderful! Thank you so much!
Sheila says
Thank you for the recipe for hand sanitizer. What could be used instead of the Aloe Vera if it is not available to purchase right now?
Thanks.
Laura says
You can make the same recipe without the aloe and put it into a spray bottle. It still works great!
wilhelmina says
This is handy option to keep around! Leaves my hands feeling refreshed!
Danielle says
Hi Laura. Thanks for this post. Would you say methylated spirits could be used in place of rubbing alcohol? Unfortunately it’s not easy to get my hands on rubbing alcohol at the moment in my corner of Australia.
Laura says
I know it is sold out in most places. As long as the recipe is 60% alcohol it will be effective. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the proof.
Toni says
Thank you so much! It think it is important that we know how to make our own sanitizer.
Laura says
You’re welcome!
Sandi says
This is so helpful. Especially with this pandemic going around. God Bless and yours. I love making natural things and not get store bought cause you never really know what is lingering in things!!
Many thanks to you!
Laura says
Thank you so much!!
Nadira says
Thanks for the information great post may God bless you and your family.
Laura says
Thank you so much!
Nadira says
What would you do naturally for eczema breakout
Laura says
I have a blog post on this: https://www.ouroilyhouse.com/natural-home-remedies-for-eczema-with-salve-recipe/
Stephanie says
Hi Laura, I really appreciate your research, thank you so much; I’m new so have not been able to make anything yet! I do make homemade soaps!
Laura says
Thank you so much for following along with me! I am glad you are enjoying my blog.
Jacqueline says
Laura,
Made a sample batch of the gel hand sanitizer recipe. Upon mixing all ingredients it is quite liquid. I liquified the coconut I used as it isn’t fractionate, but organic in a solidified state, so I melted in a spoon set over warm water. Question, would you recommend I let sit in open glass jar as the alcohol is strong at 70%, therefore the smell may dissipate before put on lid? The essential oils have done nothing initially to combat this.
Glad I found your blog, look forward to using other suggestions.
Thank you
Laura says
Melted coconut oil isn’t the same, as it will turn back to solid. I am glad you are enjoying my blog!
Jacqueline says
Really would appriciate your response to fact that exactly following your recipe the hand sanitizer concoction only smells like alchole still 3 days later. The coconut has not congeled and I really hate to waste what I used since product is so difficult to come by due to pandemic.
Thank you
Linda says
Made this hand sanitizer this afternoon. I used the Doterra On Guard (love that smell). Husband and I both tried it out after I made it and we both think it’s very nice. Much less harsh on the hands than some of the brands we’ve tried since this pandemic. Thanks for the recipe!
Laura says
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Praj says
Hi Laura
Like all your other recipes this one is enticing as well. Would like to give it a try
I have 100% Isopropyl Alcohol if I have to make for the whole family including kids who is 10 year old what portion of alcohol is safe as i don’t have witch hazel on hand
Thanks for all your recipes you have inspired me to begin my essential oil journey!!!
Good luck to you and Bless your family ♥♥♥
Ronnie Rinehart says
Can you put essential oil’s in ready made hand sanitizer they smell awful and I have quiet a bit of it
Laura says
Yes, you can but it will take a lot to cover the strong scent.