Homemade Hand Sanitizer - Alcohol Free!

I just love homemade hand sanitizer!

It’s that time of year again when the weather gets wet and cold. Germs multiply and get passed from person to person in an unending cycle of colds, flus, and other unpleasant winter bugs. Some of them, like the incessant norovirus currently going around, are immune to traditional hand sanitizers.

These viruses can’t be killed (at least not very well) by mere alcohol based methods.

So what’s one to do when soap and water aren’t available when you need it? Use essential oils of course!

Essential oils are incredibly effective against germs, bacteria, and viruses. Some are more powerful than others, but in general, you can use any essential oil to help keep sickness at bay while out and about.

The Advantages of Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Traditional store-bought hand sanitizers contain either isopropanol or ethanol alcohol which have the ability to kill many types of germs on contact. They do this by essentially dissolving their constituent proteins causing the germs to die.

They’re quick acting (most germs die within 30 seconds), are convenient, and in a lot of cases, they significantly reduce the number of germs on your hands after use.

As mentioned above, the main disadvantage is that alcohol-based hand sanitizers aren’t as effective against some of the most uncomfortable gastrointestinal illnesses as one would like. Sure, they work well against your regular daily germs but more resistant strains are another matter. You can read about why here.

In my book, stronger bugs like the norovirus are the ones I want to avoid most. I can deal with sniffles and a fever…noooot so much the diarrhea and vomiting.

Another reason you should go the DIY route is that store-bought hand sanitizer contains some rather unpleasant chemicals like triclosan; an ingredient that inhibits the growth of bacteria. Its use over the last 40 years has created what we now know to be “super bugs” because viruses and bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to it.

This becomes a huge problem when treatment is needed and medical intervention fails to deliver.

The advantage of homemade hand sanitizer is you can control what ingredients go into it and the strength you need based on age and constitution. You can create an effective all natural alternative that will help keep you well and smelling amazing!

There are no artificial fragrances or toxic chemicals to worry about. Plus making your own hand sanitizer is CHEAP! Win win in my book 🙂

Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe - Alcohol Free!

Since these recipes don’t use any alcohol, you just need to make sure to shake them up before each use to ensure that the essential oils are dispersed evenly.

This will also ensure that no overly concentrated essential oils irritate those who have sensitive skin including small children and the elderly.

Speaking of small children, I will be writing a post on a few recipes that are safe for children 2+. For now, assume that the recipes below are for children 10+.

Four Thieves Blend Hand Sanitizer Recipe

Four Thieves is a very popular blend these days and for good reason! Its powerful combo of antibacterial and antiviral essential oils makes it perfect for fighting all kinds of nasty germs including the more resistant variety. What makes this blend really special though is the cinnamon essential oil it contains.

Cinnamon essential oil is proven to be one of the best essential oils for killing pretty much everything microbial. If you have nothing else, this is the oil to reach for during cold and flu season.

Just take care when using cinnamon essential oil, it's incredibly strong!

Here’s what you’re going to need:

• A 1oz squeezy bottle like this, or a 1oz pump bottle
• 1oz organic aloe vera gel (make sure it isn’t really runny)
• 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 3 drops cinnamon bark essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil

Loving Preparation- Four Thieves Homemade Hand Sanitizer

• Add all of the ingredients to your bottle and shake well to blend

To Use

Simply add a dime size amount of homemade hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand and apply evenly.

Don't want to make your own? Learn how to make my other four thieves oil here. I also really like medieval mix!

Uplifting Lemon Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Recipe

This is one of my favorite blends because it also acts as a mood enhancer during a stressful day. All you have to do is apply it to your hands evenly and then cup your face and breathe in for 2-3 breathes to clarify the mind and uplift your spirits.

It’s also great for killing germs.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A 1oz squeezy/pump bottle
• 1oz of organic aloe very gel
• 4 drops lemon essential oil (steam distilled only! Read more about phytotoxic essential oils here)
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops cardamom essential oil

Loving Preparation- Uplifting lemon peppermint Hand Sanitizer

• Add all ingredients to your bottle and shake well to blend

To Use

Add a dime size amount to your palm and spread evenly over your hands.

Lavender Rosemary Stress Relief Hand Sanitizer

This blend is another keeper for those of us who feel run down, tired, and are easily stressed. The rosemary essential oil in this recipe is known to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone in our bodies) just by inhaling its scent for a few deep breaths!

Lavender is of course very calming and relaxing, making it a perfect addition to complement the rosemary.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A 1oz squeezy/pump bottle
• 1oz organic aloe vera gel
• 5 drops rosemary essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Loving Preparation- Lavender Rosemary Stress Relief Hand Sanitizer

• Add all ingredients to your bottle and shake well to blend

To Use

Add a dime size amount to the palm of your hand and apply evenly

For stress relief just cup your face after use and breathe in deeply for 2-3 breaths and focus on releasing stress.

***NOTE

You can make these blends more moisturizing by adding a few drops of carrier oil like sweet almond or even vitamin E oil. It’s really nice during dry cold weather!

What are your favorite homemade hand sanitizer blends? Please share below!