If there’s anything the COVID-19 pandemic has taught all of us, it’s the value of hand sanitizer. This simple solution turned out to be one of the most sought after products, and prices skyrocketed.
With the pandemic still going on, the demand for sanitizer hasn’t disappeared. Unfortunately, this also means higher prices. If you’re tired of shelling out cash on high-priced hand sanitizers, this is the article for you.
We’re sharing the 5 must-have ingredients to use in your DIY hand sanitizer recipe. Read on to see what you need.
Top 5 DIY Hand Sanitizer Gel Ingredients
There’s a lot of different DIY hand sanitizer gel recipes floating around on the internet, each with its own process. Unfortunately, this has led to a lot of misinformation and even the use of dangerous ingredients, according to the FDA.
How can you know what information to trust and which recipe to use? To answer these questions, you should understand what ingredients work, and what don’t.
Although popular, things like witch hazel or vodka aren’t actually potent enough to defend against bacteria. Thyme oil and other plant-based ingredients have also been recommended, but there’s no concrete evidence that proves their effectiveness.
When it comes to DIY hand sanitizer, we’ve found that these 5 ingredients are the safest, simplest, and most effective.
Ethanol
Ethanol, also known simply as alcohol, is an organic chemical compound that has many uses in our daily lives like beauty products and gas. It’s important to be careful when using ethanol, so make sure you use gloves and work with metal utensils.
Isopropyl
Isopropyl alcohol is a traditional rubbing alcohol that is used as an antiseptic. It’s also a common ingredient in lotions, cosmetics, and drugs. You can choose to use this as your antiseptic ingredient or ethanol, but it’s not necessary to use both.
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another antiseptic which helps fight off bacteria and prevent skin infections. Make sure to use the 3% option, as any higher percentage can irritate your skin. The WHO’s formula includes mixing hydrogen peroxide with alcohol.
Distilled or Sterile Water
You will need distilled or sterile water to dilute the alcohol and make it safe to apply to your skin. But you can’t just use any water. Tap water contains minerals and bacteria that could contaminate your hand sanitizer.
Essential Oils
Alcohol has a strong odor, which is why this ingredient is on our list. Just a drop or two is all you need to cover up the pungent smell. You can choose any scent you want, but be careful not to add too much as this could irritate your skin too.
Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer Today
See? Making DIY hand sanitizer gel at home is simpler than you may have thought. All it takes is 5 simple ingredients and the right utensils for safety. Knowing this simple recipe will help you stay safe and save you a lot of money.
Keep learning about how to stay healthy and safe by checking out our other health articles now!
