DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer

This post may include affiliate links.
If you make a purchase, I'll earn a small fee at no extra cost to you.

When you can’t wash with soap, this DIY natural hand sanitizer is your best choice. It softens skin while killing germs, and costs only pennies to make.

hand pumping sanitizer onto open hand

“I’m not a germophobe, but I play one on the internet.” (If you’re under 30, ask someone to explain.)

man in suit

We’re one of those “dirt can’t hurt” families. I don’t wipe down the counters with bleach solution, and I don’t have one of those chemical pucks in the toilets. Our house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy.

However, I don’t need to tell you that hand sanitizer is a huge seller. The Stinky Bath Stuff store probably has 20 different scents and flavors, all filled with a variety of suspicious chemicals.

Washing with regular (not antibacterial) soap is the best choice, but there are some times when sanitizer is just plain handy. (Get it?)

This safe, natural hand sanitizer recipe doesn’t use alcohol, and replaces the chemicals in store brands with essential oils. It’s easy to make, and costs much less than the chemical-laden brands.

hand pumping sanitizer onto open hand

Natural Hand Sanitizer

1/2 cup aloe vera gel (not juice or liquid)

1/4 cup witch hazel

6-8 drops each, Tea tree and Lemon essential oils

or

12 drops OnGuard essential oil blend.

Measure the aloe vera gel and witch hazel into your measuring cup. Give it a stir and add a bit more witch hazel if it seems too thick.

Then add your essential oils. Start with six drops each and then add more of one or the other until you reach a scent combination/intensity you like.

Stir again and pour into your recycled pump bottle.

pouring gel into jar through funnel

You don’t need too much–a dime-sized blob is enough. The aloe vera gel will moisturize your hands, and the witch hazel and essential oils will help fight germs.


Love to DIY? Here are more articles you’ll like:

Make Soap Without Using Lye

Homemade Glass Cleaner

DIY Natural Febreze


Hi, Im Pam!

I created Brown Thumb Mama to share my natural living journey, and help you live a greener life. Thanks for being here!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

39 thoughts on -DIY Natural Hand Sanitizer-

  1. Thanks for this recipe!! I’m a mobile phlebotomist & have been using store bought sanitizer that was drying out my hands severely & suffering dry cracks that bleed! I now make this & LOVE it!! It’s GREAT for my hands!! THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING!! LOVE your site!!

    1. I make small batches and we always use it up within a month, so I know it will keep that long without a problem. Beyond that, I’m not sure!

  2. I use Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with aloe. It is alcohol free, and a wonderful toner to use daily. There are other scents available, and also an unscented, if you prefer. Hope this helps.

  3. I have yet to find a witch hazel that does not contain alcohol. If someone knows of one, I’d like to know. I have two children severely allergic to alcohol.

    1. I have found a brand of Witch hazel that is alcohol-free. The brand is Thayers Natural Remedies and I got it at Earth Fare. It is unscented but does contain aloe vera. The brand had several different formulas to choose from. Hope this helps!

      Janet

      1. Avatar photo
        Colleen McCaffrey

        Thank you so much for asking and answering this question. I am allergic to alcohol, too, and trying to find even herbal skin care with out any kind of alcohol is terribly hard.

  4. Quick question, I bought Witch Hazel tonight and just realized that is contains 14% alcohol? Can I still this Witch Hazel or shall I look for another one? Thank you.

  5. Um, do you have any references at all for the germ-killing power of this solution? I know tea tree oil kills germs when it’s full strength, but how well does it work at this dilution? If you can’t find any published science on the subject, you could at least try a handwashing experiment to compare it to washing with soap and water.

    I work for a health-care system that does occasional research on alcohol-based hand sanitizer vs. soap and water in a medical context, so although this isn’t my field I’ve read quite a bit about it as the studies are reported in the employee newsletter. So far those two methods are running about neck and neck overall, with each being better for different specific situations. But alcohol has a long history of effective germ-killing, and the alcohol concentration in hand sanitizer is pretty high. I wouldn’t trust another sanitizer without seeing some science!

  6. This is fabulous – I wish I could convince them to use this at the hospital where I work instead of the skin shredding stuff we do use. Really appreciate this recipe. I found you at the Little House in the Suburbs Linky Party.

  7. I am allergic to aloe vera. Is there a substitute? What is it’s function in this recipe? I might make and take it into the office (just to give everyone a chance to see why I like natural cosmetics)and keep using Giovanni or Urban Escentials handwipes myself.

  8. Fantastic! I really despise using chemicals, and I once bought an expensive organic sanitizer, which was essentially witch hazel. The pump immediately broke and I never got to use it! Now I can make my own. Thanks!

  9. This is great. I already have tea tree oil. How expensive would you say this recipe is? And how long does it last? (not usage – just how long is it good for)

    1. Do you know the approximate shelf life for this sanitizer if stored in either a glass bottle or a PET plastic container? It works great! Thanks for sharing.

  10. Love this!!! I will definitely be making some to take to work (I am a physical therapist). We have Purell and it dries my hands out terribly. Occasionally it’s easier to use the sanitizing gel than wash my hands. This will work perfectly…thanks!!!!