Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer in between washes, avoid touching surfaces with bacteria and “enjoy” the life of living in a bacteria free filled world. Sounds great, right? Wrong. The unfortunate thing about our society is that we are currently living in an over sanitized world.
We choose abrasive and harsh chemicals that promise 99.9% effectiveness with killing germs but we overlook the fact that we still need good bacteria in our lives to protect us from the harmful ones.
5 Ingredients To Avoid When Purchasing A
Hand Sanitizer
Check your current hand sanitizer, or cleaning products, for these top 5 additives you should absolutely avoid:
1. Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide that’s added to detergents, soaps and personal care products like deodorants and toothpastes because it has antibacterial properties. Interestingly enough, it does not have the power to kill the viruses that cause colds, covid or the flu.
Triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, cancer, liver damage and the development of super-germs. The real question is why is it an ingredient when it cant even get the “killing germs” part right?
2. Fragrance and Phthalates
Aside from the over powering artificial scent of synthetic fragrances, phthalates help those fragrances stick around long after you put it on. In multiple research studies, fragrance ingredients are classified as allergens, hormone disruptors, asthma triggers, neurotoxins and carcinogens.
The fragrance industry is self-regulated which means they answer to virtually no one when they choose to use additives that are harmful to your health. The stronger the sanitizers scent is, the more phthalates are present. Opt out of using brands that market the smell more than the benefits.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLS and SLES are surfactants, which dissolve surface tension in water to help products like soaps and detergents foam. SLS and SLES are connected to a whole host of health risks that affect the skin, lungs, eyes, organ toxicity, endocrine disruption and even cancer.
4. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives and anti-microbial. They are linked to health issues including cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol-based antibacterial sanitizers are the most commonly used sanitizers. Ethyl alcohol (or ethanol) is responsible for 100’s or ER visits every year due to young children accidentally ingesting hand sanitizer.
Isopropyl alcohol, a known neurotoxin, is also a common ingredient found in alcohol based sanitizers. Both are irritants to the skin which begs the question why they are an ingredient in something that is marketed for your skin.
Natural DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipes
Aloe Vera Infused Natural Sanitizer
- 10 drops of Tea tree essential oil
- 30 ml Hazelnut oil
- 150 ml natural Alovera gel
Mix all the ingredients together, pour them to a suitable splash pump, and store in a cool and shaded place.
Lavender Infused Natural Sanitizer
- 25-30 drops of Tea Tree essential oil
- 9 drops of Lavender essential oil
- 16 spoons of natural Alovera gel
Mix all the ingredients together and pour them to a proper bottle or jar.
Stored in a cool and dry place.
Tea Tree & Olive Oil Infused Sanitizer
- 10 drops of Tea tree essential oil
- One teaspoon of liquid Castile soap (natural soap made from 100% olive oil)
- 180 ml water (2/3 cup)
- One teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
In this recipe, we’ll use the Vitamin E also for its preservative properties.
Mix all the ingredients together. Store in a cool and dry place.
2X Stronger Hand Sanitizer Recipe with Rubbing Alcohol
For a stronger hand sanitizer that performs like commercial versions (without the triclosan), try this recipe.
Shared Via wellnessmama.com
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 tsp vegetable glycerin
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 20 drop tea tree oil
- 1 TBSP distilled water or colloidal silver/ionic silver for extra antibacterial power
- Essential oils for your desired smell
Instructions
- To make, mix aloe vera gel, optional glycerin, and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl.
- Add your tea tree oil and your essential oils for scent.
- Mix well and add about 1 tablespoon of colloidal/ionic silver to thin to desired consistency.
- Transfer into your desired bottle.
- Use as you would any other type of hand sanitizer.
Extra Strength Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe
*Not reccomended Due to your skin still needing good bacteria
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- 2 Tablespoons aloe vera
- 20 drops Tea tree oil.
Extra strength recipe with 99% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol:
2 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
Example: 2/3 cup alcohol + 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
Extra strength recipe with 70% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
9 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
Example: 90ml or 3 ounces of alcohol + 10ml or 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel
Extra strength recipe with 91% Isopropyl or Rubbing Alcohol:
3 parts alcohol
1 part aloe vera gel
Example: 3/4 cup alcohol + 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
Natural DIY Neem Sanitizer
With instructional Video
Ditch your current sanitizer and start making your own today! If you have any great Natural DIY recipes for cleaning your home and hands, drop us a comment!
