If you’re one of those peeps who swears by antibacterial hand sanitizer and faithfully carries a bottle around with you, brace yourself…there are some pretty serious truth bombs coming in this post that you may not be aware of.
Ready? Here goes…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned triclocarban, triclosan and several other dangerous chemicals found in antibacterial hand sanitizers from use in all hand and body washes.
Antibacterial product manufacturers were given until 2017 to comply with the new law by removing all products from the market that contain these banned ingredients.
Unfortunately, triclosan is found in countless other personal care products that weren’t included in the ban like deodorants, antiperspirants, body sprays and toothpaste. But at least hand and body washes are a start.
Not only are many of the ingredients found in antibacterial hand soaps and sanitizers harmful to our health, there is no scientific evidence proving they are any better at preventing the spread of germs than good ol’ soap and water.
Worse yet, it’s important to know that antibacterial products kill ALL the bacteria on your hands, including the GOOD bacteria you need for healthy skin and an immune system that functions properly.
In fact, these products have been shown to weaken your immune system. GULP!
You may be thinking, “Okay, thanks for letting me know that using soap and water is a better option than using antibacterial products. But what am I supposed to do when I’m out and about and don’t have access to soap and water?”
I’m so glad you asked! The answer is simple:
You can easily make your own non-toxic hand sanitizer for killing germs on the go. Better yet, you can customize your sanitizer for specific smells and health benefits.
Plus, you’ll save LOADS of money in the long run and you’ll be able to use the same bottle over and over again to reduce waste. SCORE!!!
THE DIY HAND SANITIZER FORMULA
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 ounce of purified water
- 5 drops of witch hazel
- 5 drops of essential oil (see specific oil recommendations below)
- Optional for moisturizing: 5 drops of vitamin E oil
Directions:
- Fill the glass spray bottle 3/4 of the way with purified water.
- Add the witch hazel, essential oil and (optional) vitamin E oil to the bottle. (NOTE: A small stainless steel funnel like this makes this process MUCH easier!) Screw the top on tightly, shake and use.
- Be sure to shake the bottle well before each use.
There’s something so satisfying about being able to whip up your own goods and knowing EXACTLY what’s in them.
Plus, this DIY hand sanitizer makes an excellent gift!
As detailed below, you can customize the scents to make several different formulas to give out to family and friends.
WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS SHOULD I USE?
If you’re new to essential oils and want to learn more about them, click here to read my “Essential Oils 101” blog. As I explain in this blog, my go-to brand of essential oils is Plant Therapy. They offer every type of essential oil you need to make an outstanding hand sanitizer.
For the recipe above, you can use 5 drops of the same essential oil or you can create a special blend. Here are my recommendations for which oils to use:
Single Oils
If you want to stick with a single oil / scent, the following essential oils have powerful antibacterial properties while also having a pleasant smell:
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Lemongrass
- Clove
Click HERE to grab any of these oils on amazon.
Pre-Made Synergy/Blend
Plant Therapy offers a pre-made blend called “Germ Fighter” that’s super effective and smells delicious.
They also offer a blend that’s formulated specifically for kids ages 2-10 called “Germ Destroyer” (it’s sold under the “KidSafe” section). Click here to find these blends on amazon.
They also work great for diffusing in your home, especially during cold and flu season!
DIY Blends
You can make your own germ-destroying blend for your hand sanitizer, while also fulfilling a health or emotional need at the same time. Here are some of my favorites:
- Alpine Blend (Smells like Christmas!): 2 drops of Fir Needle, 2 drops of Peppermint & 1 drop of Vanilla
- Focus Blend: 2 drops of Cedarwood Himalayan, 1 drop of Frankincense Carteri, 1 drop of Sandalwood & 1 drop of Vetiver
- Goodbye Allergy Blend: 2 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Lemon & 1 drop of Peppermint
- Happy Blend: 1 drop each of Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Sweet Orange & Vanilla
- Immune Boosting Blend: 1 drop each of Clove, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Sweet Orange & Rosemary
WHAT ABOUT HAND SOAP?
You didn’t think I’d only hook you up with a non-toxic option for hand sanitizer, did you?
No way!
I’ve got your hook-up for effective and non-toxic hand soap, too. Just click HERE for the details!
Cheers to killing germs and strengthening your health at the same time!
With love and gratitude,
Kandi
DISCLOSURE: Many of the links above are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission – at no additional cost to you – if you purchase a product through them. (Click here to view my full Disclaimer & Disclosure statement.) This helps me continue providing FREE information to help you live a fit and fabulous life without busting your bank account. Thanks for your support!