Scented Hand Sanitizer: Safe To Add Fragrance Oil?

Many people dislike the smell of hand sanitizers and prefer to add fragrance oils to them. While this can be done, it is not recommended unless the product is specifically formulated to have additional ingredients added. If you still want to add fragrance to your hand sanitizer, you should use a skin-safe fragrance oil. Essential oils can also be added to hand sanitizers for their medicinal properties and pleasant smell. However, essential oils are very concentrated and can have negative side effects if not used properly.

How much fragrance oil to add to hand sanitizer

It is not recommended to add essential oils to hand sanitizer unless the product is specifically designed to accommodate additional ingredients. This is because the effectiveness and safety of the hand sanitizer could be compromised.

However, if you choose to add fragrance to your hand sanitizer, it is important to follow certain guidelines. Firstly, ensure that the fragrance oil you select is safe for skin contact. The recommended amount of fragrance oil to add is 15-20 drops per 2 ounces of hand sanitizer. For a 16-ounce hand sanitizer, you would need about 160 drops of fragrance oil, which is approximately 0.5 ounces.

To add the fragrance oil, unscrew the lid of the hand sanitizer bottle and pour a small amount into a separate container to prevent overflow. Add the desired amount of fragrance oil and stir the mixture until it is well-combined. Alternatively, you can pour the hand sanitizer into a vessel, add the fragrance oil, and stir before using a funnel to transfer the mixture back into the original bottle.

Always test the scented hand sanitizer before use by applying a small amount to your hand and gently massaging it into your skin. If you are satisfied with the scent, you can continue to use it. If not, you can adjust the fragrance by adding a few more drops of oil.

Essential oils for sanitizers

Adding essential oils to hand sanitizers is a fun, customizable way to create your own natural hand sanitizers at home. However, it is important to note that, unless the product is specifically formulated to have additional ingredients added, it is not recommended to add essential oils to a finished hand sanitizer product. This is because lab testing is required to ensure that the essential oils are solubilized and preserved, and that the resulting formulation is safe, stable, and effective.

Nevertheless, if you are unable to access store-bought hand sanitizers or prefer a more natural alternative, you can make your own hand sanitizer at home and add essential oils to it. The most important ingredient to include in a DIY hand sanitizer is isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, which must be at least 60% of the total solution. Other ingredients, such as aloe vera and essential oils, can be included in small amounts for additional benefits and scent.

Witch Hazel Extract

Witch hazel nourishes the skin and can be used as a substitute for alcohol if you want an alcohol-free recipe. It is a great option for those with sensitive skin.

Alcohol (190 Proof)

Alcohol is a common ingredient in most hand sanitizers due to its strong anti-microbial properties and ability to maintain the integrity of the recipe. However, it can be very drying to the hands, so adding extra moisturizers to the recipe is recommended. Use alcohol sparingly.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is an immuno-supportive oil that can be added to your hand sanitizer for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has a pleasant scent and can be added to your hand sanitizer for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also commonly used to nourish the skin.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil can be added to your hand sanitizer for its fresh, citrus scent and potential antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has a refreshing scent and can be added to your hand sanitizer for its potential antiviral and antibacterial benefits.

DIY scented hand sanitizer

Scented hand sanitizers can be made at home by adding fragrance or essential oils to an existing product or by making hand sanitizer from scratch. However, it is important to note that adding ingredients to finished products, especially those that have not been lab-tested, is not recommended and may reduce the product's effectiveness or irritate the skin.

Adding Fragrance to Existing Hand Sanitizer

One method for creating scented hand sanitizer involves adding fragrance or essential oils to an existing product. To do this, simply unscrew the lid of the hand sanitizer bottle and pour a small amount of the sanitizer into a separate container to avoid overflow. Then, add around 15-20 drops of fragrance oil per 2 ounces of sanitizer. Screw the lid back on tightly and shake vigorously to combine. Test the scent by applying a small amount to your hand, and add more fragrance oil if needed.

DIY Hand Sanitizer with Added Fragrance

If you would like to make your own hand sanitizer from scratch and add fragrance, you can follow a recipe such as the one outlined below. This recipe is adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and includes optional essential oils for scent:

Ingredients:

• 12 fluid ounces (355 ml) 91% rubbing alcohol (or drinking alcohol of at least 140 proof/70% alcohol)
• 2 teaspoons emollient (such as glycerin, fractionated coconut oil, or other skin-friendly nut or seed oil)
• 1 tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons distilled or boiled water
• Optional: A few drops of essential oils of your choice (such as lavender, orange, or tea tree oil)

Method:

• Combine the alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and distilled water in a very clean glass jar with a lid.
• Add the emollient and shake vigorously until the mixture is combined. It may appear cloudy, which is okay.
• Pour the mixture into small spray bottles and label them accordingly.
• If desired, add a few drops of essential oils to each bottle. Shake well before use.

It is important to note that hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing with soap and water. Additionally, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly flammable, so hands should be dry and free of the alcohol smell before lighting any fires or being near flames.

Store-bought vs homemade hand sanitizer

The ongoing debate about store-bought versus homemade hand sanitizer has gained traction, especially with the recent pandemic and the need to keep our hands germ-free. While store-bought hand sanitizers are convenient and easily accessible, homemade hand sanitizers offer a more customizable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative.

Store-bought hand sanitizers are typically mass-produced and readily available in various stores. They are formulated to meet specific guidelines, such as those set by the FDA, to ensure their safety and effectiveness in killing germs and bacteria. These sanitizers often contain high-proof alcohol, which acts as a preservative and solubilizes essential oils. However, one of the drawbacks of store-bought sanitizers is their strong, unpleasant scent, which can be off-putting for many users, especially children.

On the other hand, homemade hand sanitizers offer a more natural, eco-friendly option. They are easy to make, and recipes are readily available online. By making your own sanitizer, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that only safe and non-toxic substances are used. Homemade sanitizers also allow for customization, such as adding essential oils for fragrance and moisturizing agents like aloe vera gel to prevent dry skin.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when opting for homemade hand sanitizers. Firstly, it is crucial to follow recipes from reliable sources, as the CDC recommends a minimum of 60% alcohol content for sanitizers to be effective. Secondly, while homemade sanitizers offer customization, they may not always be as convenient as store-bought options, especially when traveling or on the go. Lastly, the addition of certain ingredients, such as essential oils, to store-bought or homemade hand sanitizers should be approached with caution, as they may require lab testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

In conclusion, both store-bought and homemade hand sanitizers have their advantages and disadvantages. Store-bought sanitizers offer convenience and adhere to strict guidelines, while homemade sanitizers provide customization, natural ingredients, and cost savings. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, availability, and the level of convenience desired.

Safety concerns of adding fragrance oil to hand sanitizer

While adding fragrance oils to hand sanitizers is possible, there are several safety concerns to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the fragrance oil is skin-safe. Some fragrance oils may not be suitable for skin contact and could cause irritation or other adverse reactions. It is crucial to check the label and choose fragrance oils that are specifically marked as safe for skin.

Secondly, adding ingredients to finished hand sanitizer products can be risky. Hand sanitizers are formulated with specific ingredients and ratios to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Unless the product is specifically designed to allow for additional ingredients, altering the formulation may reduce the sanitizer's ability to kill harmful germs. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to add fragrance oils to finished hand sanitizer products.

Furthermore, some hand sanitizers contain hydrogen peroxide, which can oxidize essential oils. This oxidation process can make the essential oils harmful and irritating to the skin. To prevent this, an antioxidant such as Vitamin E oil would need to be added. However, this would require thorough testing to ensure that the modified sanitizer remains safe and effective. Without proper lab testing, there is a risk of unknowingly using an ineffective or unsafe product.

Additionally, essential oils are highly concentrated and can have negative side effects if not used properly. It is important to perform a skin test before mixing them with hand sanitizer and using them topically. Pregnant women and individuals with immune deficiencies should consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Lastly, while fragrance oils can enhance the scent of hand sanitizers, they should not be relied upon solely for their therapeutic benefits. Essential oils may provide additional benefits, such as improved concentration or relaxation, but these effects vary depending on the type of oil used. It is important to research the specific properties of different fragrance oils before adding them to hand sanitizers to ensure they are suitable for the desired purpose.

Frequently asked questions