Using Fragrance Oils In Hand Sanitizers: Safe Or Not?

The use of fragrance oils in hand sanitizers is a popular topic, especially with the recent emphasis on sanitization. While some people opt for store-bought scented sanitizers, others prefer to add fragrance oils to unscented or unpleasant-smelling sanitizers. It is important to note that adding fragrance oils to hand sanitizers is generally safe, but it is recommended to use skin-safe oils and conduct a skin test beforehand. The amount of fragrance oil added varies depending on the desired scent strength, typically ranging from 7 to 20 drops per 2 ounces of sanitizer. Essential oils are also used in hand sanitizers for their therapeutic benefits, such as improving concentration or inducing relaxation. However, it is crucial to exercise caution, especially for pregnant women and individuals with immune deficiencies, as essential oils can have negative side effects if not used properly.

Essential oils can be added to hand sanitiser for fragrance and aromatherapy benefits

Essential Oils for Fragrance and Aromatherapy Benefits

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years across many cultures to treat a variety of mental, physical, and emotional conditions. They are highly concentrated and should be used carefully, especially by those who are pregnant or have immune deficiencies.

Essential oils can be added to hand sanitiser to create a therapeutic experience while eliminating harmful germs. They can be chosen for their fragrance, to create a pleasant smell, but they also have a wide range of psychological and physical benefits, known as aromatherapy.

How to Add Essential Oils to Hand Sanitiser

Adding 7-12 drops of essential oil to 70% alcohol will create an effective sanitiser. You can also add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of lavender oil, and 4 drops of lemongrass oil to 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel and 3/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol.

Recommended Essential Oils

• Cinnamon essential oil can reduce drowsiness and improve concentration.
• Lavender essential oil can induce relaxation and a feeling of calm.
• Rosemary essential oil can stimulate information retention, alertness, and memory.
• Lemon essential oil can help relieve depression and sadness while increasing energy.
• Peppermint essential oil can soothe weakened nerves and improve mental clarity.
• Clove essential oil can help fight respiratory infections.

Essential oils have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can have negative side effects if not used properly. It is important to consult a doctor before using essential oils, especially for pregnant women and people with immune deficiencies. A skin test is also recommended if you are new to essential oils.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years in many cultures around the world to treat mental, physical, and emotional conditions. They are often applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy and inhaled through the nose.

Essential oils have antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They can kill several bacteria, viruses, and fungus pathogens.

• Tea tree oil acts against many bacteria and viruses and is often used to treat skin conditions such as acne, nail fungus, and dandruff.
• Thyme oil has antibacterial properties and can help fight respiratory infections.
• Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat infectious diseases.
• Lemongrass oil has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural air freshener or added to a cleaner.
• Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can induce relaxation and a feeling of calm.
• Cinnamon essential oil can reduce drowsiness and improve concentration.
• Rosemary essential oil can stimulate information retention, alertness, and memory.
• Lemon essential oil has a stimulating scent that can help relieve depression and sadness while increasing energy.
• Peppermint essential oil has an invigorating smell that can soothe weakened nerves and improve mental clarity.

By adding essential oils to hand sanitizer, you can create a therapeutic experience while eliminating harmful germs.

The number of drops of fragrance oil depends on the volume of hand sanitiser

Yes, you can use fragrance oil in hand sanitiser. The number of drops of fragrance oil depends on the volume of hand sanitiser you are using.

For example, if you are using a 2 oz. hand sanitiser, you will need at least 15 drops of fragrance oil. If you are using a larger 16 oz. hand sanitiser, you will need about 160 drops of fragrance oil (about 0.5 oz.) to achieve a noticeable scent.

You can add the fragrance oil directly to the hand sanitiser bottle and shake vigorously, or you can pour the hand sanitiser into a vessel, add the fragrance oil, and stir until well combined.

It is important to note that not all fragrance oils are suitable for this purpose, so ensure that the oil you choose is labelled as "skin-safe".

Additionally, essential oils have been commonly used to scent hand sanitisers. Essential oils not only provide a pleasant fragrance but also offer therapeutic effects. Some popular choices include cinnamon, lavender, rosemary, lemon, and peppermint essential oils. The number of drops of essential oil required is typically between 7 to 12 drops per 70% alcohol solution.

Fragrance oils must be skin-safe

When choosing a fragrance oil to add to hand sanitizer, it is important to select an option that is skin-safe. This is because the oil will come into direct contact with your skin and could cause irritation or an allergic reaction if it is not suitable for skin application.

Some fragrance oils are not designed to be used on the skin and may be labelled as "not safe for skin" or "not skin-safe". It is important to read the labels carefully to ensure that the oil you choose is intended for skin contact.

Additionally, it is recommended to perform a skin test before fully integrating a fragrance oil into your hand sanitizer. This involves applying a small amount of the scented hand sanitizer to a small area of your skin and waiting to observe any potential negative reactions. If you experience any redness, itching, or other irritation, it is best to discontinue use and choose a different fragrance oil.

It is also important to note that fragrance oils should only be added to hand sanitizer if the product is specifically formulated to accommodate additional ingredients. Some hand sanitizers are not designed to have ingredients added to them, and altering the formula may impact the product's safety and effectiveness.

By choosing a skin-safe fragrance oil and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely add a pleasant scent to your hand sanitizer, creating a more enjoyable experience while maintaining good hand hygiene.

Lab testing is required to ensure the safety and efficacy of hand sanitisers with added fragrance oils

While adding fragrance oils to hand sanitizers can make them smell nice, it is important to ensure that the products are safe for use. Lab testing is required to ensure the safety and efficacy of hand sanitizers with added fragrance oils.

Firstly, lab testing can determine whether the fragrance oil is skin-safe. Some fragrance oils are not suitable for use on the skin and can cause irritation or other adverse reactions. Testing can identify any potential skin irritation caused by the addition of fragrance oils to hand sanitizers.

Secondly, lab testing can evaluate the effectiveness of the hand sanitizer in killing germs. The presence of fragrance oils may interfere with the antimicrobial properties of the sanitizer. Through lab testing, the percentage of alcohol in the final product can be adjusted to ensure it meets the recommended minimum of 60% alcohol content for effective hand sanitization.

Thirdly, lab testing can assess the stability of the hand sanitizer over time. The addition of fragrance oils may affect the shelf life of the product. Lab tests can determine whether the hand sanitizer remains effective and safe for use over an extended period.

Furthermore, lab testing can identify any potential interactions or incompatibilities between the fragrance oils and other ingredients in the hand sanitizer, such as alcohol or aloe vera gel. This is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the final product.

Lastly, lab testing can verify the quality and purity of the fragrance oils used. High-quality, pure essential oils are less likely to cause skin irritation and have additional therapeutic benefits. Lab tests can ensure that the fragrance oils meet the required standards and do not contain any contaminants.

In conclusion, while adding fragrance oils to hand sanitizers can improve their scent, lab testing is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of the final product. By conducting these tests, manufacturers can confirm that the hand sanitizers are safe for skin contact, effective against germs, stable over time, and free from any harmful interactions or contaminants.

Frequently asked questions