Katrina Rosales
Hand sanitizers are useful in killing germs and reducing the spread of infections when soap and water are unavailable. However, most hand sanitizers on the market contain fragrances or scented ingredients, even if they claim to be fragrance-free. Making your own DIY hand sanitizer is a great way to ensure you know exactly what ingredients are being used. It is a simple process that only requires a few ingredients and a few minutes of your time. To make an effective hand sanitizer, it is important to have at least 60% alcohol in your formula to kill germs and viruses. You can also add essential oils for fragrance and bonus antibacterial properties.
How to Make Fragrance-Free Hand Sanitizer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Ethanol 60% or Benzalkonium Chloride .1% |
| Alcohol Content | Minimum 60% |
| Additives | Witch Hazel, Glycerin, Essential Oils |
| Form | Gel, Foam, Liquid |
| Container | Spray Bottle, Pump Bottle, Individual Wipes |
| Size | 18 oz, 64 oz, Gallon |
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What You'll Learn
- Ensure the hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol to kill germs and viruses
- Use benzalkonium chloride as an active ingredient for an alcohol-free alternative
- Add witch hazel to the formula to soothe skin and prevent dryness
- Use a spray bottle for easy dispensing
- Avoid fragrances and botanical extracts to prevent a lingering smell and false sensation of cleanliness
Ensure the hand sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol to kill germs and viruses
When making your own fragrance-free hand sanitiser, it is important to ensure that it contains at least 60% alcohol to be effective at killing germs and viruses. According to the CDC's Guidelines for Disinfections and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (2008), ethyl alcohol exhibits strong germicidal characteristics and is considered a powerful bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, and virucidal agent. The CDC recommends an optimum alcohol concentration range of between 60% and 90%, mixed with water.
A higher concentration of alcohol is more effective at killing germs and viruses. Most studies recommend a minimum of 70% ABV for ethyl alcohol to be effective as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. This higher concentration ensures that the alcohol solution comes into contact with the germs and viruses for long enough to kill them.
For hand sanitiser, a minimum of 60% alcohol is required to effectively kill viruses and bacteria. A hand sanitiser with 70% alcohol works best, while a higher concentration of 90% alcohol evaporates too quickly, leaving the germs and viruses still alive.
To make your own fragrance-free hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol, you can use a base of organic alcohol (such as ethanol) and witch hazel. This combination will help to soothe your skin and prevent dryness, especially if you are using hand sanitiser frequently. You can find recipes online that use 75% alcohol and 25% witch hazel, which meets the requirement of at least 60% alcohol to kill germs and viruses effectively.
It is important to note that not all alcohol-free hand sanitisers are effective at killing germs and viruses. While some use alternative ingredients like benzalkonium chloride to break the protein of the germ, lab research has shown that alcohol-free sanitisers may not kill all types of germs and bacteria. Therefore, when making your own hand sanitiser, it is recommended to use a base with at least 60% alcohol to ensure its effectiveness.
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Use benzalkonium chloride as an active ingredient for an alcohol-free alternative
Making your own hand sanitiser is a great way to ensure you stay germ-free while controlling what ingredients are used. To be effective at killing germs and viruses, hand sanitisers should contain at least 60% alcohol. However, if you are looking for an alcohol-free alternative, you can use benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient.
Benzalkonium chloride is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is a common ingredient in antibacterial cleansers and hand sanitisers. This ingredient is a good alternative for those who want to avoid the drying effects of alcohol-based sanitisers. It has a light smell and is moisturising, so it won't irritate the skin.
To make your own fragrance-free hand sanitiser with benzalkonium chloride, you will need a foaming dispenser and a mixing bowl. First, measure out the appropriate amount of benzalkonium chloride for your total bottle amount. The recommended concentration is 0.1%. Mix the ingredient with water, following the recommended ratio, and pour the solution into your dispenser.
It is important to note that the FDA and CDC do not recommend hand sanitisers with benzalkonium chloride as the active ingredient. These agencies only recommend hand sanitisers with alcohol (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) as the active ingredient.
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Add witch hazel to the formula to soothe skin and prevent dryness
To make a fragrance-free hand sanitizer, you'll need to use a base that is at least 60% alcohol to ensure it effectively kills germs and viruses. One option is to use a mixture of organic alcohol and witch hazel, with the witch hazel making up the remaining 25% of the formula.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help soothe skin and prevent dryness, especially if you are using hand sanitizer frequently. It can also be used in place of alcohol, though it is important to note that alcohol is more effective at killing viral germs.
To make a simple hand sanitizer spray, combine 1/3 cup of witch hazel with 2 teaspoons of pure aloe vera gel, which will also help to moisturize your hands. You can also add vitamin E oil and essential oils like lavender and mint for fragrance. Mix the ingredients together in a measuring cup with a spout, and then transfer the mixture to a small spray bottle.
If you prefer a gel hand sanitizer, you can add a gelling agent to the above recipe. Simply mix the gelling agent with glycerin, witch hazel, and aloe vera until the powder is properly wetted, and then add the remaining ingredients.
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Use a spray bottle for easy dispensing
To make your own fragrance-free hand sanitizer, you will need a few ingredients, including a high-percentage alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, and other ingredients like sterile water, glycerin, and hydrogen peroxide. These ingredients help to ensure that your hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs and bacteria while also being gentle on your skin.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, you'll need to mix them together and store them in a clean container. This container can be a spray bottle, which offers a convenient and effective way to dispense the hand sanitizer. Spray bottles provide better control over the amount of sanitizer dispensed and allow for easy application.
- Choose the Right Spray Bottle: Opt for a glass or plastic spray bottle that is leak-proof and has a tight seal. The size of the bottle can vary depending on your needs, but it should be easy to carry and store.
- Prepare the Spray Bottle: Before filling the spray bottle, clean it thoroughly to ensure no bacteria or germs are introduced into your hand sanitizer. You can sterilize the bottle by boiling it in water or using the dishwasher on a high-heat setting.
- Mix Your Hand Sanitizer: Follow a trusted recipe to create your fragrance-free hand sanitizer. Measure and mix the ingredients in a separate clean container, ensuring proper dilution and compatibility.
- Fill the Spray Bottle: Using a funnel or a clean tool, carefully pour the hand sanitizer mixture into the spray bottle. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion and to avoid overflow when screwing on the spray nozzle.
- Adjust the Nozzle: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the nozzle to produce a finer mist or a more substantial spray. A finer mist may be preferable for personal use, while a stronger spray can be useful for sanitizing surfaces.
- Test and Label: Before using the hand sanitizer, it's important to wait for the recommended time (usually around 72 hours) to allow the ingredients to settle and ensure maximum effectiveness. Label your spray bottle with the date of creation and the ingredients used.
Using a spray bottle for your fragrance-free hand sanitizer offers several benefits. It provides quick and easy application, ensuring better coverage on your hands and allowing you to reach all the nooks and crannies. Additionally, spray bottles give you the versatility to sanitize not just your hands but also commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and handles, making it a valuable tool for maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
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Avoid fragrances and botanical extracts to prevent a lingering smell and false sensation of cleanliness
Making your own hand sanitiser is a great way to ensure you know exactly what is going on your body. To make a fragrance-free hand sanitiser, it is important to avoid fragrances and botanical extracts to prevent a lingering smell and false sensation of cleanliness.
When creating your own hand sanitiser, it is important to note that the terms "fragrance-free" and "unscented" are not regulated by the FDA. This means that products labelled as fragrance-free or unscented may still contain natural scents and ingredients such as fruit and flower extracts, which can cause reactions in some people. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully check the ingredient list of any hand sanitiser you purchase to ensure it truly is fragrance-free.
To make an effective hand sanitiser, it should contain at least 60% alcohol to kill germs and bacteria. Alcohol is the active ingredient responsible for sanitising, so it is important to look for alcohol or ethyl alcohol on the ingredient list. Non-alcohol-based alternatives may not be as effective at sanitising.
Additionally, a good hand sanitiser should be gentle on the skin and quick-drying without leaving a sticky residue. This is especially important if you are using your hand sanitiser frequently, as you want to avoid drying out your skin. You can add ingredients like witch hazel to help soothe your skin and prevent dryness.
By avoiding fragrances and botanical extracts, you can create a fragrance-free hand sanitiser that is just as effective as scented options without the lingering smell or false sense of cleanliness.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance-free hand sanitizers are free of harmful fragrance chemicals and don’t leave a lingering smell on your hands, which can give you a false sensation of cleanliness.
You need to have at least 60% alcohol in your total formula for your hand sanitizer to be effective at killing germs and viruses. You can also add 25% witch hazel to help soothe your skin.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers use Benzalkonium Chloride as an active ingredient.
Some good fragrance-free hand sanitizers include Dr. Talbot's, Purell's hand sanitizing wipes, and Suave's hand sanitizer.
The CDC warns that swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.
