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Hand Sanitizer
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I am not a fan of commercial hand sanitizers. (Probably doesn’t surprise anyone!) This may
sound strange but I don’t use antibacterial soap or strong cleaners at home because I actually
believe having a little bacteria around is a good thing.
I’m glad that I started making my own personal care products years ago, especially since the
FDA ruled in 2016 that manufacturers should stop using triclosan, a common ingredient in
antibacterial soaps and sanitizers at the time, due to its ability to disrupt hormones and
contribution to a rise in resistant strains of bacteria.
That said… certain ingredients can be helpful in combating viruses, and with the current climate
of those going around, I am being more proactive than I normally am. Scroll down to the bottom
of this post to see other measures I’m taking to stay well.
I can see the appeal of killing “99.9% of germs” when you have a family of small children, and
illness for one usually means illness for all. Still, it’s helpful to understand some reasons why the
antibacterial label popping up on all kinds of soaps, wipes, and cleaners might not be the solution
it seems to be.
Reason #1: Regular hand washing might be just as effective and should be a first line of
defense. Recent reports show that washing with warm water and soap for at least 30 seconds
is as effective as antibacterial soaps and sanitizers. They still have their place but make sure
to wash hands as well!
Reason #2: It may be true that antibacterial products kill 99.9% of germs, but that .1% is
the most potentially harmful (since it can resist antibacterial agents). This small percentage
that survives then breeds and passes on its antibiotic resistance to its offspring, creating lines
of “super bugs” that resist antibiotic use. This may be one factor in the dramatic increase in
strains like MRSA.
Reason #3: Triclosan, the chemical in most antibacterial soaps has been shown to
interact with chlorine in the water to form chloroform gas. On top of that, it has been shown
to be a hormone disruptor, especially in children. I’m glad it’s been phased out from so many
products, but I’m skeptical it solves the issue.
Reason #4: Some evidence shows that kids who grow up in an overly sterile environment
have higher rates of allergies and asthma than kids who don’t use antibacterial products as
much. Exposure to different types of bacteria, especially early in life, helps kids’ immune
systems to develop.
Give Bacteria a Little Respect!
My strategy when it comes to keeping the nasty bacteria at bay is to make sure my kids’ immune
systems are strong. We focus on eating a real food diet with plenty of fermented veggies and
drinks (good bacteria) and restricting sugar. We also prioritize good old fashioned play time
outside, where they can get vitamin D from the sun and healthy bacteria from the soil
microbiome.
I use handmade bar soaps or homemade foaming hand soap for all of our hand washing needs,
and we made it through another flu season with no cases of the flu. Coincidence? Maybe, but I
don’t see the need to use harsh chemicals to sanitize my house daily.
Besides stinking to high heaven, commercial sanitizers often contain drying alcohol that is too
strong for kids to use anyway. The nice thing about making my own is I can make a more gentle
version for use around the kids and a stronger one to use in a place like a public restroom.
Instead of triclosan or other antibacterial agents, I use essential oils that inhibit bacteria
naturally, being careful to choose ones that are safe for kids. There is also some evidence that
these oils can help battle viruses, making them potentially more effective. It is important to note
that these first two recipes are more like a waterless soap and not a full hand sanitizer. The CDC
explains that a product must be at least 60% alcohol to be a hand sanitizer and only the last
recipe can reach that percentage.
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Ingredients
Ingredients:
1. Mix all ingredients and combine in a spray bottle (these are the perfect size) or small
bottle of any kind. Use as needed.
Keep in mind that you should adjust the recipe depending on the strength of the alcohol you’re
using. For example, if you’re using 99% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol, you’ll need a different
amount of aloe vera than if you were using 70% alcohol. Here are some quick guidelines?
Notes
Always check with a doctor or healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially
on children or if you have a medical condition.
Using fresh aloe vera gel isn’t as stable for counter storage; a commercial brand is
recommended.
If you like this recipe, also try my DIY disinfecting wipes for kitchen counters or bathrooms.
While I prefer to use the homemade recipe, I also found this natural hand sanitizer. It was created
by a Dad who was looking for a way to remove chemicals from products to protect his immune-
compromised son.
Ever made your own hand sanitizer? How did it turn out?
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About Katie Wells
Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a
background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to
research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems.
WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are
medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of
the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle
Detox.