The widespread of the dreaded coronavirus, popularly known as Covid-19, has caused a considerable rise in the need for personal protective measures. One popular protective measure turned out to be hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel or foam applied to the hands for the purpose of killing bacteria /viruses /microorganisms on the hand. Alcohol based sanitizers especially were recommended as an alternative to washing your hands especially if you are in situations where you cannot wash your hands. Despite the discovery of several vaccines and the gradual decline in coronavirus cases worldwide, it is still important to keep your hand sanitizers ready.


Hand sanitizers can be bought over the counter at drugstores or regular supermarkets around you. If you cannot lay your hands on hand sanitizers, you can make one yourself. It is advisable not to try making one because most people will not get the process right and it could lead to adverse effects on the skin. If you would love to try regardless, listed below are easy steps to make a DIY hand sanitizer. To be effective at killing germs, hand sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol. This brings us to the first item you will need: Isopropyl alcohol/ ethanol (rubbing alcohol) with a concentration of 91%.
The other items you will need are:

• Glycerin or Aloe Vera gel
• An essential oil of your choice (not compulsory) or lemon juice if you may
• Airtight plastic containers and spray bottles
• A bowl and a whisk

If you are making the hand sanitizer at home, ensure you adhere to these rules:
• Work in a clean space. Wipe the surfaces with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant beforehand.
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Wash all your containers, your bowl and whisk thoroughly
• Do not use diluted alcohol or alcohol you drink. It has to be Isopropyl alcohol/ ethanol
• Do not touch the mixture with your hands until it is ready.

To make you hand sanitizer, all you have to do is:
• Take 2/3 of isopropyl alcohol or ethanol
• Add 1/3 of aloe Vera gel or glycerin
• Whisk until completely blended
• Add a few drop (5-10) of essential oils
• Whisk everything together and pour into your container.

WARNING

The recipe stated is for professional use. Do not use homemade hand sanitizers on children’s skin. You cannot know the exact percentage of alcohol in your homemade sanitizer so its efficiency might be in doubt.

Article credit : Cocci Beauty