We all know that having access to a sink in order to wash our hands is not possible 100% of the time. That’s where using a waterless hand cleanser enters the scene. If you’re here for the DIY recipes, jump to later in the post.
Most commercially-available hand cleansers are gel-based, and many of them contain artificial fragrances. These can be allergic substances and pose unnecessary chemical exposure, though at a very low level. I know, they smell nice and may be difficult to toss in the trash. But if we care about our long-term health, we need to recognize that we don’t know how risky the long-term exposure may be. So it’s better to err on the side of caution.
A safer solution: DIY hand cleanser with essential oils
If you know me, you know that I’m a HUGE fan of essential oils. I don’t go a day without using them in several ways! Over five years ago, I began making my own hand cleanser because 1) I wanted to use a safer product, and 2) I wanted to save money. Making your own waterless hand cleanser is fast, easy, and cheap. You can make either a spray or a gel version. I have included both recipes below.
Spray Version – Essential Oil Hand Cleanser
Ingredients
- 1 2-oz. small glass spray bottle – choose an amber or blue tinted bottle
- Distilled water
- 1 tsp carrier oil – like fractionated coconut oil or almond oil
- 20 drops doTERRA On Guard essential oil blend
Instructions
- Fill up the bottle a little more than 3/4 full with the distilled water. Add the carrier oil and then essential oil. Screw on the spray cap, shake, and you’re ready to cleanse your hands! I recommend shaking before each usage. You can also switch it up with different essential oil combinations. One of my new favorites is coriander, spearmint, and bergamot.
Gel Version – Essential Oil Hand Cleanser
Ingredients
- 1 travel-sized squeeze bottle
- Pure aloe vera gel
- Pure witch hazel
- 20 drops doTERRA On Guard essential oil blend
Instructions
- Squeeze aloe vera gel into a small bowl. Slowly add the witch hazel and stir until the gel becomes thinner but still thick enough to rub into one’s hands. Add the essential oil and mix. Use a funnel or a small spoon to put the gel mixture into the squeeze bottle.
How to use DIY hand cleanser
You can’t just slap this gel or spray onto your hands and expect your hands to be squeaky clean. We still need friction to help us out, just as with soap and water. In the case of the spray cleanser, give yourself three or four full sprays. With the gel cleanser, squirt about a dime to nickel size in your hands. Then, rub your hands together (including your fingers and the back of your hands) until they are dry. Your hands may feel slightly sticky with the gel, but also remember that aloe vera is moisturizing. The stickiness will go away after a few seconds.
Where to purchase supplies
Essential oils and fractionated coconut oil: doTERRA
Glass spray bottles: Amazon
Squeeze bottles: Amazon (I’ve seen silicone bottles at the drug store too)
Witch hazel: Amazon
Aloe vera gel: Amazon (I found this at Whole Foods as well)
mint green tea says
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