Chances are you already know that hand sanitizer is out of stock everywhere! On the way into the city last night we were listening to news radio and there was a story about making your own hand sanitizer. Hello…why didn’t I think of that? I had everything I needed in my “oil toolbox.” The recipe below is from Alan Solomon of Hudson Square Pharmacy in New York City. 
DIY Hand Sanitizer
Make your own hand sanitizer using essential oils and a few products you may already have on hand.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
Ingredients
- rubbing alcohol
- aloe vera gel
- essential oils
- glass bottle
Instructions
- In a glass bottle, fill about 2/3 rubbing alcohol
- Use 10-15 drops of essential oils per 2-ounce bottle. I used tea tree and lavender
- Top off bottle with aloe vera gel
Notes
The pharmacist suggested using a small spray bottle. I made a larger one using a clean hand soap bottle and filling it 1/4 with rubbing alcohol, 20 drops of tea tree and 20 drops of lavender essential oils and then filled the rest with aloe vera gel.
Annie this is so timely!! I’m sharing this . Love the bottles and the scents you used. Everyone can do this!!
Thanks, Kim!
Annie! Just Visted Your Site,Amazing and very helpful content given in ur site, Thanks for Sharing Very Helpful in These tough times.
Do you think I could use the aloe vera gel put out by Trader Joe’s for skin soothing?
Brooke, Yes, absolutely!
Can I use regular Aloe vera straight from the plant?
Update: The ratio needs to be more like 2/3 alcohol to 1/3 aloe vera gel!
Actually, you need at least 60% alcohol in your hand sanitizer. Based on the picture, if one starts with 70% isopropyl alcohol, a two-thirds to one-third solution would still end up at 46.67% alcohol based solution. Here’s the math: Assume that the container holds 6 ounces. Using 4 ounces of rubbing alcohol that is 70% isopropyl alcohol, you would only have 2.8 ounces (which is 4 ounces times 70%) of alcohol out of 6 ounces (4 ounces of rubbing alcohol plus 2 ounces of aloe vera gel) which represents 46.67% of the total solution. If people top off the container before measuring, then they will probably further dilute the alcohol.
Good idea but I think you’ve diluted it with too much aloe vera gel to be effective at sanitizing. Purell is 70% alcohol and store label products are 62% alcohol. It is the alcohol that kills the germs, though some essential oils are effective at killing germs (but a few drops is a carrier is not enough and you should not apply essential oils directly to your skin).
Hi Cathy, Yes! I just updated the post! Thank you!
I can’t find any aloe vera gel in my town or surrounding towns neither am I able to find the 99% alcohol. My question is could I substitute baby oil gel with aloe and vitamin e and 50% rubbing alcohol and still have an effective hand sanitizer
David McKinney I was thinking the same thing
I bought two kinds of baby oil gel one from the dollar tree and one from the dollar general
The one from the dollar tree worked the best it was less greasy.
No. You need hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Consider getting 190 proof grain alcohol which is 95% alcohol.
How did this work for you? I have the same oil, aloe, vitamin e mix?
To David McKinney,
No. You would have to mix it with a very high alcohol content, such as 90% isopropyl alcohol. 50% rubbing alcohol on its own is not even strong enough, so when you mix it with the other stuff, it will be even weaker.
I also could not find aloe Vera gel and bought baby oil gel. Can someone who knows reply as to whether this product could be used for hand sanitizer?
I need the ratio for the baby oil and vitamin. E jelly. I have a 6.5 oz. Bottle and my rubbing alcohol is 90%.what’s the correct mixture
Thank you for the recipe! Making a jar full tonight!!
Brilliant and I’m loving the Mason jar container! Thanks for sharing!
I am confused by a comment stating that essential oil should not be applied directly to the skin? I do use some on my skin.
Hi Gayle,
I use some oils like frankincense directly on skin, and I have no problem. But when I first started using oils I would always dilute with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. I think my body can now handle direct application with a few oils, but they are very potent. Some people are extremely sensitive and always need to use oils with a carrier oil. In the hand sanitizer, the aloe vera is the carrier. What kind of oils do you use? Are they 100% pure therapeutic grade oils?
annie
Hi Gayle. If you’re concerned about essential oils on your skin just look them up online. Some you can use directly on skin, some need to be diluted and some can’t be used at all. Hope this helps 🙂
brilliant Annie!
ps….I am so excited, your blog post turned up in my email! what you ask……they never turn up, so finally our computers are speaking to each other
Debra
Hi Debra! They never turn up because I never send emails…I’m trying to be more intentional about my business and that was one of those things! Thanks for reading (and not unsubscribing)! haha
annie
never luv, I adore you!
debra
Thank you for this… with the shortage of supplies and ensuing rising prices, this is great information. Ant particular sources you recommend for aloe Vera gel?
Pamela- Whatever you can find! I had some on hand. When I looked at a few drug stores, they had a very limited supply!
OKAY -DOKEY I CAN DO THIS!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
NO FLU FOR US BLOGGERS AND READERS OF BLOGS AS NOW THERE IS NO EXCUSE!!!!
XX
THANK YOU,I WILL MAKE THIS!
XX
Hi Annie, Owing to our new lower waste (boy, are we trying!) lifestyle, we have plastic bottles and jars left over (from when we bought carelessly.) They have all been washed and reused or are ready to be reused. We’re aware that possible extended reuse will possibly leach some nasty chemicals eventually. What about using these, as long as they’re solid and “alcohol” – proof, for example: actual hand sanitizer bottles, empty body wash and dish soap bottles, etc. I must have spent about 1-2 hrs.on internet research and I’m so glad I found you and your recipe!
Hi Lea- We have quite a few Talenti gelato plastic containers that I washed and we use for storing things like nails, etc.and occasionally I send leftovers home with my daughter, but nothing that uses essential oils. I think it makes perfect sense to re-use plastic containers, but they will probably last only for a few re-uses. Just a guess!
Can you use Aloe Vera Juice instead of the topical gel? Of so what kind…
Hi Lisa, I’m not sure if that would work…would it be all liquid? The gel gives it a little body, but you could always try it making a small amount and using a spray bottle. Sorry, that’s not being very helpful!
I read that Aloe Vera Juice can be used instead of the gel. The juice is all I was able to get, just make sure there aren’t any fillers or sugars added
Just thought everyone should have this recipe on hand
Both my sister and I tried this but the aloe gel just clumps up. How do you keep it from clumping?
Hi Jean, I’m wondering if it’s the type of Aloe vera gel you used…mine is not clumping at all. I’m so sorry you had that experience. I know it’s frustrating!
My gel is clumping too.
Hi Chris, I don’t know why some are having that trouble. It might be the type of aloe el. I used what I already had on hand. Sorry you experienced this!
It’s clumping probably because your gel contains xanthan gun which becomes insoluble and separates in the presence of alcohol. I’m having the same problem
Possibly clumping comes from too high a concentration, as in not enough alky, and while I can’t see why aloe would clump in isopropyl, I wonder if it’s the essential oils?? Oils may need an emulsifier to dissolve into a polar solvent, like lecithin, although maybe I’m thinking of ethanol ;?)
Mine is clumping too, what type of aloe did you use?
pure organic clumped also big mess
The aloe gel cant have ANY other ingredients …none or it will clump
What size is your hand soap bottle ?
***Please make sure when making your homemade sanitizer you are using 91% alcohol because you are diluting this product and it must contain 60% or higher to be useful.
You can use 70% but then the ratio needs to be 9:1 (which will give you a 63% alcohol content)
I tried making my own sanitiser but when I added the aloe vera to the alcohol it just solidified as soon as I mixed it. Any idea what I did wrong? A friend had same thing happen.
Hi Jan- I’m wondering if it’s the type of aloe vera gel. Mine needs a good shake when it sits for several hours, but it mixes together very quickly. I’m sorry you had that problem.
I used cold-pressed aloe vera gel that I ordered on Amazon a few months ago (no longer available), and mine also clumped up immediately. Brand is Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals. Can you be very specific with the type of aloe that works? I’m already about $50 in, and I really want this to work.
I used what is shown in the photo because it’s what I had on hand. Mine needs to be shaken, but I would not say it clumps. I’m sorry you’ve had such trouble!
I was having the same clumping issue with the aloe vera gel, so decided to try and heat it slightly in the microwave – just until it foamed a little. It mixed right in with the alcohol. My alcohol is 91%.
I’m having the same clumping issue, … can I put it in the microwave, … it’s been mixed with 91% alcohol ??
Hi Suzanne! I would not put in the microwave! I think it must have something to do with they type of aloe vera gel.
I usedBananna boat Aloe and worked fine.
Your recipe says 99% rubbing alcohol but you picture 70%. I’ve read over 62% is necessary. Please clear up the confusion!
Hi Shari! There seems to be a lot of conflicting information. Not to mention most drug stores have limited supplies if they even have any. I’m sorry this is not very helpful!
Sounds really interesting. Where did you get the aloe gel from? Thanks
Hi Diana, I ordered it from Amazon. I just looked and I’m not seeing the same brand available currently.
i can’t fine aloe vera gel any more can i use Baby oil in gel with aloe vera and vitamin E ?
Hi Yolanda, I’m not sure if that would work as a replacement. I wouldn’t want you to use materials and not have it work. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
I have the same issue I have the aloe & vitamin e oil gel not sure if it safe to use with the alcohol91%( not sure of the barrier with baby oill holding the alcohol into the skin)?
Can you replace the aloe for coconut oil? Ty
Hi Luz, I don’t think that would work. I’m not sure what would be a replacement for aloe vera gel. I assume you are having trouble finding it?
There are several other recipes out there that use coconut oil in similar recipes. I too can’t find aloe now. Lucky that I keep several bottles of alcohol at all times! I’m going to try a small batch with coconut oil & Id suggest you do the same. Worst thing that could happen would be it clump up. It won’t change the antiseptic actions of the alcohol. The aloe & coconut oil is just there to moisturize your skin & thicken the solution.
Totally unreliable . I think you have the right concept but the exact proportion of alcohol matters. I’m not trying to be mean or be a troll but you gave essentially two different recipes, one of which doesn’t have enough alcohol content to kill the current virus, . Also, you started out by specifying glass bottle and it seems like you switched to plastic. So I can’t tell if glass matters or not. More importanyly, filling the bottle 2/3 full of alcohol versus 1/4 full of alcohol yield a very different end result. Also, the percentage of the alcohol also matters. If you don’t use the 90 percent variety then you have to use even more alcohol. I clicked on your blog because i had heard that recipe also and Now that I have the alcohol, wanted to verify the percentages. I’ll have to try some other source.
Hi Carol, I understand what you are saying, this was a recipe as I mentioned from a pharmacist in NYC. Supplies are so limited that I think people are just trying to make do…bottom line is it’s probably best just to keep washing your hands! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment.
Annie
Here’s the information from the World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf
Here’s the information from the FDA: https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download
I use the method outlined by WHO for solutions using ethanol. I adjust it because I start with 190 proof grain alcohol (95% ethanol instead of the 96% prescribed in their recipe) which my liquor store has in abundance.
Can you use witch hazel instead of rubbing alcohol? EVERYONE is out of denatured alcohol and rubbing alcohol!
Hi Liz, I’m not sure if I would try that! I think I would just o back to hand washing from what we have been hearing in the news the last few days!
Try ethanol instead of alcohol
FYI: If you use 70% isopropyl alcohol (Iike you have in your photo) for this recipe, you will end up with a overall alcohol content less than that necessary to actually sanitize your hands (you need at least90% alcohol, or about 86% of the sanitizer needs to be 70% alcohol). That is, if you can even get the ingredients to combine and gel correctly (hint, it’s not easy) so you don’t have clumps of non-sanitizing goop. It will be way more useful to break your habit of touching your face and, more importantly, washing your hands with regular soap and water for 20 seconds (the CDC recommendation for making hand sanitizer is intended for healthcare professionals in emergency circumstances, not for the public, as tempting as it is to make your own sanitizer)
Great recipe!!! I will share as well!!Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, have you considered eucalyptus oil?
No, I haven’t tried that.
Can baby oil gel be used instead of along vera gel?
“aloe” vera gel
Hi Tabatha, I don’t think I would try that. It seems like it’s best to just o back to hand washing! At least that’s what I keep hearing in the news.
“aloe” vera gel
I used coconut oil instead of aloe vera. Will this work?
May have to use fractionated coconut oil as it’s more miscible with iso alky. It may be possible to add an emulsifier like lecithin to help regular coconut oil stay in solution, plus it’s good for your skin ;?)
I tried the Aloe Vera pictured above and it clumped because of the xantham but the aloe with lidocaine (sunburn relief) seemed to work as did FCO. Just make sure to shake 🙂
What if I don’t have aloe vera gel? Can I substitute coconut, argon, or Olive oil?
Got the proportions wrong! Need 3 parts rubbing alcohol (91%) rubbing alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel.
It was easy to follow and very useful I love it my hands are now so hygienic
I cannot find Aloe Vera Gel anywhere. Would Baby oil gel work?
I just made a mixture of 2/3 91% alcohol and the rest baby oil gel, a little vitamin E, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. I couldn’t find aloe vera, so this was my recipe. It smells so good and feels good on my hands. Yes, and WASH YOUR HANDS when you can! Use the sanitizer when you can’t.
Aloe vera is sold out everywhere in my town is there anything I can use to substitute it?
I was wondering, I have baby oil gel that contains aloe vera, would that work as a base? Does the oil affect it?
Hi,
When I try and make it’s not turning into a gel, its staying and the Aloe Vera is turning into white clumps at the bottom. What can I do? Thank you
Aloe Vera is out, can I use baby oil gel in replacement? The baby oil gel has Vitamin E and Aloe Vera in it.
I am also only able to find the baby oil gel with aloe and vitamin E. Just curious if you tried it?
I’ve also read that you could use vegetable glycerin instead of aloe gel.
I’m trying to makes hand sanitizer. We can’t find aloe vera gel but I do have aloe juice and unflavored gelatin. Not sure on how much to make into gel
Can I use coconut oil instead of aloe vera
Could I use baby oil gel instead of aloe vera gel?
I am very lucky – I brought home a few gallons of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol from work when this all began. We use it to make one of our products. Also grabbed a handful of personal pocket sprayers for it to carry it around. Ordered a few gallons of aloe online last week, but got email today that my order was cancelled. I still have 1.5 gallons of regular hand sanitizer at house, because I sanitize a lot, but it’s store bought, and only 70% alcohol. I’ll eventually run out. The 99% will surely be more effective, but I need to find something to add just a touch of lotion to my hands so they dont dry to the cracking and bleeding point. I will try a touch of olive oil (from a shampoo conditioner I don’t bother with, and it’s pretty thin liquid) to see what that does. If it’s not thick and clumpy to begin with, it should certainly not be once mixed with 99% alcohol. I can try with batches as small as 1oz in a sprayer, worth a shot!
Glycerol
Math is off!!!
This is the best and simplest recipe I’ve made. In these times simple is the most affordable and easiest ingredients to find.
Thank you
I’m not about to get aloe vera gel, can I use vitamin e skin care cream instead. Thank you
Hi Trudy, I’m hesitant to answer, it seems people are not having the best luck.
Can a person make hand sanitizer with the Johnson’s aloe & vitamin e oil gel? If so, how? Thank you!
Hi Marie- I’m not sure if that would work. The aloe gel I used worked well, but a lot of people are commenting that there’s is clumping. Sorry not to be of more help!
Hi. My Aloe Vera gel just turns into a big clump that doesn’t mix in at all. I’m using a nice pure Aloe Vera. Do you have any ideas?
Hi Christine- It seems like you are among the many that are having that problem. I sued what I had on hand and it worked fine without clumping. I have to give it a little shake, but then it all blends together. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you.
SHAKE IT! I had the same issue until I put it in a bottle and just kept shaking it, now mine is like purell. Just keep shaking
I had the same problem, I just kept shaking and shaking for several days and then finally pulled out the clump that was still left. I just ordered a hydrometer to test the strength. Fingers crossed!
Can I use olive oil as I can’t find essential oil
Olive oil would be more of a replacement for a carrier oil, but would not take the place of essential oils.
I read on another site to put all ingredients in a mixer/blender. Also if the aloe is too thick, I think diluting it with aloe juice a little bit might make a smoother mixture. Thank you, Annie!
Hi Eve, That’s interesting, I never would have thought to mix it in a blender! and why not?? Thanks!
What can you use in place of aloe I am unable to find any?
I m a upstate NY resident.
I have the grain alcohol.
Aloe gel is not available.
Is there a substitute
Please advise!
Thanks
This recipe was from a NYC pharmacist and so I cannot give advice on a suitable substitute. I’m so sorry that this is not more helpful. Stay safe!
FYI – I strain out the clumps and the solution still has skin softening properties. It is not a gel, but works.
Everything about this recipe is WRONG!!!
1) Hand sanitizer needs to have a total alcohol content of atleast 60%.
2) You cant use anything less than 91% isopropyl alcohol (70% will be ineffective).
3) In order to achieve your 60% total alcohol content you must have 2 parts 91% alcohol to 1 part aloe gel. (That’s 2/3 alcohol to 1/3 aloe and optional essential oils)
hello we are trying to make this right now and it keeps coming out clumpy when we add the aloe. thoughts?
Can I use baby oil gel lavender and chamomile instead of aloe?
Mixing alcohol with aloe Vera gel does not work!!, just got done trying to make my own sanitizer and all I got was a big bowl of white stringy mess!!!… I even put it in a blender!!
I have heard some people say that it works fine…. I tend to believe they are lying !!!!
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!!!!!
HAND SANITIZER TURNING INTO MESSY, STRINGY, BLOB: I actually had the same issue as you after buying a HUGE amount of aloe vera gel. (I also have 99% alcohol). After a lot of research here is what I discovered. I watched a youtube video showing how aloe vera gel and alcohol can be mixed to make hand sanitizer WITHOUT creating the blob of stringy mess that I was getting.
DISCOVERY: If you use aloe vera gel that contains xanthum gum, you will likely have issues.
Xanthum gum, when mixed with alcohol, creates the insoluble, stringy, messy blobs that people keep mentioning.
SOLUTIONS: Use pure aloe vera gels that don’t include xanthum gums and a bunch of other ingredients. This is why when the aloe gel is taken directly from an aloe plant, and then mixed with alcohol, it does not separate. I have also read you can use an immersion blender to mix aloe vera gel (even if it contains xanthum gum) and that it will mix properly. (I am going to try the immersion blender today) FYI: After you mix the ingredients, if the texture is too thin, you can add thickners ironically (xanthum gum), or vegetable gelatin. Hope this helps. God Bless and Stay Safe.
Can I use sunburn relief gel with lidocain along with 91% alcohol? It is not 100% aloe, just cvs brand version of banana boat please advise!
Can I use sunburn relief gel with lidocain along with 91% alcohol? It is not 100% aloe, just cvs brand version of banana boat please advise!
Same. That was all I could find on the shelves.
Can you use Johnson & Johnson aloe and Vitamin e to make sanitizer
Help please! I tried this and my aloe gel got all thick and clumped up on whisk. 91% alcohol aloe with scent.
You need to read the recommended amount and type of alcohol the CDC says will work. If you are not using 91% alcohol , to make a 60% alcohol by volume mixture, it may not be antiseptic enough.
Thank you easier than i thought!
Kinda confused about this. In the instructions it says mostly alcohol, but in the notes it is mostly aloe.
Sounds like a winner I’m going to give it a try Trisha in Hawaii
Simple and easy – made one today! Silly question, but can you use after sun aloe vera or does it have to be 100% aloe vera? Just curious. i made a bottle with plain aloe vera, but I do have some green after sun aloe vera that I wondered if I could use too. Thx!
Bought every thing to make this, glad I read the post about the isopropyl being diluted. Went to the liquor store, bought grain alcohol. That should bring it up to 62% or better….
Can you use the liquid aloe vera that you drink?
I too am in search of alternatives to protect my family due to the bare shelves and out-of-stock websites, that I’m sure all of us are experiencing. I appreciate your recipes and suggestions, will definitely check into. Here’s one I found, and wanted to pass on. Reduce accordingly.
4 cups isopropyl alcohol (99%)
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
4 teaspoons glycerin (glycerol)
1 cup distilled water
Now I believe most off the shelf isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) is around 70%. If that is the case I would remove the 1 cup of distilled water, for I’m sure that would dilute the mixture below its effectiveness.
I also heard of an effective spray disinfectant.
5 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Mix…done.