Hand sanitizers should not be considered a replacement for soap and water, but can be a convenient way to get peace of mind in the grocery store, on vacation, and even for spritzing door handles in public facilities.
However, reports about bugs growing resistant to the market’s current antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers; inclusion of chemically-questionable ingredients like triclosan; and even one shocking account of a hand sanitizer’s toxic effect on children, throw into question the point of having one at all.
Yes, some hand sanitizing products may be inexpensive and quick, but at these and further unknown costs to our health, it is worth searching out an alternative option. Green Living Now offers a Biodynamic (better than organic) grape alcohol and essential oil blend, and Clean Well Today makes an alcohol-free safe for kids version.
And if you’re like us, you may also decide to make it yourself. This natural hand sanitizer recipe from a massage therapist is perfect because it contains essential oils, which have been shown to not cause resistant bacteria, and offer the benefits of aromatherapy too!
Just mix into a bowl*:
2 parts aloe vera gel
1 part distilled water
1 part grain alcohol – vodka
4-5 drops essential oil(s) of choice – Tea Tree, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Lavender are all naturally anti microbial
*Note – do not use a metal bowl or utensil when working with this as it could interact with the essential oils
A good tip I found is to also add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract.
Stir it all up and funnel into mini spray bottles (glass or plastic). Keep one in your purse and give a few bottles away! This natural hand sanitizer has a pleasant scent and good performance. If you’re still carrying around a synthetic chemical based hand sanitizer, why not make the switch today?
Tip – remember to shake before use. Soon to come – this safe, quality product and many more directly available from us at openeyehealth.com in 2009. Happy New Year!
