How to Make Antibacterial Gel

Antibacterial gels keep your hands clean and refreshed by getting rid of harmful germs and bacteria. However, antibacterial gels are sometimes expensive, especially if you use them on a daily basis. Along with being expensive, most antibacterial gels contain harsh chemicals, which can irritate sensitive skin, so it is helpful to learn how to make your own. Natural antibacterial gel is an environmentally friendly and safe option for you and your family.

Things You'll Need

• Containers
• 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
• 1 tbsp. grain alcohol
• Essential oils such as tea tree oil or lavender

Instructions

1. Choose containers that work best for your lifestyle. You can use glass bottles, plastic squeeze bottles or spray bottles. Small containers are especially handy, as you can carry it in your purse. You can find smaller containers in the travel section at a local drugstore.

2. Combine the following ingredients in a container or bowl: 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel, 1 tsp. vegetable glycerin and 1 tbsp. grain alcohol. Using grain alcohol avoids the clinical smell of isopropyl alcohol.

3. Add eight to 10 drops of an essential oil such as tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is well-known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. Lavender also works well. You can even try mixing lavender with tea tree oil. Essential oils are commonly found in natural foods stores.

4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. If the liquid is not thick enough, add more glycerin or aloe vera gel. Once everything is mixed together, fill the containers.

Tips & Warnings

• Reuse the containers when you run out of gel.

• Essential oils can be quite strong. Make sure you are not allergic to certain essential oils before using them in your antibacterial gel. In addition, avoid adding more than the recommended amount of essential oil to the mixture, as this can overpower the gel and irritate your skin.

References

• Permission to Unwind: Make Your Own Antibacterial Gel
• Mayo Clinic: Tea Tree Oil
• MaryJanesFarm Recipe Project of the Week: Safe Hand Sanitizer

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish