Buzz
Hand sanitizers are currently out of stock everywhere, a reality we all face. While numerous DIY recipes suggest making your own, I decided to try them out. However, I quickly encountered several issues.
DIY sanitizer recipes may not always be effective
According to the World Health Organization, hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are a suitable alternative for hand disinfection when soap and water aren’t available. While many recipes recommend mixing alcohol with aloe vera gel in a 60:40 ratio, it’s not always as straightforward as it seems.
However, there are a few challenges. For instance, experts point out that mistakes can easily occur when preparing the mixture. Incorrect measurements, using alcohol with the wrong concentration, or relying on an unreliable online recipe could all lead to an ineffective sanitizer.
Additionally, rubbing alcohol can be extremely harsh on the skin. Homemade sanitizers often lack the smooth, moisturizing texture of products like Purell, as companies invest significant resources into perfecting their formulas. As a pharmacist mentioned on Twitter, achieving the right balance isn’t simple.
The World Health Organization provides an official hand sanitizer recipe, designed for pharmacists in regions with limited medical supplies. This formula differs from most online recipes in several key ways:
It includes hydrogen peroxide to eliminate spores that might be present in the ingredients or equipment.
It discourages the use of perfumes or dyes unless they are proven to be non-irritating and hypoallergenic (many DIY recipes suggest essential oils, but essential oils can sometimes harm the skin).
It offers guidance on measuring the alcohol content post-mixing to ensure proper concentration and prevent excessive evaporation.
It recommends storing the bottles in “quarantine” for 72 hours to allow the gel to neutralize any bacterial spores that may have contaminated the mixture.
If you’re willing to follow these steps meticulously, you could theoretically create your own hand sanitizer. But the question remains: is it worth the effort?
Creating your own hand sanitizer simply isn’t practical
Despite this, I decided to test the recipe. I went to Target to purchase aloe gel, alcohol, and possibly glycerol to attempt the WHO’s recommended version as well.
While searching the shelves for aloe gel, I overheard two employees nearby discussing the same idea. Their conversation went something like this:
...[someone] mentioned you can make it yourself using aloe vera gel and vodka! I replied, I’d rather
drink
the vodka!”
(They both laughed.)
Why isn’t [rubbing] alcohol an option?
It is! But we’re completely sold out of that as well.”
Well, that plan fell through. Target had no alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, on top of being completely out of hand sanitizer.
(Just a heads-up, vodka isn’t a good substitute. Not only is it pricier than rubbing alcohol, but it’s also only half as strong and won’t work in DIY sanitizer recipes. That woman was onto something: vodka is best enjoyed as a drink.)
So, if you’re considering making your own hand sanitizer, here’s something to think about. Why not simply...wash your hands? While sanitizer is a convenient backup when a sink isn’t nearby, is a questionable homemade version really worth it? It might not even be effective, and it’s likely to leave your hands extremely dry.
Unless you’re in a very unique situation (like being in a crowded wilderness area without visibly dirty hands), it’s probably easier to just find a restroom and wash your hands.
On a positive note: While hand sanitizer was completely sold out at every store I visited, hand soap was always available in abundance.
