Hand sanitizer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol-based solutions are the only known means for the rapid and effective inactivation of a wide range of potentially harmful micro-organisms on hands.

Reasons why WHO recommends hand sanitization with alcohol-based solutions:

• Fast-acting, broad-spectrummicrobicidal (antimicrobial)activity (scientifically proven)
• Low risk of generating resistance to antimicrobial agents (scientifically proven)
• High availability in resource-limited or remote areas with lack of accessibility to sinks or other hand hygiene facilities (including clean water, towels, etc.);
• Speed and ease of use
• Low risk of adverse effects compared to other products
• Low cost compared to other products

Optimal hand hygiene requires that hand hygiene products are readily available, either through special dispensers located in accessible and crowded areas or in small bottles for personal transport.

According to the WHO, hand sanitizers can be made with several types of alcohol, each with a recommended concentration (to be effective): ethanol 80% (96% purity); isopropyl alcohol 72% (99.8% purity). In addition, the WHO recommends adding a small amount of hydrogen peroxide H2O2 as a preservative, glycerine to minimize the risk of drying the skin, and water to make up the solution.

Alcohol

According to studies, both types of alcohol are effective against a wide range of micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses) when used in concentrations of at least 60%.

A 2017 study compared the effects of both types of alcohol on the skin. The results indicate that ethanol is the milder, safer version that causes the least damage to the skin.

In the United States, ethanol has GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status. It is also used in alcoholic drinks.

According to a 2007 study, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers causes less skin irritation than hand washing and is therefore dermatologically preferred for hand hygiene.

Due to all the factors listed above, the formulas I propose today are ethanol-based.

Glycerol

Frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can lead to drying of the skin and thus cause irritation. Glycerol or glycerin (the less pure form containing 95% glycerol, but more affordable) is added to the formula because it is an excellent moisturizer. The WHO recommends adding a minimum of 1.45% glycerol. If you prefer a drier feel add the minimum glycerol to the sanitizer. For a more velvety feel, add more glycerol.

Water

If you add water to your sanitizer, I recommend using only boiled distilled water to minimize the risk of pathogen growth.

A broad spectrum preservative compatible with alcohol can also be used.

Please note, adding any type of preservative does not mean waiving the hygienic rules in the formulation process.

Preservative

In general, when water is present in a product, the addition of a broad spectrum preservative is recommended.

Because alcohol is also a preservative (at the concentrations used for sanitizing), when strict formulation hygiene rules are followed (to avoid contamination), sanitizing can be achieved without a preservative.

When no water is used in the products, the risk of contamination is greatly reduced.

Essential oils

The properties of alcohol can also be supported by the addition of essential oils that have a similar action (see list at the end of the article). Different combinations of oils can be made according to preference and availability.

Materials needed

• Spray bottle
• Ethyl alcohol 96%
• Distilled water
• Glycerol or glycerine
• Preferably a measuring cup (or volume measuring utensil)
• Essential oil or desired blend
• Label
• Gloves (optional but very important to avoid exposure to pathogens)

Universal surface sanitizer*

• 80% ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
• 18% distilled water
• 2% essential oils

Weigh all ingredients carefully! Mix the alcohol with the essential oils and homogenize until fully integrated. Mix the glycerin with the distilled water and mix until fully integrated. Add all the ingredients to the spray bottle and shake until homogenized.

*Always make sure that the surface you want to use this sanitizer on can withstand the alcohol.

Hand sanitizer with water

• 80% ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
• 16-7% distilled water
• 2-10% glycerol
• 2% essential oil(s) (pay attention to the dermal maximum allowed for each oil)
• 0-1% preservative (check manufacturer's specifications)

Weigh all ingredients carefully! Mix the alcohol with the essential oils and homogenize until fully integrated. Mix glycerin with distilled water and mix until fully integrated. Add all the ingredients to the spray bottle and shake until homogenized. Check manufacturer's specifications for preservative.

Waterless Hand Sanitizer

• 96-88% ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
• 2-10% glycerol
• 2% oil/essential oils (be aware of the dermal maximum allowed for each oil)

Weigh all ingredients carefully! Mix the alcohol with the essential oils and glycerin. Add the mixture to the spray bottle and shake until homogenized.

Essential oil blends

These blends could be used to enhance the antimicrobial activity of the alcohol in the sanitizer.

Mixture for adults

not recommended for children under 16

• 20 drops Yuzu (Citrus Junos)
• 18 drops Lemon (Citrus x limon)
• 12 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
• 6 drops Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
• 1 drop Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Family blend

not recommended for children under 6 years

• 20 drops Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
• 17 drops Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii)
• 10 drops Cistus (Cistus ladanidferus)
• 10 drops Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 4 drops Cananga (Cananga odorata var. Macrophilla)

Blend for children

not recommended for children under 2 years

• 18 drops Wild orange (Citrus x sinensis)
• 15 drops Tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
• 13 drops Lemon (Citrus x limon)
• 9 Marjoram (Origanum Majorana)
• 7 drops Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

If you have questions, please send us a message

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram