It’s fall! The weather is wacky, warm one day and cold the next, at least here on the East Coast. As a mom of three, I worry about germs, germs germs and am a great fan of simple hand washing. However, you can’t be near a sink all the time, and although hand washing is my preferred method of sanitation, I will sometimes use hand sanitizer.

Have you ever looked at the label of a hand sanitizer, I mean actually read the ingredients? My store brand hand sanitizer, which claims to kill 99.99 percent of germs when used according to label directions, is actually 62% ethyl alcohol. Oh, what is ethyl alcohol? Grain alcohol, my dear readers. Yes, that 190 proof clear liquid those over 21 can purchase in any liquor store. Everclear, Sunset, etc. So, the goddess started to think, and we all know how dangerous that can be. Why not make my own gel?

The label clearly states the proportion – the rest is just filler such as colorant and moisturizer.

Here’s my own little recipe for making your own hand sanitizer. I’m a gram gal, so get out your scales:

155 g grain alcohol (190 proof is best, 150 in a pinch)
82 g 100% aloe vera gel
.5 g glycerin (for moisture)
5-7 drops of essential oil OR 8-10 drops of fragrance oil (NOT BOTH)

Combine ingredients, stir gently, then pour into your desired pump bottle.
If the mixture is too thick for the pump bottle you may add some distilled water.

Please, this should not be used by children unsupervised. Always supervise children with the use of hand sanitizer and keep out of their reach when not in use.

Let me know how it works for you!

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