Hand sanitizer is quick, portable, convenient and toxic. It’s why I’ve created a simple DIY Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer (That Actually Works).

Sanitizers contain an antibiotic compound called triclosan or triclocarban, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that triclosan could carry unnecessary risks and recent studies have raised questions about whether triclosan might be hazardous to human health.

Triclosan and triclocarban are suspected hormone disruptors and have been linked to cancer and reproductive health problems. Their wide use of antimicrobial agents in products may have also contributed to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Triclosan was declared toxic to the environment by the Canadian government in 2012 but has yet to restrict its use in personal care products. Hundreds of products that Canadians use daily continue to may contain triclosan or triclocarban. UGH!!

Back in September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on antimicrobial chemicals triclosan and triclocarban in over-the-counter hand and body washes (this ingredient can also be found in soaps and even toothpaste. These products are often labeled antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antiseptic soaps).

Manufacturers in the U.S. will now have one year to remove or reformulate products that contain triclosan and triclocarban. The Canadian government has to mirror the ban quickly to avoid Canada becoming a dumping ground for products containing these harmful ingredients. These chemicals continue to put the health and environment of Canadians at risk and offer no apparent hygienic benefits for consumers. Washing your hands with warm water and regular soap has been shown to be equally effective.

Related Post: DIY vs Buy: 5 Important Questions To Ask

There are times, however, when you are out and don’t have access to soap and water and need a little spritz, so here is my fabulous (if I do say so myself) kid-friendly hand-sanitizer.

A little about this recipe, I chose to add coconut oil to my hand sanitizer because of its moisturizing properties. After a few trials, I find this is the most effective one I have made.

Witch Hazel is an excellent astringent, has antimicrobial properties and helps to moisturize as well.

Tea Tree essential oil is antibacterial,  antimicrobial, antiseptic and antiviral.

Lavender essential oil is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Lemon essential oil has anti-infection,astringent, antiseptic, disinfectant, and antifungal properties.

Print Recipe

DIY Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer

An easy, effective, non-toxic hand sanitizer made with coconut oil, witch hazel and essential oils

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Servings

Ingredients

• 1 oz Witch hazel
• 1 oz Coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
• 6 oz Aloe vera
• 12 drops Lavender essential oil
• 12 drops Tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops Lemon essential oil
• 1 small Spray bottle

Prep Time 5 Minutes Servings Ingredients 1 oz Witch hazel 1 oz Coconut oil 1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil 6 oz Aloe vera 12 drops Lavender essential oil 12 drops Tea tree essential oil 4 drops Lemon essential oil 1 small Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler
2. Add the vitamin E and essential oils to the coconut oil
3. Stir well
4. Add the aloe vera and witch hazel and stir again
5. Pour the mixture into the bottle and give it a good shake before using
6. The Ritual: Shake then spray directly onto your hands when needed

Recipe Notes

Recommended for: All skin types

Usage: When you need it

Make sure you do a patch test before trying any new products

If you are pregnant, make sure you check with your doctor before using any product with essential oils

Related post: 5 Canadian Natural Cleaning Products For The Eco Conscious Home

If you are using essential oils, always do a patch test, you can put 1-2 drops into a tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut, jojoba etc.) and test it on a small area of your skin.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see a photo, tag @theecohub on social media and use the hashtag #TheEcoHub, I’d love to see your creations.

Candice Batista

Candice Batista is an award winning Environmental Journalist and one of Canada’s leading eco advocates. Her career spans national and international media outlets, where she has used her background in environmental studies and media & communications to produce and report on various environmental and climate issues for primarily television and digital audiences including Huffington Post, The Globe & Mail, The Weather Network, CityTV, Rogers Television, The Pet Network, iChannel, and CTV, where she is currently the National Eco Expert for the stations number 1 daytime talk show, The Marilyn Denis Show.