Homemade Hand Sanitizer Recipe with Witch Hazel

I had a question on my facebook page about homemade hand sanitizer with witch hazel. I thought I’d share my favorite recipe with everyone. Thanks for the post idea, keep them coming 🙂

Between the horses, dogs and kids, I’m no stranger to germs. While I’ve never been a neat freak there’s certain times when clean is important. Store-bought sanitizers tend to leave my hands dry and smell like cheap air-freshener, so I’m happy to have a DIY option!

After trying a few different recipes, I finally settled on this one from Crunchy Betty. The original recipe which works well, but I like to add witch hazel and reduce the rubbing alcohol. However, there’s a catch. As much as I love alcohol free witch hazel for my skin (and my horse), it just won’t work for this recipe. In order to properly sanitize we need to keep a high alcohol content otherwise we’ll just be spreading the germs around. Using Witch Hazel with 14% alcohol allows us to add the healing benefits and still have clean hands (more info on Witch Hazel here). Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil can also be added for natural germ protection. This stuff comes in handy during show season when searching for soap and water isn’t an option. Great for camping too!

Homemade Hand Sanitizer (with Witch Hazel)

1/2 cup Rubbing Alcohol (91%)
1/4 cup Witch Hazel (14% alcohol)
1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel (Pure)
1/8 cup Vegetable Glycerin
5 drops Tea Tree Oil (optional)
Essential Oils (optional, I like 5 drops of Peppermint)

Combine all the ingredients in a blender (or food processor) and mix for about a minute, then pour into containers. I use these cute containers, but anything similar will work. Store in a cool, dark place and it will keep for up to 6 months or longer. Like with all sanitizers, keep out of reach of children and pets.

This recipe works out to about $3.50 a batch. Even less when you buy in bulk. If you have extra ingredients try my other DIY recipes.

I’m always looking to make improvements. Please send me your feedback!