Hand sanitizers have recently become a new essential product that we carry with us wherever we go. The harsh ingredients however are taking a toll on our hands, resulting in dry, cracked and rough skin. Dry irritated skin is not only an annoyance but it also allows bacteria to enter the skin, which can lead to infection. When you choose a hand sanitizer, make sure it contains moisturizing ingredients to keep your hands soft and your body healthy. If you prefer to make your own hand sanitizer, here are some tips for a DIY hand sanitizer spray that eliminates germs and also moisturizes your hands.

Tips for Making Hand Sanitizers:

• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a formula with a minimum of 70% alcohol in order to effectively kill germs. When choosing an alcohol, make sure to choose an organic alcohol, like organic cane, which is free of pesticides, fertilizers and the GMO typically found in corn-based alcohols. Since you may be using the sanitizer regularly, it’s important to limit these toxins which can be harmful to your health.

• Add a few drops of Vitamin E to moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin from damage. As an added benefit, Vitamin E also helps to reduce itching which can be a side effect of the alcohol.

• Add a few drops of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin helps to hydrate the skin and protect it from irritants. It also soothes irritated skin, protects against infection and promotes wound healing.

• Add a few drops of aloe vera to further moisturize the skin. It’s also rich in enzymes that help exfoliate the skin to make it smoother and softer.

• Finally, for a natural scent, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Choose oils that are anti-fungal and anti-bacterial such as tea tree, peppermint, lavender and lemongrass. Make sure to dilute the oils properly and only use a few drops of each.

• Add and mix all the ingredients above in a spray bottle then fill the remainder of the bottle with distilled water. Distilled water is the purest water as it goes through a distilling process that removes the water’s impurities along with 99.9% of the minerals that are dissolved in the water.

Since you will not be using an emulsifier, it’s important to shake well before use to mix the ingredients (oils with the waters) before applying to your skin.

Whether you choose to try your own recipe or buy a moisturizing hand sanitizer, remember that washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds is more effective in eliminating germs. But when you’re on-the-go, stick to a moisturizing hand sanitizer to keep your hands soft and healthy.