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What are the Different Types of Natural Hand Sanitizer?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

There are several different types of natural hand sanitizers available — or a crafty individual could even make her own natural hand sanitizer. Each natural hand sanitizer has an antimicrobial ingredient and a moisturizing ingredient; ingredients may or may not include alcohol. These sanitizers are also available in various forms, such as spritzers, gels, or wipes.

There are many natural, and even organic, oils that contain antimicrobial properties. These oils are essential in a good natural hand sanitizer. Some popular examples of oils that are considered antimicrobials include thyme oil, lemon oil, orange oil, and lavender oil. When these oils, either individually or in a combination, are mixed with water, aloe vera, or another substance, they are believed to kill many germs that cause illness.

Natural hand sanitizer.
Natural hand sanitizer.

Most of the time, a natural hand sanitizer will have an ingredient to moisturize the hands. For example, aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and wood cellulose are all natural ingredients that may soften and soothe irritated skin. Some ingredients, such as aloe vera, may be used as the base of the sanitizer. As a result, when the antimicrobial oil is added to the aloe vera, a natural hand sanitizer is created.

Gel sanitizers may contain aloe vera gel to lubricate the skin.
Gel sanitizers may contain aloe vera gel to lubricate the skin.

The big debate among many people is whether or not alcohol should be used in a natural hand sanitizer. Ethanol, an alcohol that is derived from corn, is one of the most commonly used alcohols. It will kill germs; yet, some individuals fear that young children may be overexposed to alcohol from hand sanitizers. Other people believe that its use may create a superbug that is resistant to drugs. Some commercially available natural hand sanitizers contain alcohol, others do not.

Most people seek out natural hand sanitizers to avoid using products that contain alcohol.
Most people seek out natural hand sanitizers to avoid using products that contain alcohol.

A natural hand sanitizer may also vary in its form. For example, there are some sanitizers that are gels, while others are water-based spritzers. A person could also purchase a sanitizer that is in the form of a wipe or a moist toilette. While the gels and spritzers may last a long time, the wipes are more portable and can easily be taken in high-germ areas, such as on airlines.

In general, a true natural sanitizer is one without chemicals. As a result, it will be better for the user and better for the environment. There are several different brands that can be purchased either from retail stores or online. In addition, if an individual knows which scents she prefers, she may easily make her own sanitizer. There are several books available and also Internet sites that direct people how to concoct their own homemade, natural hand sanitizer.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@spotiche5- Just like the article mentions, lemon juice is a great natural hand sanitizer. I like it because it has a great smell that lingers on your hands.

Heavanet

@spotiche5- I keep a spritzer bottle of diluted white vinegar on my bathroom and kitchen counters. I use it frequently to clean dishes, fruits and vegetables, and my hands. Though the smell can be strong, it goes away after you rinse your hands. This vinegar solution leaves your hands fresh and clean without the need for commercial soap that can be very drying to the skin.

Spotiche5

Natural oils are a good idea, especially if you need to moisturize your hands. The problem is that they can be messy or leave your hands feeling greasy. What are some other natural sanitizing solutions?

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    • Natural hand sanitizer.
      By: Ewa Brozek
      Natural hand sanitizer.
    • Gel sanitizers may contain aloe vera gel to lubricate the skin.
      By: sassyphotos
      Gel sanitizers may contain aloe vera gel to lubricate the skin.
    • Most people seek out natural hand sanitizers to avoid using products that contain alcohol.
      By: Elenathewise
      Most people seek out natural hand sanitizers to avoid using products that contain alcohol.