In early 2020, most Singaporeans should already know – hand sanitisers at drug stores are always out of stock. Yes, washing hands with soap is always the best way to clean your hands (and everything else), but there are times when water is just not available. Your next best bet is still hand sanitiser – at least there is something to help you kill virus and bacteria – if not (in our thoughts) at least try to weaken them. We made some research to find out how to create hand sanitisers out of natural ingredients that are easy to obtain. The simplest seems to be using these ingredients:
Isopropyl Alcohol 70%. Isopropyl alcohol (between 60% to 90%) is rapidly antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. I wrote a little more explanation to this at a previous blog post on Safety & Hygiene in Makeup: Preventing Bacterial and Viral Infections
Pure Lavender Oil. Lavender oil act as an antioxidant and can kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other sources of infections.
Pure Tea Tree Oil. Tea Tree oil possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe vera gel contains various powerful antioxidant compounds, some of which can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Is also act a thickening agent and we like the fact that it helps to moisturise the skin.
All these ingredients are available at drug stores such as Guardian Pharmacy and Watsons.
Before you attempt to use this recipe, remember to practice proper cleanliness and hygiene on your work area and tools that you will be using. Do also check if you have any allergy to any of these ingredients. If you are not sure, do a patch test on a small area on your skin.
We have updated the recipe so that the total mixture in a bottle retains at least 60% alcohol. This is in response to recent news that lesser alcohol content is not effective in killing bacteria and virus. The updated recipe is as below:
For making a 250ml mixture,
70% Isopropyl Alcohol – 225ml
Aloe Vera Gel – 2.5 Teaspoon
Pure Tea Tree Oil – 40 drops
Pure Lavender Oil – 20 drops
Stir Alcohol & Aloe Vera Gel in a measuring cup. Add Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil to the mixture. Stir again. If the mixture does not make it to 100ml or 250ml mark (based on above recipe), add alcohol. Pour the mixture into spray or pump bottle.
For making a 100ml mixture,
70% Isopropyl Alcohol – 90ml
Aloe Vera Gel – 1 Teaspoon
Pure Tea Tree Oil – 20 drops
Pure Lavender Oil – 10 drops
Method Stir Alcohol & Aloe Vera Gel in a measuring cup. Add Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil to the mixture. Stir again. If the mixture does not make it to 100ml or 250ml mark (based on above recipe), add alcohol. Pour the mixture into spray or pump bottle.
Avoid using clear plastic bottle (if you have a choice). Opaque or translucent bottles are recommended to prevent the mixture from being exposed to sun.
Alternatively, do feel free to explore and view the video which is using similar ingredients:
If you are using this recipe, let us know how it goes. Take some videos and photos, and if you are posting them on social media, do hashtag #shoppaholicvision @shoppaholicvision.
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