How to Add Essential Oils to Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers have become an essential part of our daily lives, especially during the ongoing pandemic. While most hand sanitizers are effective at killing germs, adding essential oils can not only enhance their scent but also provide additional health benefits. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to add essential oils to hand sanitizer.
1. Choose the Right Essential Oils
Before adding essential oils to your hand sanitizer, it’s crucial to select the right ones. Some essential oils have natural antibacterial properties, making them ideal for hand sanitizers. Popular choices include tea tree oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil. These oils not only provide a pleasant scent but also help in fighting against germs.
2. Prepare Your Hand Sanitizer Base
To start, you’ll need a hand sanitizer base. You can either purchase a pre-made hand sanitizer base or make your own using alcohol, aloe vera gel, and other ingredients. Make sure the base is at room temperature before adding essential oils.
3. Calculate the Right Ratio
The amount of essential oil you add to your hand sanitizer will depend on the concentration of the essential oil and the size of your batch. A general guideline is to use 1-3% of essential oil in your hand sanitizer. For example, if you’re using 100ml of hand sanitizer base, you’ll need between 1ml and 3ml of essential oil.
4. Mix the Essential Oils with Hand Sanitizer Base
Add the calculated amount of essential oil to your hand sanitizer base and stir well. Ensure that the oils are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You can use a spoon or a small whisk to mix the ingredients.
5. Store Your Hand Sanitizer
After mixing the essential oils with the hand sanitizer base, transfer the mixture to a clean, sterile container. Make sure the container has a tight seal to prevent any bacteria from entering. Store your hand sanitizer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
6. Test Your Hand Sanitizer
Before using your hand sanitizer, it’s essential to test it to ensure that it’s still effective. Apply a small amount to your hand and rub it in. If the sanitizer feels sticky or leaves a residue, you may need to adjust the concentration of essential oils.
7. Reuse and Refill
As you use your hand sanitizer, it will gradually decrease in volume. To extend its life, you can mix in additional essential oils and hand sanitizer base as needed. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils while saving money on purchasing new hand sanitizers.
In conclusion, adding essential oils to hand sanitizer is a simple and effective way to enhance its properties and provide a pleasant scent. By following these steps, you can create a personalized hand sanitizer that meets your needs and preferences.