Shortages of hand sanitizer in stores and online can make it hard to stay protected. Fortunately, you can make your own hydroalcoholic gel at home with these 10 straightforward recipes. Crafted by natural health experts, they combine alcohol, aloe vera, and potent essential oils to effectively target a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus. Backed by the antimicrobial properties of these ingredients, they're a reliable DIY solution.
Contents 
One of the most potent options, this blend pairs antibacterial and antiviral essential oils with alcohol for strong defense against germs.
Pour the alcohol into the bowl and add the essential oils. Mix thoroughly, then incorporate the aloe vera gel for a smooth consistency. Transfer to a pump bottle. Store away from light and heat for up to 6 months.
Use vodka as a 90° alcohol substitute in this accessible formula.
Fill the bottle one-third with vodka. Add essential oils and aloe vera gel to top it off. Shake well to combine. Vodka can be swapped with witch hazel hydroalcoholic extract.
70° alcohol works well here for broad-spectrum germ elimination.
In a clean container, combine alcohol, vegetable oil, essential oil, then aloe vera gel in that order. Mix and transfer to a bottle.
Ravintsara and radiant eucalyptus oils provide proven antiviral and anti-infectious benefits.
Mix alcohol and essential oils in a container, add vegetable oil, stir, then blend in aloe vera gel. Pour into bottle.
Verbenone rosemary oil offers strong antiviral action, complemented by lavender for a fresh scent.
Add alcohol to a disinfected bottle, followed by glycerin, aloe vera gel, and essential oils. Close and shake.
A powerful mix featuring tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon oils for enhanced antimicrobial effects.
Place aloe vera in bottle, add alcohol and essential oils. Shake well.
Gentle alcohol-free option that's easier on sensitive skin.
Mix glycerin and aloe vera in a container, add essential oils, stir, and transfer to bottle.
Alcohol-free with broad-spectrum tea tree oil for antiviral and immunity support.
Add aloe vera to bottle. Mix essential and vegetable oils separately, then combine and shake.
Skin-friendly, alcohol-free lotion targeting germs effectively.
Mix aloe vera and essential oils, add floral water, stir, and bottle.
Family-safe gel using purifying lemon balm hydrosol.
Stir hydrosol while adding xanthan gum gradually. Let rest, remix (use bain-marie if lumpy), and bottle.
The World Health Organization provides a guide for professional-grade hydroalcoholic solutions using 96% ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and glycerol. While substitutes like spirit alcohol are possible, we strongly advise against making this at home due to risks of combustion or explosion.
Combine in a graduated container and top to 1 liter with water. Not for home use!
Apply a small amount to your palm, rub hands together—including between fingers and backs—for 15-30 seconds. No rinsing needed.
Aloe vera provides a moisturizing, antiseptic base with bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Glycerin and oils hydrate, while essential oils deliver antiviral and antibacterial power. Alcohol (90° ideal, never below 60°) enhances efficacy. These rival commercial options but aren't hospital-grade—still great for reducing contamination risks.
Disinfect all equipment first. Use only on dry hands. Not a soap replacement for dirty hands or wounds. Flammable if alcohol-based—keep from flames. Avoid eyes and excessive use to preserve skin's natural microbiome. Moisturize regularly.
Essential oil recipes unsuitable for pregnant/breastfeeding women, children under 10, or babies. Consult a doctor before use. These are not medical substitutes.
