Create Your Own
I wanted to share a couple recipes that are in alignment with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. These blends smell great and the added essential oils help promote wellness. I have also included important information to keep in mind when creating your own recipes.
We want to start by saying that no essential oil has been proven to combat or prevent COVID-19. Although essential oils have not yet been researched in relation to COVID-19, we chose the oils in these blends based on their chemical components and therapeutic properties. These 2oz blends contain at least 70% alcohol.
❀ 1½ oz (45 ml) Ethanol, 190 proof (95% ABV) I use certified organic food grade
❀ ½ oz. (15 ml) Glycerin
Essential Oils:
❀ 5 drops Basil
❀ 5 drops Tea Tree
❀ 5 drops Thyme ct linalool
❀ 10 drops Orange
❀ 5 drops Sandalwood
Shake before each use. Keep out of reach of children.
Feel free to change the essential oils as you like in these recipes, but remember to check safety concerns of every essential oil used. This blend uses essential oils with a bit more of a kick. It is important to note that this recipe is too strong for children under 10 years of age and should definitely not be near the face of very young children.
❀ 1½ oz (45 ml) Ethanol, 190 proof (95% ABV) I use certified organic food grade
❀ ½ oz. (15 ml) Glycerin
Essential Oils:
❀ 5 drops Ravintsara*
❀ 4 drops Eucalyptus Globulus*
❀ 6 drops Sandalwood
❀ 3 drops Frankincense
❀ 12 drops Grapefruit
Shake before each use. Keep out of reach of children.
*The chemical component 1,8 cineole found in ravintsara and eucalyptus gloubulus is too strong for young children.
Key Points & Recommendations
+ links for more information
When formulating a hand sanitizer, make sure the TOTAL concentration of alcohol-based sanitizers/sprays are at least 60 - 70% alcohol by volume (ABV). CDC - Hand Sanitizer
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NOT ALL ALCOHOLS ARE CREATED EQUAL!
The amount and type of alcohol are critical to these recipes. Pay attention to the alcohol by volume percentage.
- According to Webster’s dictionary: Proof = alcoholic strength indicated by a number that is twice the percent by volume of alcohol present (in U.S.)
- 80 Proof Vodka is 40% alcohol by volume (ABV). Vodka, Gin, Brandy, etc. are not strong enough for hand sanitizer.
- Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol) is denatured ethanol, and approximately 70% ABV, therefore should not be diluted.
- 91% Isopropyl alcohol is available, but more difficult to find. That could be used instead of the ethanol in the above recipe.
- Everclear (ethanol) is made from grain and is 60% - 95% ABV, 120 - 190 proof. We use 190 proof (95% ABV) and therefore can dilute it with glycerin and still have enough alcohol by volume in our hand sanitizer to be effective.
- Alcohol can be drying. Use lotion after cleaning your hands if they are getting dry.
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If soap and water are available, wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, don’t use hand sanitizer instead. Singing a song helps pass the time and might just make you smile :) CDC - How to Protect Yourself
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We want reiterate that no essential oil has yet been proven to combat or prevent COVID-19.
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Remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Eat well, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and spend time relaxing ~Denise
