Hand sanitizer is a liquid, gel, or foam generally used to decrease infectious agents on the hands. It is often used as an alternative to hand washing with soap and water, especially in situations where handwashing facilities are not readily available. Hand sanitizers are particularly useful in hospitals, schools, and public places to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Main Ingredients

  1. Alcohol: The most common active ingredient in hand sanitizers is alcohol, which can be either ethanol, isopropanol, or n-propanol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers typically contain between 60% and 95% alcohol. The alcohol acts as a solvent, denaturing the proteins of bacteria and viruses, which effectively neutralizes them.

  2. Emollients: These are added to hand sanitizers to reduce the drying effect of alcohol on the skin. Examples include glycerin and aloe vera.

  3. Thickening Agents: In gel-based sanitizers, agents like carbomer are used to give the sanitizer its gel-like consistency.

  4. Fragrances and Essential Oils: Some hand sanitizers contain fragrances or essential oils to improve the smell or add additional antimicrobial properties.

Types of Hand Sanitizers

  1. Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers: These are the most effective at killing bacteria and viruses when used correctly. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.

  2. Alcohol-free Hand Sanitizers: These contain other disinfectants like benzalkonium chloride. They are less effective at killing certain bacteria and viruses compared to alcohol-based sanitizers.

Usage

To use hand sanitizer effectively:

  • Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
  • Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers, until they are dry.

Precautions

While hand sanitizers are effective at reducing pathogens, they do not eliminate all types of germs, and they are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. They also cannot remove harmful chemicals like pesticides. In such cases, washing hands with soap and water is recommended.

Hand Sanitizer

You need an Alcohol content higher than 60% in order to kill germs.   You can use rubbing alcohol at 70%.   If you use 91% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) dilute it down to 65% with distilled water.

Mix with Alvera at a ratio of  66% of the alcohol solution (65%+- strength) and  33% Alvera oil.

That’s it …