Some hand sanitizers have an ingredient called triclosan or triclocarban. The U.S. FDA says there is NOT enough science to show that OTC antibacterial soaps are better at killing germs and preventing illness better than plain soap and water.1
Here are a few things people may not have known about triclosan:
A study conducted by the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control discovered that health care workers who used hand sanitizers primarily instead of soap and water for routine hand washing were six times more likely to be afflicted with the norovirus. This is a virus that causes the most cases of acute gastroenteritis.2
Then there’s the problem with scented hand sanitizers. Did you know companies are NOT required to tell us what these ingredients are that make hand sanitizers smell good? Many artificial fragrances contain phthalates (pronounced FALATES.) These are endocrine disrupters the mimic our hormones. Studies indicate they may alter genital development.
In other words, if you use hand sanitizers, don’t use them exclusively. There’s nothing like good old soap and water. With water, the germs are rinsed off your hands. But don’t use those hand air dryers either. Those are bad too because they blow germs right back onto your hands.
Here’s more info about the dangers of hand air dryers:
Here are some great home made hand sanitizer recipes:
Hand Sanitizer Recipe # 1
- 5-10 drops lavender essential oil
- 30 drops tea tree essential oil – this is a 0.5% concentration
- 1 Tablespoon witch hazel extract or high-proof vodka
- 8 ounces 100% pure aloe vera gel
- ¼ teaspoon Vitamin E oil
Hand Sanitizer Recipe # 2
- 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
- 20 drops orange essential oil
- 5 drops clove essential oil
- 10 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
Like more than one? Click HERE to purchase a packaged assortment of essential oils.
Consider ditching the store bought hand sanitizers and make your own. Your body will thank you!
One Reply to “Need Hand Sanitizer? Try Essential Oils”