Good old fashioned soap and water is best, but what about when it’s not available? The following information regarding some of the dangers of popular hand sanitizers came from Dr. Mercola’s site and might make you consider your choices more carefully. (At the bottom of this post, I’ve included a recipe for making your own essential oil-based hand purifier.
You need to be very careful about the variety of hand sanitizer you choose, as many of the most popular varieties can be toxic to your health!
Why it’s Wise to Avoid Most Popular Hand Sanitizers
Almost half of all hand cleansers sold in the United States contain antibacterial compounds. These compounds are not only a contributing factor to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but triclosan, the active ingredient in most antibacterial products, has been shown to kill human cells.
Those that contain alcohol as the active ingredient, instead of triclosan, are a better option, as germs don’t become resistant to alcohol. However, many commercial varieties of alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain other harmful ingredients.
In fact, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database rates Purell hand sanitizer a “high hazard,” with a score of seven out of 10 (with 10 being the most toxic). They point out that ingredients used in this product are linked to:
- Cancer
- Developmental/reproductive toxicity
- Allergies and immunotoxicity
- Neurotoxicity
- Endocrine disruption
- Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
- Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs)
- Biochemical or cellular level changes
Are There Safer Options?
Yes! Thieves waterless hand purifier is a great choice! Thieves is a natural essential oil-based hand purifier containing natural ingredients – and it feels and smells fantastic on your skin!
Ingredients: Denatured ethanol SD-38B (denatured with Peppermint Essential Oil), water, aloe barbadensis leaf, vegetable glycerin, syzygium aromaticum† (clove) flower bud oil, citrus limon† (lemon) peel oil, cinnamon verum† (cinnamon) bark oil, eucalyptus radiate† leaf oil, rosmarinus officinalis† (rosemary) leaf oil, and hydroxylpropyl cellulose.
The Thieves® Spray is awesome too. It’s ideal for use in hotels, offices, airplanes, and home. Use on door handles, light switches, phones, toilet seats, and any surface that need cleansing. This small bottle is perfect for traveling or keeping in your purse or backpack!
Fun Project! Make your own Hand Purifier:
- 1/2 C. witch hazel or high proof grain alcohol
- 1/4 C. Aloe Vera Gel
- 1 tsp.. Vegetable Glycerine
- 20 drops of Thieves or Purification essential oil blends
Mix together and store in an empty bottle or jar.
