What is a substitute for aloe vera gel in hand sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer has become an essential item for many during the ongoing pandemic. The key ingredients in most hand sanitizers are alcohol, glycerin, and aloe vera gel. The alcohol acts as the active disinfecting agent, while the glycerin and aloe vera help keep hands hydrated and prevent dryness. However, with demand for hand sanitizer spiking, some key ingredients like aloe vera gel have been in short supply. This has led many DIY hand sanitizer makers to search for readily available aloe vera substitutes.

Why is Aloe Vera Used in Hand Sanitizer?

Aloe vera gel is a common additive in many skincare products. It is known for its hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. In hand sanitizer, aloe vera gel helps counteract the drying effects of alcohol and other antimicrobial ingredients. It helps moisturize hands and prevent irritation that can occur with repeated sanitizer use. Some other benefits of aloe vera gel in hand sanitizer include:

• Natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
• Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to nourish skin
• Has anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritated skin
• Leaves a protective layer on the hands to aid in moisture retention

While not mandatory, aloe vera makes hand sanitizer more skin-friendly and comfortable to use. It’s especially useful in products marketed for sensitive skin. Substitutes that provide similar hydrating and soothing effects are ideal when aloe vera gel is not available.

Factors to Consider in an Aloe Vera Substitute

There are a few important factors to keep in mind when selecting an alternative to aloe vera gel in hand sanitizer:

• Hydration – The substitute should help hydrate and moisturize skin like aloe vera does.
• Skin-soothing – It should be gentle and help calm any skin irritation caused by the sanitizer.
• Mixability – It must have a gel-like texture and be able to blend well with the other hand sanitizer ingredients.
• Availability – The substitute should be relatively easy to obtain as many aloe vera substitutes are household items.
• Non-comedogenic – As hand sanitizers are repeatedly applied throughout the day, the substitute shouldn’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Substitutes that check most of these boxes can usually work well in DIY and commercial hand sanitizer formulas.

Aloe Vera Substitutes for Hand Sanitizer

Here are some of the most common ingredients used as substitutes for aloe vera gel in hand sanitizers:

1. Glycerin

• Glycerin is a humectant like aloe vera that attracts moisture to the skin.
• It has a smooth, thick consistency similar to aloe gel.
• Glycerin is hydrating, non-comedogenic, and mixes easily into sanitizer formulas.
• Since it lacks the nutrients of aloe vera, it may not be as soothing or protective for skin.

2. Honey

• Honey is naturally antibacterial and hydrating for skin.
• It contains antioxidants, enzymes, and trace nutrients that can help nourish skin.
• The stickiness of honey can make it more difficult to blend into a sanitizer.
• Opt for lighter, purified honeys rather than raw honey in sanitizers.

3. Jojoba Oil

• Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum so it absorbs well.
• It helps soften skin and add a protective, hydrated layer.
• As an oil, jojoba will not fully dissolve into an alcohol-based sanitizer like an aloe gel would.
• Use jojoba in small amounts (1-2 teaspoons per cup of sanitizer).

4. Vitamin E Oil

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help nourish and protect skin.
• It has natural hydrating properties and is gentle on skin.
• Like jojoba oil, vitamin E may not fully blend into sanitizers and is best used sparingly.

5. Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil contains fatty acids and vitamin E to moisturize skin.
• It has some antimicrobial properties to help keep hands clean.
• The oil can separate from the alcohol in sanitizers and may feel greasy with overuse.
• Use refined coconut oil and limit to 1-2 tsp per cup of sanitizer.

6. Aloe Vera Juice

• Pure aloe vera juice provides many similar skin benefits as the gel.
• It is very hydrating and soothing for dry, irritated skin.
• The thinner juice may not have the same gel-like texture, but can still be used.
• Shake sanitizer well after mixing in the juice to evenly distribute.

7. Vegetable Glycerin

• Vegetable glycerin has a smooth, syrupy texture that mimics aloe gel.
• It acts as a humectant to increase moisture retention in skin.
• Vegetable glycerin is also gentle, non-toxic, and mixes easily into sanitizers.
• It may not be as nutrient-rich or soothing as aloe vera.

Other Hand Sanitizer Formula Tips

When making DIY hand sanitizer or substituting aloe vera, keep these other tips in mind:

• Use at least 60% alcohol in the formula, either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol.
• Add a gel-like thickener such as xanthan gum to get the right sanitizer consistency.
• Consider adding a few drops of glycerin for extra hydration and smoothness.
• You can experiment with small amounts of oils, butters, or botanical extracts for skin care benefits.
• Use distilled or boiled water as the liquid base rather than tap water.
• Mix ingredients in a sanitized container and funnel into clean bottles for storage.
• Shake sanitizer before each use to remix any ingredients that separate.

Recommended Ratios for DIY Hand Sanitizer

Here are some recommended aloe vera gel substitution ratios to try in DIY hand sanitizer recipes:

Formula	Ingredients
2 parts alcohol (isopropyl or ethyl)	1 part aloe vera gel substitute (glycerin, honey, etc.)
2 parts alcohol	1 part vegetable glycerin
2 parts alcohol	1/2 part honey + 1/2 part glycerin
2 parts alcohol	1/4 part coconut or jojoba oil + 3/4 part glycerin
2 parts alcohol	1 part aloe vera juice

For each 1 cup of finished sanitizer, use 2 tablespoons (1 part) of your preferred aloe substitute. You can tweak amounts based on the thickness you desire.

Store-Bought Alternatives to DIY Hand Sanitizer

If you don’t want to make your own sanitizer, you can also shop for prepared products that use natural alternatives to aloe vera. Look for options that contain:

• Vegetable glycerin
• Coconut oil
• Vitamin E oil
• Jojoba oil
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Shea butter
• Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, rosemary

You can even find some hand sanitizers made with aloe vera juice rather than the gel. Read ingredient lists and shop from natural skincare brands to find the best aloe vera-free options.

Conclusion

Finding a suitable substitute for the aloe vera gel in hand sanitizer doesn’t have to be difficult. Glycerin, honey, and oils like jojoba, coconut, and vitamin E can all provide similar hydrating and nourishing effects for hands. Look for gels, liquids, butters, and oils that are moisturizing, gentle on skin, and mixable into DIY sanitizer recipes. With the right aloe vera alternative added to your hand sanitizer, you can continue disinfecting hands without drying out your skin.