Keep calm, wash your hands, use hand sanitiser. And don't forget to moisturise! Here's an easy home recipe for a gentle hand sanitiser, plus our pick of the best clean hand moisturisers to care for your hands during these trying times.
All of this Lady Macbeth scrubbing and rubbing is taking a toll on our hands, stripping our skin of moisture. And it’s also taking a toll on the environment as millions of small plastic bottles and microplastic-laced hand wipes (not to mention face masks) are discarded by the minute around the world, ending up in landfills, parks and oceans. Furthermore, many hand sanitisers contain triclosan—an endocrine-disrupting antibacterial linked to microbial resistance, and banned by the FDA in soaps but still used in hand sanitisers—fragrance, parabens, and sodium lauryl sulphate which can irritate your skin even more.
But, if you missed out on hand sanitiser during the great panic-fuelled supplies hoard, or you just want a gentler option, fear not! Here’s a non-toxic, effective and kind-on-your-hands-and-the-environment hand sanitiser recipe for you to make at home.
Here's what you need:
• 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol or spirit of 70% alcohol. • 1/ 3 cup aloe vera (helps hydrate and soothe your skin) • 10-15 drops of essential oil like lavender or tea tree oil which is antibacterial.
To make:
1. Ensure your hands are throughly washed before you begin. 2. Mix ingredients in a sterilised jar or glass bowl. 3. Pour into a clean reusable spray bottle and mix well. Spritz away!
Remember, this doesn’t replace hand washing—it’s just for on the go.
Moisturise
After you're done with all the hand washing and sanitising, it's time for slather on some nourishing moisturiser from some of these clean and cruelty-free beauty brands.
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