Since the H1N1 brouhaha a number of years back, Purell seems to have made a killing by providing public places all across the country with its hand sanitizers. Dispensers have shown up in malls, at gyms, in the airport, at tourist sites, libraries and many other places too numerous to mention. It is likely a chemical concoction mixed with alcohol to clean hands without the use of water and soap. The idea is to brine your hands in this mix then let them air dry. However, some cite that these ingredients may not necessarily be helpful.

Hand Sanitzer Alert article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3291447/

There are, however, other alternative products available with natural and organic ingredients. Many essential oils have the auspicious title of being antibacterial and antiviral. Tea tree and lavender, which make appearances in many aromatherapeutic items, are 2 of these oils who have these titles and can safely be used by most people. Thyme linalool or ‘white thyme’ can also be used by most people.

Depending where you live, there are different hand sanitizing products available that come scented and unscented. Most are sold in pocket-size, thereby meeting the 100mL requirements of airline restrictions. Look for them in health food stores, aromatherapy shops and perhaps even the natural section of a supermarket. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining a couple drops each of tea tree, lavender and white thyme in a 30mL bottle filled with distilled water. Other add ins:

• witch hazel combined in equal parts with distilled water
• aloe vera gel (a few drops only) which is moisturizing and soothing to the skin
• castile soap but only a few drops as too much may leave a filmy feel to your skin