Ingredients:
- Rubbing Alcohol 1 tsp
- Aloe Vera Gel 1/4 cup
- Cinnamon Essential Oil- 10 drops (natural antibacterial)
- Tea Tree Essential Oil- 7 drops (natural antibacterial)
- Distilled Water to get it to your desired consistency (in solid or spray form)
According to the Wall Street Journal’s article “Are Antibacterial Soaps Safe?“, since lab and animal studies both suggest these antibacterial soaps are unsafe, the FDA is recently taking a closer look at this $5.5 billion dollar industry. The FDA states that they will announce whether or not antibacterial soaps will be able to be sold as they are today. This announcement will be in September of 2016. If the vote is unfavorable toward companies producing antibacterial soaps, they will need to reformulate their line of antibacterial products without the harmful chemicals.
The article continues saying “We now know we can measure small amounts of ingredients in blood and that things you put on your skin can potentially be absorbed into the body,” Dr. Theresa Michelle states. Her advice for now? “Wash your hands with plain soap and water, because we do not have enough data demonstrating antibacterial soaps are any better” in fighting disease.
The below ingredients are currently under review. Since it is not proven these ingredients are safe to use on your skin, it would be a good idea to avoid using them, not only in hand sanitizes but also in other cosmetic products you use. All of the recipes I post on my website are all natural.
- Isopropyl Alcohol- Used in the hand sanitizers nurses and doctors use various times each day, the high concentration and frequent exposure is a concern.
- Triclosan- This was found in high levels in human breast milk and urine and may interfere with normal development and function in humans and animals.
- Benzalkonium Chloride- This ingredient comes with potential hormonal disruptions and is a possible carcinogen.
- Benzethonium Chloride- Possible effects on fertility issues, body weight at birth, growth and development.
- Iodine- Should never be used on pregnant or breast feeding women.
- Chloroxylenol- Has been found in internal tissues after skin application.
References:
Landro, Laura. “Are Antibacterial Soaps Safe?” The Wall Street Journal. 15 Feb. 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2016