COVID certainly taught us all the importance of washing our hands frequently. Alright, alright — people always washed their hands, but during the pandemic, it became a bit of an obsession. Suddenly, everyone was scrubbing their hands after every touch, every outing, and sometimes just for the sake of it. Hand washing went from being a regular part of daily hygiene to something that became ingrained in our routines, almost to the point of overdoing it. It put the practice of washing our hands on steroids, making us hyper-aware of how often we did it and what we were using to clean them.
In the rush to stay clean, many turned to the store-bought hand washes and sanitizers. While they work well, constant use left a lot of people with dry, irritated skin. That’s where the idea of a DIY Essential Oil Hand Wash comes in—a natural, gentle way to stay clean without sacrificing skin health.
Benefits of Hand Wash
Let’s first understand the importance and benefits normal of handwash. (Chances are that your hand wash already has one or many essential oils in it.)
Removes Dirt and Germs
Hand washing removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses that accumulate on your hands throughout the day. Regular cleaning is crucial in preventing the spread of harmful pathogens and keeping infections at bay.
Reduces Risk of Illness
Frequent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from common illnesses like the flu, colds, and even more serious infections. By removing germs before they have a chance to enter your body, you lower the chances of getting sick.
Prevents Cross-Contamination
Hand washing is vital in avoiding the transfer of germs from one surface to another. This is especially important in kitchens or medical settings, where keeping hands clean prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses from one place to another.
Promotes Overall Hygiene
Clean hands are a reflection of good hygiene. Washing hands regularly is not only about preventing illness, but also about maintaining cleanliness in your daily routine, helping you feel fresh and protected.
Keeps Hand / Skin Healthy
While frequent hand washing can sometimes dry out the skin, using a natural hand wash that is gentle on your hands can actually help maintain the moisture and softness of your skin, promoting healthy and smooth hands.
Hand washing is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself and others, making it an essential practice in everyday life.
Benefits of Essential Oil Hand Wash
Ahh.. here comes essential oil in the picture. Hand washes are good, but it only gets better with essential oils.
Natural Ingredients
Essential oil hand washes are made from natural, plant-based ingredients. They avoid harsh chemicals found in conventional hand washes, making them gentler on the skin while still providing effective cleansing.
Moisturizes and Nourishes Skin
essential oils, like lavender or tea tree, not only clean your hands, but also hydrate and nourish the skin. They help maintain your skin’s natural moisture, preventing dryness and irritation often caused by chemical-based soaps. DIY foaming hand soap recipe often smoothens the hands with its luxurious moisturizer effect.
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil and lemon oil, have natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These oils help in killing harmful germs and bacteria, ensuring that your hands stay clean and protected in a natural way.
Aromatherapy Benefits
Essential oil hand washes offer the added bonus of aromatherapy. (Trust us here… it’s not the same as store bought scents.) Scents like lavender, peppermint, or citrus can help to reduce stress, uplift your mood, or provide a calming effect as you wash your hands, turning a routine task into a soothing moment. Add essential oils to the foaming hand soap dispenser and experience its magical aroma for overall wellbeing.
Eco-Friendly
Essential oil hand washes are often biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals. This makes them not only better for your skin but also better for the environment, contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Customizable Fragrance
You can create your own blends of essential oils to suit your mood or personal preference. Whether you prefer a refreshing citrus scent or a calming floral fragrance, essential oil hand washes allow you to customize your hand-washing experience.
Switching to an essential oil hand wash brings benefits beyond just clean hands, offering gentle care for your skin and an uplifting sensory experience.
Recipes – DIY Essential Oil Hand Wash
Here are five simple recipes to create your own essential oil hand wash at home, each with different oils for a unique experience.
1. Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Hand Wash (Calming & Antibacterial)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of fractionated coconut oil (for moisturizing)
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
- In a soap dispenser, add the liquid Castile soap.
- Add the lavender and tea tree essential oils.
- Pour in the coconut oil and distilled water.
- Shake gently to mix the ingredients.
- Use it as your daily hand wash for a calming and antibacterial cleanse.
2. Citrus Burst Hand Wash (Energizing & Refreshing)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 8 drops of lemon essential oil
- 5 drops of orange essential oil
- 3 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil (for added moisture)
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
- Pour the Castile soap into a soap dispenser.
- Add the lemon, orange, and grapefruit essential oils.
- Add the jojoba oil and distilled water.
- Shake well to combine all the ingredients.
- Use whenever you need a fresh, energizing hand wash.
3. Peppermint & Eucalyptus Hand Wash (Cooling & Refreshing)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil (for moisturizing)
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
- Add the Castile soap into your soap dispenser.
- Mix in the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils.
- Add the almond oil and distilled water.
- Shake thoroughly to combine.
- Enjoy a cooling, invigorating hand wash that leaves your skin refreshed.
4. Rosemary & Lemon Hand Wash (Purifying & Invigorating)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 10 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for hydration)
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
- Pour the Castile soap into your soap dispenser.
- Add the rosemary and lemon essential oils.
- Pour in the olive oil and distilled water.
- Shake the bottle to mix everything together.
- Use this hand wash for a purifying, uplifting cleanse.
5. Geranium & Frankincense Hand Wash (Soothing & Moisturizing)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 8 drops of geranium essential oil
- 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil (for skin nourishment)
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
Instructions:
- Fill your soap dispenser with liquid Castile soap.
- Add the geranium and frankincense essential oils.
- Pour in the sweet almond oil and distilled water.
- Gently shake to combine all ingredients.
- Enjoy the soothing and moisturizing effects of this hand wash on your skin.
These DIY essential oil hand washes are natural, customizable, and healthy. They provide a refreshing and gentle way to keep your hands clean while nourishing your skin!
Precautions While Using Essential Oil Handwash
Dilute Properly
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation if not diluted properly. Always follow the recommended dilution ratios and use a mild carrier like Castile soap or distilled water to ensure the oils are gentle on your skin.
Patch Test Before Use
Before using any essential oil hand wash, conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivity. This is especially important for oils like tea tree or peppermint, which can be strong for sensitive skin.
Choose Skin-Safe Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are suitable for skin contact. For hand washes, stick to safe options like lavender, tea tree, lemon, or eucalyptus. Avoid oils that are known to cause skin irritation, such as cinnamon or clove oil.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Essential oils can degrade when exposed to sunlight or heat, which can reduce the effectiveness of your hand wash.
Keep Away from Children and Pets
Some essential oils may not be safe for children or pets. Make sure to keep your essential oil hand wash out of their reach and use kid-safe oils like chamomile or lavender for family-friendly hand washes.
By following these precautions, you can ensure that your essential oil hand wash is both safe and effective for everyday use.
Conclusion
Creating your own essential oil hand wash is a simple and natural way to keep your hands clean while nourishing your skin. By using the right essential oils and following safety precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of a chemical-free, refreshing hand wash that promotes cleanliness and well-being. Plus, it’s a customizable and eco-friendly option for everyday hygiene.