How to Make Hand Sanitizers | Snowdrift Farm Formulary

Water Based Gel Hand Sanitizers

Here are three different styles of hand sanitizers -- and a "less toxic" paint remover variant.

Thin Liquid Gel Sanitizer

This is similar in thickness to Purell hand sanitizer, and is used in the same manner.

Part A

Carbomer Pre-gel
Iso Alcohol 70%
Glycerin
Tea Tree oil Rosewood Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil

6 oz. 40 oz. 2-3 oz. .25 oz. .15 oz. .25 oz .

Part B

20% Triethanolamine solution qs to adjust pH. Combine the carbomer pregel with the isopropyl
alcohol until uniform. Add the glycerine and essential
oils with slow agitation to prevent bubbles. Warm
to 140 F to aid in dispensing. The mixture may appear to be hazy, but should be uniform. It will clear once the pH is adjusted. Adjust the pH to around 7 using triethanolamine solution, a few drops at a time. Dispense immediately.Paint/Varnish Remover This product may also be used to clean paint from hard surfaces like tile, formica, and urethane finished cabinets. It must not be used around shellac, lacquer and similar finishes because it will dissolve them and cause severe damage to the finish.

Test in a hidden spot before using. It may be painted on and left to work. Remove residue by scrubbing with a paper towel and rinse well. Several applications may be required for stubborn stains.

Thick Gel Hand Sanitizer
Our staff like this best for their hand sanitizer.
Part A

Carbomer Pre-gel
Water
Glycerine
Iso Alcohol 70%
Tea Tree oil
Peppermint

6 oz.

20 oz.
2 oz.
24 oz.
0.25 oz
0.25 oz.

Part B

20% Triethanolamine solution qs to adjust pH.
Combine the carbomer pre-gel with the water until uniform. Add the glycerine followed by the alcohol/essential oils
with slow agitation to prevent bubbles. Warm to 140 F to aid in dispensing. The mixture may appear to be hazy, but should be uniform. It will clear as the pH is adjusted. Adjust the pH to around 7 using the triethanolamine solution.
Dispense immediately.

Click here for instructions on making Carbomer pre-gel.
Click here for the Carbomer 940 monograph.
Click here for the Carbomer 940 MSDS.

Soothing Witch Hazel & Silk Hand Sanitizer Gel
Excellent for sunburns and kitchen burns, and as a
sanitizing massage or hand cleaner.
Part A

Carbomer Pre-gel
Witch Hazel (14% alcohol)
Glycerine
Aloe powder
Tea Tree oil
Rosewood
Ylang Ylang

8 oz.

40 oz.
2 oz.
.2 oz.
.25 oz.
.15 oz.
.25 oz.

Part B

Silk Protein - 1 oz.

Part C

20% Triethanolamine solution qs to adjust pH

Combine the carbomer pre-gel with the witch hazel until uniform. Add the aloe powder. glycerine and essential oils with slow agitation to prevent bubbles. Warm to 140 F to aid in dispensing. The mixture may appear to be hazy, but should be uniform. It will clear as the pH is adjusted. The silk will thicken the mixture slightly. Adjust the pH to around 7 using the triethanolamine solution. Dispense immediately.