Hand Sanitizer From Aloe Leaf and Rubbing Alcohol

Note, proper hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs!  Hand sanitizer should not replace hand washing.  I only made some so that I could bring it on grocery outings.  I made an entire quart (32 oz) for $3.87.

To make hand sanitizer, you need alcohol (the FINAL concentration of the alcohol in your finished product needs to be around 70%) and a base, such as aloe vera gel or glycerin. The base protects your hands from drying out.

Aloe vera and glycerin are out of stock everywhere, so I bought a huge aloe leaf at the grocery store.  I already had rubbing acohol with an alcohol content of 91%.  You can't use vodka or anything from the liquor store because the alcohol content isn't high enough.

I cut up the leaf into segments, as shown in the picture below.  It was easy to get the gel out of each piece using just my hands.  I got approximately 1 cup of gel.

Next, I added 3 cups of rubbing alcohol, which was the amount needed to ensure that the final product had an alcohol content of 70%.  Finally, I used my immersion blender to mix everything thoroughly.  You could use a regular blender too.  

The final product is...not like the commercial varieties, but it will work in a pinch.  It's thin, and the gel didn't mix well;  I'll have to shake it before every use.  It was fun to make though, and I really didn't have any other options! 

cost per batch (32 oz)
24 oz of rubbing alcohol (91%):  $1.88
​1 aloe leaf:  $1.99
total  cost:  3.87