How to make an antibacterial liquid handwash with just 8 ingredients and 5 minutes from start to finish. Made with all-natural, skin-loving ingredients, it’s a safe and gentle way to clean hands, and won’t dry out skin.
When we use products containing antibacterial chemicals, we’re promised that it will remove 99.9% of germs on our hands and other surfaces. But what about that 0.01%? The bacteria left behind develop a resistance, passing on that gene to future offspring…
Unnecessary exposure to antibacterial chemicals is having a huge impact on the gut microbiome, and is believed to be contributing to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
I have shared a recipe in the past for a simple foaming hand soap, but for those wanting an extra powerful, bacteria-targeted hand soap, this is just the thing for you. This all-natural, antibacterial liquid soap can be made easily at home, and won’t impact delicate gut flora like antibacterial agents found in conventional soaps do, while still ensuring your hands stay clean!
Natural Antibacterial Ingredients
The essential oils used in this recipe have been selectively picked due to their natural antibacterial properties:
- Clove: Antimicrobial, antiseptic
- Rosemary: Antifungal, insecticidal and antibacterial
- Oregano: Known as ‘nature’s antibiotic,’ oregano oil contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties
- Bergamot: Antiviral, antibacterial
- Peppermint: Antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal
- Cinnamon: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
- Eucalyptus: May help to treat skin infections, and is a natural germicide
- Tea tree: Naturally antimicrobial and antiseptic
*If you have sensitive skin, it’s wise to use less essential oils as some of the oils can be irritating to sensitive skin. The coconut oil acts as a carrier oil, but still use caution and test a little on your skin before using.
Before we get started in learning how to make this natural antibacterial hand soap – if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!!
Homemade Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap
This recipe is just one of my go-to DIY soaps to use at home, and can also be used as a sanitiser to take on-the-go!
You can use a squeeze bottle like me or opt for a pump soap dispenser to give the wash a foaming texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups distilled or boiled water
- 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
- 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
- 15 drops clove essential oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
- 10 drops oregano oil
- 5 drops bergamot essential oil
- 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- Empty foaming hand soap dispenser
To make:
- Add the water to the soap dispenser (you want to add the water first, not the soap otherwise it will create bubbles) and leave about 1 inch at the top (to ensure there’s space for the soap to be added and so that it doesn’t overflow when you pop the foaming pump on).
- Add the castile soap, fractionated coconut oil, and essential oils.
- Pop the lid on and lightly swish to mix.
- Lightly swish the soap in the dispenser before each use, then squirt a small amount on your hands as needed, rinsing with water.
DIY antibacterial foaming hand soap
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. I am not a doctor. All opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings of the products mentioned. Check with your doctor or health practitioner if you are uncertain about trying out any of the products, recipes or tips mentioned in this post.
Do you use antibacterial soap? Have you made your own soap before? Share in the comments below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
