Aloe vera can be mixed with alcohol. In fact, it is a common practice to mix aloe vera gel with isopropyl alcohol to create a homemade hand sanitizer. This combination can be effective in killing germs and bacteria, making it a popular choice for sanitizing purposes.
To create a homemade hand sanitizer, you would typically use a pharmaceutical grade (USP) of isopropyl alcohol, which is usually 99% alcohol. This high alcohol content is important in order to ensure the effectiveness of the sanitizer. It is recommended to use at least 62% alcohol in the finished product to make it an effective sanitizer.
When mixing aloe vera gel with isopropyl alcohol, a common ratio is 70% alcohol to 30% aloe vera gel. This ratio ensures that the final product contains enough alcohol to effectively kill germs, while also providing some moisturizing and soothing properties from the aloe vera.
To mix the two ingredients, you can simply pour the desired amount of isopropyl alcohol into a jar or container, and then add the aloe vera gel. It is important to keep the lid on the container while shaking it to mix the ingredients. Shake the mixture for about 20 seconds or until it is well blended.
Personal experience-wise, I have made my own hand sanitizer using this method during times when commercial sanitizers were not readily available. I found that mixing aloe vera gel with isopropyl alcohol created a gel-like consistency that was easy to apply and absorbed well into the skin. The aloe vera also helped to soothe and moisturize my hands, which was a bonus compared to some of the harsher commercial sanitizers I have used.
Mixing aloe vera gel with isopropyl alcohol is a common and effective way to create a homemade hand sanitizer. It is important to use a high percentage of alcohol, such as 70% or higher, to ensure that the sanitizer is effective in killing germs. The aloe vera gel not only helps to create a gel-like consistency, but also provides some moisturizing and soothing properties.