Aloe vera isn't just something to reach for after spending too much time in the sun. Its lightweight, cooling texture makes it a useful ingredient in many homemade skincare products.
If you have aloe vera gel at home and aren't sure what to do with it, these DIY aloe vera recipes are an easy place to start. We'll cover how to make aloe vera hand sanitizer, a cooling after-sun spray, and a simple aloe vera face mist.
What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Skin?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with a clear gel inside its thick leaves. The gel is mostly water but also contains naturally occurring plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Because of its lightweight texture, aloe vera is commonly found in moisturizers, gels, sprays, and after-sun skincare products.
People often use aloe vera skincare recipes to:
- Hydrate dry skin
- Cool sun-exposed skin
- Soothe the feeling of irritated skin
- Add lightweight moisture
- Make simple homemade skincare products
You can use fresh aloe vera from a plant for some recipes, but packaged aloe vera gel or juice is often easier to work with. Always check the ingredient list so you know what else has been added.
How To Make Hand Sanitizer With Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is commonly added to hand sanitizer to improve its texture and help counter the drying feeling alcohol can leave behind.
However, there's one important point to understand when making homemade hand sanitizer with aloe vera: alcohol provides the sanitizing action, not the aloe vera. Adding too much aloe vera can dilute the alcohol, so the concentration of your ingredients matters.
Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Ingredients
For a simple hand sanitizer recipe with aloe vera, you'll need:
- High-concentration ethyl alcohol - Zatural
- Aloe vera gel - Zatural
- Clean mixing bowl
- Measuring tools
- Clean, sealable container
Essential oils can be added for fragrance, but they aren't necessary for the sanitizing function.
Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer Instructions
- Clean your bowl, tools, and storage container.
- Carefully measure the alcohol and aloe vera.
- Add the alcohol to your bowl.
- Slowly mix in the aloe vera gel.
- Stir until evenly combined.
- Transfer into a clean, sealed container.
- Label the container.
The final alcohol concentration is important. Avoid combining low-strength rubbing alcohol with large amounts of aloe vera because you could dilute the alcohol below an effective concentration.
When available, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water remains the preferred option for routine hand hygiene.
Why Add Aloe Vera To Hand Sanitizer?
Alcohol-based products can leave your hands feeling dry, especially with frequent use. Aloe vera is included primarily to improve the texture and feel of the finished product.
It can provide lightweight moisture, a smoother texture, a cooling feel, and improved skin comfort. Think of aloe vera as the skincare component of the recipe rather than the ingredient responsible for sanitizing your hands.
DIY Aloe Vera After-Sun Spray Recipe
After spending time outside, a cool aloe vera mist can feel refreshing on warm, sun-exposed skin.
This DIY aloe vera spray only requires a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- Aloe vera juice or aloe vera gel
- Distilled water
- Clean spray bottle
Start by combining equal parts aloe vera and distilled water. If you're using thick aloe vera gel, you may need more water so the mixture can easily pass through the spray nozzle.
How To Make Aloe Vera Spray
- Add the aloe vera to a clean spray bottle.
- Pour in the distilled water.
- Secure the spray nozzle.
- Shake thoroughly.
- Shake again before each use.
Lightly spritz the mixture onto clean skin whenever you want a cooling, refreshing feel.
Remember, aloe vera after-sun spray is not sunscreen. It does not provide SPF or protect your skin from UV rays.
Simple DIY Aloe Vera Face Mist
You don't have to wait for summer to make an aloe vera spray recipe. Aloe vera can also be used in a simple face mist for lightweight moisture.
Ingredients
- 1 part aloe vera juice
- 2 parts distilled water
- Clean spray bottle
Add the aloe vera juice and distilled water to your bottle, close it, and shake thoroughly. Lightly mist clean skin as desired.
If you're using gel instead of juice, add enough distilled water to create a sprayable consistency. Always patch test a new homemade skincare product before applying it more broadly.
DIY Aloe Vera Recipe Comparison
| Aloe Vera Recipe | Main Ingredients | Best For | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera Hand Sanitizer | Alcohol + Aloe Vera | Hand hygiene when soap isn't available | Gel |
| Aloe Vera After-Sun Spray | Aloe Vera + Distilled Water | Cooling sun-exposed skin | Spray |
| Aloe Vera Face Mist | Aloe Vera + Distilled Water | Lightweight skin hydration | Spray |
| Plain Aloe Vera Gel | Aloe Vera | Simple topical skincare | Gel |
How Long Do Homemade Aloe Vera Recipes Last?
Homemade skincare doesn't necessarily have the same shelf life as store-bought products. Commercial products typically use preservation systems designed to control microbial growth. A homemade aloe vera and water mixture doesn't have those same protections.
Make water-based homemade aloe vera sprays in small batches and use clean containers. Throw the mixture away if you notice changes in its smell, color, texture, consistency, or appearance. Fresh aloe vera may have an even shorter shelf life. When in doubt, make a fresh batch.
Tips For Making DIY Aloe Vera Skincare
Keep your homemade recipes simple and follow a few basic precautions.
- Start With Clean Tools: Wash your hands and clean your bowls, mixing tools, and containers before starting.
- Patch Test First: Apply a small amount to a limited area before using a new recipe more broadly.
- Make Small Batches: Water-based skincare can spoil more quickly than professionally preserved products.
- Don't Confuse After-Sun Products With Sunscreen: Aloe vera may provide a cooling feel, but it doesn't protect against UV exposure.
Aloe Vera Recipes FAQ
How Do You Make Aloe Vera Spray?
Mix aloe vera juice or diluted aloe vera gel with distilled water in a clean spray bottle. Shake before use and make small batches to help keep the mixture fresh.
Can You Put Aloe Vera In A Spray Bottle?
Yes. Aloe vera juice works well in spray bottles, while thicker gel may need to be diluted with distilled water.
Can You Use Aloe Vera On Sunburn?
Aloe vera products are commonly applied to sun-exposed skin because of their cooling and moisturizing feel. Seek medical care for severe or blistering sunburns rather than relying on a homemade product.
How Do You Make Hand Sanitizer With Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera gel can be combined with appropriately concentrated alcohol to make an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Maintaining the proper final alcohol concentration is important.
Why Is Aloe Vera Used In Hand Sanitizer?
Aloe vera is primarily added for its moisturizing feel and gel-like texture. The alcohol is responsible for the sanitizing function.
Can I Use Fresh Aloe Vera For DIY Skincare?
Yes, but fresh aloe vera can spoil quickly. Make small batches, use clean containers, and discard the product if its smell, color, or texture changes.
Final Thoughts On DIY Aloe Vera Recipes
Aloe vera is a versatile ingredient for simple homemade skincare. You can use it to make an aloe vera after-sun spray, face mist, or moisturizing addition to hand sanitizer without needing a long list of ingredients.
Keep your recipes simple, pay close attention to alcohol concentration when making hand sanitizer, and make water-based aloe vera products in small batches. Patch testing new formulas before using them on larger areas of skin is also a smart precaution.
Whether you're experimenting with an aloe vera spray recipe, face mist, or another DIY aloe vera skincare idea, a few basic ingredients are often all you need.
Zatural Hand Sanitizer Options With Aloe Vera
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.