I think we have all read about the dangers of using commercial hand sanitizers at one time or another. I am going to give you a refresher! Here we go. So, a two ounce bottle of hand sanitizer contains the same amount of alcohol as 4 shots of vodka. If a small child would get a hold of it and ingest it, they could definitely get alcohol poisoning. So along with the extremely high alcohol content come the chemicals. Benzalkonium Chloride.....it's actually soluable ethanol and companies use it in small amounts in hand sanitizers and other disinfectant products. We have to remember that our skin is our largest organ and it's porous, therefore it absorbs whatever is put on the body. The way the chemical kills the bacteria is it disrupts the lipid bi-layers in the cell membranes. Next, Triclosan......I think that is the chemical that has recently drawn the most attention in the hand sanitizers. There are reports that 75% of people in the US excrete Triclosan in their urine because it is so widespread. Triclosan is an antibacterial, and that seems great on the surface, but it's becoming more associated with bacterial resistence. That could eventually cause the birth of super-bugs that are resistent to antibiotics. In the beginning, bacteria succomb to the Triclosan, but there are always those few that don't. Those few are able to reproduce despite the Triclosan. It is also being associated with disrupting the endocrine system, which means it can cause problems with growth and development when exposed to the chemical. I don't know about you, but I will pass on these cute little bottles of alcohol and chemicals.
After all of that being said, Heidi's Artisan Soap, www.heidisartisansoap.com, has developed an all natural hand sanitizer! It is called Naturally Clean Hand Sanitizer. I will list the ingredients and inform you on the antibacterial properties of each one.
Clove oil - Did you know that Clove essential oil killed more than 60 types of bacterial strains, 15 strains offungi plus several viruses? (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2004) Did you know that Clove essential oil reduced Candida by 75% after 8 days which is equivalent to the use of Nystatin? Nystatin is the most common antifungal drug used to treat Candida. (Journal of Drug Targeting, 2005)
Tea Tree Oil - Tea tree oil is used an an antiseptic and to kill germs. It has been used to treat burns, minor cuts, athletes foot, and insect bites. It is also used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and nails.
Lemon Oil - Lemon oil is anti-infectious, antibacterial (especially with spores), antiviral, antiseptic, and a disinfectant. (Natural-aromatherapy-benefits.com)
Lavender Oil - Recently, studies have confirmed the effectiveness of lavender essential oil against different strains of bacteria and types of fungus. Several varieties were tested by direct contact and each showed effectiveness. Of particular significance is a study by scientists in the UK. They found the antimicrobial activity of lavender oil to consistently inhibit the growth of methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA). MRSA is one of the reasons it is so dangerous to go to the hospital. Created by western medicine, it is responsible for thousands of deaths every year. They have no cure for it, as it was created by overuse of their antibiotics; it is completely resistant to them.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/039317_lavender_antibiotics-resistant_bacteria_staph_infection.html##ixzz34SUlzjL1
The other ingredients that I use are: Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E Oil, and a very small amount of Witch Hazel.
The ingredients I use not only kill bacteria, but they are also great for your skin....every single one of them! After just one use your hands feel soft and moisturized from the Vitamin E and Aloe Vera. It does not dry or sting your hands like the commercial alcohol products. It is AMAZING!
All of the products at Heidi's Artisan Soap improve the condition of your skin. I am really excited about this new product, and I cannot wait for everyone to try it!
