How to Make Hand Sanitizer Gather your ingredients. This sanitizer closely emulates the commercial kind, without all the chemicals and without the bad smell. Hand sanitizer should not replace hand washing; just use it when you really need it. Here's what you'll need: 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or 190-proof grain alcohol (Do not substitute other concentrations of alcohol.) 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel (preferably without additives) 8 to 10 drops essential oil, such as lavender, clove, cinnamon, or peppermint Mixing bowl Spoon Funnel Plastic container