In the age of Coronavirus (COVID-19), some products such as hand-sanitizers come in short supply. In many areas, prices have gone up as some people went into panic buying. Their behavior is understandable because the World Health Organization has raised the alarm level to its highest, short of declaring a global pandemic although some countries are already implementing measures as if it is already one.

Indeed, it is but necessary to take precaution because as the cliche says, prevention is better than cure. One of the best preventive measures is hand washing every now and then. Yet to go to the bathroom or to the kitchen very often is inconvenient or impractical.

That is why having a sanitizer on hand is highly recommended. But what will you do if you can’t find a shop to sell you a bottle even at a higher price? Good news: you can make your own inexpensively.

Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine shared her recipe at ThoughtCo.

You only need two ingredients: 2/3 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel. Mixed them together and behold, you don’t need to line up at your favorite store to buy a hand sanitizer!

It is your choice to add a few drops (8-10 is recommended by Dr. Helmenstine) of essential oils to give an attractive smell. But adding scent for the olfactory organ is only a secondary reason to add. Because some essential oils like cinnamon, clove, pimento, thyme, oregano, and rosemary have antimicrobial properties, it makes a lot of sense to do the dropping. Although you may become poorer for doing so, adding essential oils make your home product even more powerful to keep you safe.

When done, pour out the mixture into a suitable bottle. Happily inform your friends and love ones about it. If they like your output, it is not at all bad to do business and pocket a few bucks. After all, it is your creation.