The coronavirus epidemic is causing a rush on protective masks or hydroalcoholic gels. The prices of these products have soared in recent days, while some points of sale are out of stock. But it is possible to make your own hydroalcoholic gel yourself. Europe 1 got down to it, using the formula published by the World Health Organization.
Be careful before playing sorcerer's apprentices
WHO provides the list of ingredients on its website:
- 96% ethanol
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)
- 98% glycerol
- Distilled water or cooled boiled water
At first glance, making your own hydroalcoholic gel does not seem rocket science. The proportions are well indicated to achieve what looks like a simple mixture. I went to the pharmacy, but I broke my teeth on the first product, 96% ethanol, banned for sale to individuals. "Unfortunately, we cannot sell you that. We can deliver you 70% modified alcohol, but not 96%," warns the pharmacist.
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It is however possible to find 96% ethanol in DIY stores, or on the internet, but there are risks of combustion or detonation between these different products. Be careful, therefore, before playing sorcerer's apprentices!
Other recipes on social networks, but ...
On social networks, many Internet users circulate other recipes to make their own hydroalcoholic gel. An example: with 70% alcohol (which is authorized for sale in pharmacies), aloe vera, essential oil of lavender and sweet almond oil.
So yes, the product smells good and maybe better than nothing at all. But, in the opinion of pharmacists, this recipe is not very effective, unlike that provided by the WHO.
Is it that important, hydroalcoholic gel? The pharmacists interviewed were unanimous: hydroalcoholic gel can be useful if you are on the street, in transport and you do not have a sink at hand. But even "real" hydroalcoholic gels are less effective (and more expensive!) Than a good regular hand wash.