The efficacy of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.

) Extract as an
Alternative Hand Sanitizer

Avellano, Frenzell Jhairah Basea, Jerald

Brao, Alvin Rey C. De Guzman, Carl Jade D.
Francisco, Niño Albert R. Laurio, Carmela Mae
Maceda, Alrey Raiven Gem C. Obiña, Christine Ann E.
Rapada, Stephanie Mae B. Tan, Ian Ace Benedict C.

Group 3 - Block 10 - STEM

A Scientific Inquiry
Submitted to the Faculty of
Senior High School Department
ACLC College of Tacloban
Tacloban City

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements in the Subjects
Capstone Project/Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion

March 2025
 INTRODUCTION

Background of study

Nowadays, hand washing is important in a person’s daily life preventing

the bacteria’s that cause different illnesses from spreading. Germs and other

bacteria can be transferred from one person to another through contact with

contaminated hands. After the COVID-19 pandemic, hand Sanitizers have

surged as a common substitute for conventional handwashing in healthcare and

community environments, increasing the demand for alcohol. A wide range of

hand sanitizers can be found in different types. It is important to consider the

types of hand sanitizers that effectively fight viruses (Palmero, 2024).

Using hand sanitizer is an effective way to prevent spreading viruses and

germs. Hand sanitizer or a hand rub is a liquid, gel or foam-based product

containing suitable antimicrobial agents, which are left on and not rinsed off with

water and are intended to reduce hand contamination (Kumar & Das, 2020).

Furthermore, most of the hand sanitizer recommended by the World Health

Organization (WHO) consist of ethanol, isopropyl alcohols, or hydrogen

peroxides in various mixes, with the concentration of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol

typically ranging from 60% to 95% percent with this concentration range can be

considered the effective and active to kill bacteria (Palmero, 2024).

 The use of Aloe vera gel as a hand sanitizer is efficient due to its natural

moisturizing and germ-retarding abilities, as well as its ability to inhibit certain

bacterial strains (Booq et al., 2021). Aloe vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis

Miller, is a hardy, perennial, tropical, drought-resistant, succulent plant. Aloe vera

belongs to the asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family that has approximately 635

species. Aloe vera is a species of Aloe that is particularly famous for its medicinal

properties.

The name Aloe vera comes from the Arabic word "Alloeh" which means

shining bitter substance, while “vera” in Latin means true (Itrat & Zar, 2013).

Aloe vera has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The main

advantage of using aloe vera as a hand sanitizer is that it is a natural product

with no or minimal side effects, can easily be found or planted and 100%

biodegradable that does not cause any harm to the environment. In some

sensitive individuals, it may cause allergic reactions, rash, burning sensation, and

rarely generalized dermatitis (Trevedi et al., 2019).

The Aloe Vera naturally protects against viral and bacterial infections due

to its polyphenol content, which inhibits bacterial growth according to the study of

Palmero (2024). Aloe Vera is well recognized for its natural skin hydration

properties, and its gel-like texture makes it ideal for hand sanitizer applications.

Aloe Vera works as a hand sanitizer because it is an easily accessible,

inexpensive natural product with little to no side effects, and best of all, it is

completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The soothing properties

of the aloe vera are essential in hand sanitizer. When mixed with aloe vera,

alcohol, which can be harsh on its own, is less likely to cause skin irritation. Plus,

it extends the shelf life of your alcohol, allowing you to use the same agents to kill

more bacteria.

Aloe vera has antibacterial properties and has been use for centuries for

medical purposes according to the study by Avinash et al. (2023). The natural

anthraquinones found in Aloe Vera have demonstrated the ability to inhibit

Mycobacterium TB and Bacillus subtilis in vitro, connecting them to the

antibacterial qualities of the plant. Salmonella paratyphi, Streptococcus

pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus have all been shown to exhibit

bacteriostatic properties in aloe juice. It has been utilized for its healing

advantages since ancient times. The Egyptians used it to heal ailments and

repair battle injuries. The Greeks utilized it for addressing colon and stomach

problems, along with leg ulcers, blisters, and burns. Aloe Vera is a beneficial

element that contains hydrating and antioxidant properties. Aloe Vera hand

sanitizer soothes the skin as it cleanses. Herbal hand made from natural

ingredients Sanitizers are inexpensive, efficient, and eco-friendly. Herbal hand

sanitizer recipes and products have demonstrated effectiveness against

pathogens, and the results have been compared and validated to be effective

alongside commercialized hand sanitizer formulations. As far as the environment

is concerned, these herbal preparations have been deemed safe for human
health. This study focuses on the potency, awareness-raising, and upbeat effects

of herbal hand sanitizers made with Psidium guajava and aloe vera leaf extract.

Furthermore, Hand washing is important in peoples' daily life preventing

bacteria and viruses. Commercialized hand sanitizer is recommended from the

World Health Organization it is consist of ethanol, isopropyl alcohols, or hydrogen

peroxides in various mixes, with the concentration of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol

that has concentration range of 60% to 95% that can kill bacterial and viruses.

However, Commercialized hand sanitizer is expensive because of all the

synthetic ingredients. Therefore, the goal of this study is to create an alternative

hand sanitizer. This alternative hand sanitizer utilizes the natural properties of

Aloe vera by using its extract mixed with a little of alcohol and essential oil, which

is efficient, cheap, easy to make and eco-friendly.

Objective of the Study

The study aimed to create an alternative hand sanitizer by using all the

natural benefits in the Aloe Vera extract. Specifically, the study aims to:

Determine if Aloe Vera extract is suitable for alternative hand sanitizer in

terms of:

a. Effectiveness.

b. Safety.

c. Effective duration.

d. Fragrant.

Testing the ability of killing the bacteria and viruses in the alternative Aloe

Vera extract hand sanitizer.

Comparing the alternative Aloe Vera hand sanitizer to the commercialized

hand sanitizer.

Statement of the Hypothesis

Alternative Hypothesis: The alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera

extract are effective in killing bacteria and viruses and safety to use.

Null Hypothesis: The alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera extract

has no effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

Alternative Hypothesis: There is a difference between commercialize

hand sanitizer and Aloe Vera extract hand sanitizer.

 Null Hypothesis: There is no difference between commercialize hand

sanitizer and Aloe Vera extract hand sanitizer.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS
OUTPUT
Extracting Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe Vera through:

Aloe Vera extract as
Lavender oil  Slicing an alternative hand
 Peeling
sanitizer.
Alcohol  Straining

Glycerin Measuring and mix all the

ingredients.
Dropping the essential
lavender oil.
Pouring into bottle spray.

Figure 1. Input Process Output (IPO Model)

The conceptual framework above illustrates the input, process, and output

(IPO) model in creating an alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera extract. The

input will be the ingredients of alternative hand sanitizer this are the Aloe Vera,

lavender oil, Glycerin and isopropyl Alcohol. The process is the extraction of gel

from the Aloe Vera plants through slicing, peeling, and straining. Using Aloe Vera

extract as an alternative hand sanitizer mix with isopropyl alcohol, glycerin and a
drop of essential lavender oil after that pouring to the bottle spray. The output is

the alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera extract.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to create an alternative hand sanitizer made by Aloe Vera

extract. The study will be beneficial to the various groups of people, it will

particularly be beneficial to the following groups:

Consumer. This study will give to the consumers access on sustainable

alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera extract to a commercialized hand

sanitizer. Also, this study can market the aloe vera extract hand sanitizer as an

eco-friendly and natural alternative for commercialize hand sanitizer, this study

may attract customers who value natural good product.

Community. This study will be beneficial to the people of the community

giving awareness that Aloe Vera can be helpful for many things like making an

alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera extract. Also to encourage people from

the community to plant and harvest more Aloe Vera plants because of its natural

benefits.

Future Researchers. The finding of this study will give information to the

researchers about the Aloe Vera plants and its natural benefits that can be used

as an alternative hand sanitizer. The study will serve as their basis and guide for

further exploration about the Aloe Vera plants and their future study.
Scope and Delimitations of the study

This study aims to investigate the safety and effectiveness of using Aloe

Vera extract as an alternative hand sanitizer. The researchers will gather all the

materials by buying from the markets, pharmacy store, and cosmetic store. The

researchers also gather fresh Aloe Vera from various place where Aloe vera

plants can be found, they will ask permission first and express gratitude to the

owner before collecting the Aloe Vera. The experimentation will be conducted at

one of the researcher’s residents whose place is suitable for experimenting. After

the experiment the hand sanitizer will testing its ability to kill bacteria and viruses

and observe its effectiveness, safety, effective duration and fragrant. The hand

sanitizer can remove or kill bacteria and viruses. However, it can only use for

minimal or less dirty it cannot only kill all types of bacteria. Handwashing with

soap and water are recommended if the dirty and grease are visible (Ellis, 2021).

Only the Aloe Vera especially the gel is used for the extraction of extract, the

skins and other parts of the Aloe Vera are not used in the study.
Definition of terms
To better understand the key term that used in the study. This is the

definition of the following terms.

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.). A type of plant with thick pointed

leaves, or the thick liquid found in the leaves that is used to treat damaged skin.

Hand Sanitizer. is a liquid, gel or foam-based product containing suitable

antimicrobial agents, which are left on and not rinsed off with water and are

intended to reduce hand contamination.

Lavender Oil. A type of essential oil which has a yellowish hue extracted

from Lavender flowers.

Alcohol. is a liquid, gel or foam that is designed to be applied to the

hands to prevent and kill bacterial and viruses.

Glycerin. Also called glycerol, is a sugar alcohol used in foods, soaps,

medicines, and skin products.

 METHODOLOGY

Materials and Equipment

The table presents the materials and equipment that will be used for this

study. Materials and equipment for this study are accessible and easy to use.

Table 1

Materials that will be used for this study.

Materials Function

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) It has natural antibacterial suitable for alternative
hand sanitizer. Also, it can be found in the
garden or bought in the local market.

Lavender Oil Giving good aromatic in the hand sanitizer. Also,

it can be bought at online shopping or cosmetic
shop.

Isopropyl Alcohol Used its antibacterial properties to effectively kill

bacteria. Also, it can be bought at the pharmacy
and cosmetic shop.

Glycerin It has a mild alcohol solution and moisturizes the

hand sanitizer. It can be bought at the pharmacy
and cosmetic shop.

Table 1, presents the materials that are used for this study, and it is mostly

found and bought at the local market, pharmacy and cosmetic store.
Table 2

Equipment that will be used for this study.

Equipment Application

Mixing Bowl Used for mixing all the ingredients.

Spoon Used for stirring and mixing all the ingredients.

Knife Used for cutting the ingredients.

Measuring cup Used for measuring the ingredients.

Measuring spoon Used for measuring the ingredients.

Blender Used for blending ingredients into liquid form.

strainer Used for separating between solid form and

liquid form.

Table 2, presents the equipment that will be used for this study. The tools

and equipment are usually found and used in the kitchen.

Cost Analysis

Table 3

Materials expenses.

Materials Quantity Unit Price Total

Lavender oil 1 bottle (20 ml) Php 299.00 Php 299.00

Glycerin 1 bottle (120 ml) Php 156.25 Php 156.25

Isopropyl Alcohol 1 bottle (500 ml) Php 93.25 Php 93.25

TOTAL Php 548.50

The table 3, presents the total expense of materials that the researchers

spent during experimentation for this study. The essential lavender oil contains

20ml and it cost Php 299.00 each bottle. The glycerin contains 120ml and it costs

Php 156.25 each bottle. Lastly, the isopropyl alcohol contains 500ml and it costs

Php 93.25 each bottle. Furthermore, Php 548.50 is the total expense of materials

that the researchers spent during the experimentation of this study.

Treatment and Variables

Table 4

Treatments of the study.

Factor Level Treatment

Aloe Vera extract 2.5ml Treatment 1

5ml Treatment 2

7.5ml Treatment 3

Concentration of the Low Concentration Treatment 1

Aloe Vera extract Moderate Concentration Treatment 2

High Concentration Treatment 3

The table 4, shows the amount of Aloe Vera extract and the concentration

needed for each treatment. The amount of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.)

extract adds 2.5ml on each treatment. Treatment 1 contains 2.5ml with low

concentration, treatment 2 contains 5ml with moderate concentration, and

treatment 3 contains 7.5ml high concentration. The researcher adapts the

measurements of Aloe Vera gel from the recent study entitled “The Efficiency of

Citrus Peel Essential Oil and Aloe Vera Extract as an Anti-Bacterial Hand

Sanitizer” by Arcilla et al. (2021). wherein the result of the study shows that the

Aloe Vera extract can be used for making an alternative hand sanitizer.
Table 5

Variables of the study.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable Controlled Variable

 Aloe Vera extract  The effectiveness  Isopropyl Alcohol

 Concentration of of using Aloe  Glycerin

Aloe Vera extract Vera as a Hand  Essential

sanitizer lavender oil

The table above shows the variables of the study. These variables will be

used by researchers to obtain the result of alternative hand sanitizers using Aloe

Vera extract. The independent variable is the Aloe Vera extract and the

concentration of the Aloe Vera extract. Furthermore, by assessing the influence

of the independent variable on the dependent variable the researchers can

obtain connections between these variables.

The dependent variable is the effectiveness of using Aloe Vera as an

alternative hand sanitizer. The characteristics of this hand sanitizer are observing

its effectiveness, safety, fragrance and measure its duration. Through

observation and measuring the characteristics of the hand sanitizer the

researchers able to observe that using Aloe Vera extract as an alternative hand

sanitizer are safety and effective.

 The controlled variables are isopropyl alcohol, glycerin, and essential

lavender oil. These are the variables that are kept at a constant level throughout

the experiment. The researchers ensure that any changes in the dependent

variable, are not determined by other factors such as the amount of isopropyl

alcohol, glycerin and essential lavender oil but only by the independent variable,

which is the Aloe Vera extract and concentration of the Aloe Vera extract. By

analyzing these variables, researchers determine the effect of the independent

variable on the dependent variable. The researchers also obtained the efficacy of

Aloe Vera hand sanitizer by comparing it with commercialized hand sanitizer

products.
 Flowchart of the Procedure

This section of the study presents a figure illustrating the flowchart of the

procedure. It serves as a visual representation of the step-by-step experiment

procedure. The process is indicated with arrows from the beginning to the end of

the process.

Figure 2. Process of the Study

Prepare the materials Mix well and transfer to a Obtain the hand
that will be used. small container. sanitizer.

Gather fresh Aloe Vera Add 5ml lavender oil into

the mixing bowl. Apply to the hand.
plant and rinse with
water.

Add 5ml glycerin

Observeinto
thethe
fragrance,
Extract the Aloe Vera
mixing bowl.
effective duration, safety,
plant using knife
and effectiveness.

Get all the Gel from the Add 30ml isopropyl

Compare it to the
Aloe Vera Plant. alcohol into the mixing
commercialized product.
bowl.

Blend the Aloe Vera Gel Pour into the mixing bowl
into liquid form. Interpretation of the
with strainer.
data.

Results and Conclusion

General Procedure

This section of the study consists of general procedures for making an

alternative hand sanitizer using Aloe Vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.) extract. The

researchers first gathered all the necessary materials and equipment to make

hand sanitizer. Once the materials are arranged and prepared, one should strictly

follow and observe the process indicated below:

A. Extraction of Aloe Vera plant

1. Prepared all materials which are Aloe Vera plants, isopropyl alcohol,

essential lavender oil, and glycerin. Also, the equipment needed for this

experimentation.

2. Before proceeding with the experimentation, wash your hands to maintain

proper hygiene.

3. Clean the Aloe Vera plant rinse with water.

4. Cut the Aloe Vera plant using a knife.

5. Peel the skin of the Aloe Vera plant.

6. Extract the gel from the Aloe Vera plant.

7. Put the gel in the measuring cup.

B. Making the Hand sanitizer

1. Transfer the Aloe Vera gel to the blender to become liquid form.

2. Pour it into the mixing bowl.

3. Add 30ml of isopropyl alcohol

4. Add 5ml of glycerin

 5. Add 5ml of essential lavender oil

6. Mix all the ingredients well.

7. Transfer to the small container.

8. Lastly, the data was observed and interpreted.

General Safety Measures and Precautions

This section of the study consists of guidelines to help anyone conducting

this experiment to maintain an orderly and safe working environment for

researchers.

A. Before conducting an experiment

 Prepare all the necessary materials used for this study.

 Carefully read all the procedures before doing an experiment.

 Organize the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies to keep it

sanitary while doing the experiment, making sure the experiment is kept

maintained.

 Be sure to wear the right protective equipment during the experiment,

such as an apron/lab coat, gloves, and safety googles, to protect you from

the harmful substances that may come in contact with your skin.

 Make sure to conduct the experiment in an open and ventilated space to

prevent any harmful gases and odors from accumulating.

  Just in case someone was to be harmed while doing the experiment,

prepare a first aid kit so that it's easier to prevent any infections and such.

B. During conducting an experiment

 Follow the general procedure in extracting the Aloe Vera plants.

 Do not rush and carefully using tools and equipment, especially knife

when cutting the Aloe Vera.

 Be mindful and alert when using electrical equipment avoid wet surfaces

or wet environments.

 Wash your hands before and after the experiment to maintain proper

hygiene.

C. After conducting an experiment

 Dispose the materials that were used in the experiment properly to

prevent cross contamination. Put all the trash in a garbage bag then make

sure to properly tidy up the area that was used for the experiment.

 After tidying up, make sure to sanitize all the used equipment, ensuring a

clean and safe environment, then store the equipment properly to prevent

them from rusting.

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VIEW_OF_ITS_CLINICAL_EFFECTIVENESS