<![CDATA[The use of natural ingredient-based hand sanitizers represents an alternative approach to developing practical antiseptic preparations that may provide comfort to the skin. This study aimed to formulate hand sanitizer gels containing aloe vera gel (Aloe vera) and lime juice (Citrus aurantifolia) at several concentration variations and to evaluate their physical characteristics and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The study employed a laboratory experimental method with four formulations, namely F0, F1, F2, and F3, which differed in the amounts of aloe vera gel and lime juice. The preparation evaluation included homogeneity, organoleptic characteristics, pH, and antibacterial activity. The results showed that all formulations remained in gel form throughout the observation period, with variations in color and aroma influenced by the addition of natural ingredients. The pH values of all formulations ranged from 5.0 to 5.5, namely 5.0 for F0, 5.1 for F1, 5.4 for F2, and 5.5 for F3. Antibacterial testing showed the growth of E. coli in F0, whereas no bacterial growth was visually observed in F1, F2, F3, or the positive control. Nevertheless, all formulations still exhibited slight clumping, and the antibacterial testing conducted remained qualitative. These findings indicate that the combination of aloe vera gel and lime juice has the potential to be developed as natural ingredients in hand sanitizer formulations. Quantitative antibacterial testing and further stability evaluation are required to confirm the effectiveness and quality of the preparations.]]>
