Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientSolventAlcohol
INCI: Alcohol
Alcohol (INCI: Alcohol, also known as ethanol) is a simple, volatile alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, astringent, and viscosity controller. It creates cosmetically elegant, fast-absorbing, thin formulas by dissolving ingredients that are insoluble in water or oil. It is a controversial ingredient: while it provides immediate sensory and preservative benefits, it can be drying and potentially barrier-disrupting when present at high concentrations.
Category
Solvent
Irritation Risk
Medium
Skin Types
oily, acne-prone (short-term use at moderate concentrations)
What does this do in a formula?
solvent, penetration enhancer, antimicrobial, preservative, astringent, fast absorption, lightweight texture
Is Alcohol safe? Key considerations
Can Alcohol cause irritation?
Medium RiskAlcohol can cause irritation, stinging, and barrier disruption when present at high concentrations (listed in the first 5-7 ingredients). At lower concentrations it is generally well tolerated. Sensitive, eczema-prone, and rosacea-prone skin types are most at risk. No EU CosIng Annex II or III restrictions apply for cosmetic use.
Does Alcohol increase sun sensitivity?
No RiskAlcohol does not directly increase photosensitivity. However, barrier disruption from high-concentration alcohol products could theoretically reduce the skin's resilience to UV damage.
Is Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
SafeTopical ethanol in cosmetic formulations is considered safe during pregnancy. Systemic absorption from topical cosmetic application is minimal and not a concern at normal use levels. The concern with alcohol relates to ingestion, not topical cosmetic use.
How does Alcohol work?
Alcohol (INCI: Alcohol, also known as ethanol) is a simple, volatile alcohol used in cosmetics primarily as a solvent, antimicrobial agent, astringent, and viscosity controller. It creates cosmetically elegant, fast-absorbing, thin formulas by dissolving ingredients that are insoluble in water or oil. It is a controversial ingredient: while it provides immediate sensory and preservative benefits, it can be drying and potentially barrier-disrupting when present at high concentrations.
Individuals with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, dry skin, dehydrated skin, compromised skin barrier should review the considerations above before use.
Which products contain Alcohol?
Shop products that contain Alcohol
Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
Starter Retinol Serum
Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Caffeine Eye Cream
Oat Cleansing Balm
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Supersize Salicylic Acid Cleanser
360° Skin Clearing Serum
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
1% Retinol Serum
PHA Body Water Cream
Succinic Acid Treatment
Glycolic Acid Toner
Brighten-i Eye Cream
Peptide Moisturiser
Retinol Eye Cream
Blemish Clearing Moisturiser with 2% Novoretin
Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser
Fulvic Acid Cleanser
Tranexamic Acid Serum
20% Niacinamide Serum
10% Urea Moisturiser
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pimple Patches
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Gentle Clear Clarifying Cream Cleanser
Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Glycolipid Cream Cleanser
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
