Alcohols in Skincare Products: Good or Bad?
- Vera
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
There are many different types of alcohols that can be found in our body, elsewhere in nature, and even in our food. Chemically speaking, alcohol merely means that there is an additional group of atoms, called the OH group, bound to a molecule. The presence of this group significantly changes the characteristics of the molecule and the properties of the mixture it is a part of.
When talking about skincare, we usually divide alcohols into three groups: low molecular weight alcohols, high molecular weight or fatty alcohols, and aromatic alcohols. (Molecular weight determines the function of alcohol in skincare.)
Low molecular alcohols (see table below) are liquids that evaporate very quickly, which gives a very moisturizing, weightless, non-greasy feel to the skin. The matte finish can feel good, especially on oily skin. In general, they are added to help with the overall aesthetic and feel of the product on the skin. They are also used as solvents because they allow ingredients to dissolve better into the product. One of the benefits is also the increased absorption of active ingredients caused by the disruption of the skin's waxy lipid barrier. However, this can have a downside and negatively affect the skin. It can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the products, cause dryness by pulling water out of the skin, increase oiliness, and enlarge pores in the long run or with the use of multiple products containing low molecular alcohol.
Fatty alcohols are wax-like ingredients, solid at room temperature, and mostly derived from plants. They give a luxurious feel to the skin, help create emulsions, and add emollience to the product by making the skin smoother and softer. Some also have humectant properties and help hold water by reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
In conclusion, alcohols should not be simply avoided in skincare, as they can offer both benefits and potential drawbacks.
Aromatic alcohols are mainly used as fragrance ingredients and preservatives. The most common one is benzyl alcohol, which is naturally occurring in plants and some essential oils, but can also be made in a lab to be nature-identical. They can cause irritation but are considered safe in low concentrations. Preservatives are necessary to make the products safe to use.
In conclusion, alcohols should not be simply avoided in skincare, as they can offer both benefits and potential drawbacks. While some alcohols can enhance the texture, absorption, and effectiveness of products, others may cause irritation or dryness for certain skin types. As with any ingredient, individual skin tolerance varies, so it’s important to understand how your skin reacts and choose products accordingly.
Low Molecular Alcohols | Fatty Alcohols |
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*Not fatty but draws moisture to the skin.
References and further reading:
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