What You Should Know About Alcohol in Skincare

Skincare Ingredients

Many of the products you put on your skin, such as cosmetics and skincare, contain a multitude of ingredients. One of the most common ingredients would be alcohol, as it can be used for different functionalities. However, this can do more harm than good when it comes to your face. 

Does this mean that you should ban all alcohol from your products? The simple answer is yes. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to something as delicate as your skin. However, the complicated answer states that it depends. While some types of alcohol cause harm, others can provide good results for the overall appearance of your skin. The important thing is knowing the difference between good and bad alcohol.

 

The Bad

Some “bad” types of alcohol include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, alcohol denat, and methanol, which are used as a preservative in cosmetics. These ingredients can make the cream finish feel lighter, create matte dry finishes, and help other products penetrate the skin. However, they can also cause irritation, dryness, and a lot of damage to the skin through breakouts and acne.

Additionally, allowing for other products to penetrate the skin makes the removal process harder and you could end up leaving some makeup behind during the cleansing process, which will negatively affect the skin. It’s important to note that many people with oily skin will pick alcohol-based products because it has a quick-dry finish, but while this is true, alcohol can make it more oily in the long run so the use of it is counterproductive.

 

The Good

However, there are “good” types of alcohol that can be used to keep the oil and water from separating in your skincare product. These are what we call “fatty” alcohols, including cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol. These can help keep the moisture in your skin, as they are not drying or an irritant. They are beneficial as they can protect your skin from dryness. 

 

Choosing the Best Product

So when it comes to alcohol in your cosmetics or skincare products, it’s best to look at the ingredients and understand what you are going to put on your face. Try to avoid the “bad” alcohol types and go for the more beneficial ones, or avoid them altogether and choose products that are alcohol-free and plant-based.

 

Alcohol-free Recommendation

Paulownia Facial Wipes are a strong contender for alcohol-free skincare products. The cleanser relies on natural Paulownia fibers and a dry-to-water activation system in place of any alcohol ingredients, while still maintaining a thorough cleansing. Oil, dirt, and waterproof makeup dissolve easily, and the natural ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin types. Their wipes boast a 5-in-1 benefit as a makeup remover, cleanser, toner, exfoliator, and hydrating product.  

 

Author: Caitlin Chrismon

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