When we hear the word "alcohol" and "skin care" in the same sentence, we tend to run away screaming. Many product labels boast of being "alcohol-free". But did you know that not all alcohols are bad? They can take on many different forms, and some are actually beneficial to your skin! Here's the scoop on this misunderstood ingredient...

The Meaning of Alcohol

A pure alcohol (AKA ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is used as an anticeptic or solvent in products like moisturizers, toners and perfumes. SD alcohol has been denatured (to help avoid accidental ingestion), and may be referred to as ethanol. It is this form of alcohols that people should avoid.

However, just because an ingredient contains the word 'alcohol', doesn't mean it is an ethyl alcohol. They might be from a related family, but many alcohols are good for your skin. Think of it this way: just because you don't like broccoli doesn't mean that you have to avoid vegetables altogether!

What are the 'Bad Alcohols' and Why are They Bad?

Avoid products with these ingredients on the label:

  • SD Alcohol
  • Ethanol
  • Methanol
  • Benzyl Alcohol
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Methyl Alcohol

These are pure forms of alcohol, and can have a negative impact on the skin. They can break down the barrier layer of skin, which makes you more susceptible to sun damage and environmental elements. They can also cause dialated blood vessels (commonly referred to as broken capillaries). Many products designed for oily skin use SD Alcohol because it temporarily gets rid of oil. This should be avoided at all costs! While you may see a temporary improvement, eventually skin starts to overproduce oil to make up for the severe lack of oil caused by the alcohol. That's why many acne clients may love a product line for a few months, and then notice that it "stops working."

What Alcohols are Good?

Some alcohols are actually great to have in skin care products:

  • Cetyl Alcohol
    A lubricant and stabilizer. It has a waxy form, and helps lock in moisture and form a protective layer.
  • Cetearyl Alcohol
    An emulsifier and stabilizing agent derived from coconut oil. It can help to soften thicker products, and is commonly found in products for dry skin.
  • Stearyl Alcohol
    Also derived from coconut oil, this emulsifier can substitute cetyl alcohol when a firmer formula is needed.

Lanolin Alcohol is also a "good alcohol", but Dermalogica avoids the use of lanolin ingredients. It is derived from the oil glands of sheep wool, and many people find lanolin ingredients to be a bit irritating.