Is alcohol in skincare bad for my skin?

While alcohol can help ingredients penetrate and give products a light feel, high concentrations or frequent use can strip the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential damage to the skin barrier over time.

Why is alcohol used in some skincare products?

Alcohol is used for its solvent properties, helping to dissolve other ingredients. It also acts as an astringent, temporarily tightening pores, and can enhance the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin.

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Alcohol Denat.

Alcohol Denat. is a denatured form of ethanol, commonly used in cosmetics as a solvent, an astringent, and a penetration enhancer. It helps other ingredients absorb into the skin and can provide a quick-drying, lightweight feel to products. While it can temporarily degrease skin, high concentrations or frequent use may lead to dryness and irritation.

NoneSolvent, astringent, penetration enhancerVeganEvidence: High

BenefitMinimal 0.5 / 4

Oil control

Acne

RiskModerate 2 / 4

Irritation

Barrier disruption

Eye irritation

Sensitization

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

Enhances ingredient penetration
Provides quick-drying texture
Temporary degreasing effect

Things to watch

Can be drying and irritating
May disrupt skin barrier
Can increase skin sensitivity

Be careful combining with

Retinoid — High concentrations of alcohol can exacerbate irritation and dryness when used with retinoids.
Vitamin C — Alcohol can destabilize some forms of vitamin C and may increase irritation.

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Frequently asked questions

Is alcohol in skincare bad for my skin?: While alcohol can help ingredients penetrate and give products a light feel, high concentrations or frequent use can strip the skin's natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential damage to the skin barrier over time.
Why is alcohol used in some skincare products?: Alcohol is used for its solvent properties, helping to dissolve other ingredients. It also acts as an astringent, temporarily tightening pores, and can enhance the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin.