The truth about alcohol in skincare: Is it really that bad?

Alcohol is a common ingredient in skincare products, but it often gets a bad reputation. Some people avoid products with alcohol altogether, while others claim that it’s essential for certain formulations and that it works magic on their skin. So, what’s the truth? Is alcohol harmful to your skin, or can it be beneficial?

In this blog post, I will break down the different types of alcohol used in skincare, how they affect your skin, and whether you should avoid them or not.

Types of alcohol in skincare

Alcohol in skincare are mainly divided into two different categories because they have different purposes and effects on the skin. Simple (or drying) alcohols and fatty alcohols.

Simple alcohols (drying alcohols)

Simple alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, SD alcohols and methanol, are lightweight and fast-drying. These are the types that often get a bad rap in skincare, and for good reason.

Why are they used?

Simple alcohols are primarily used in skincare for their ability to:

• Create a quick-drying finish: This is why they’re often found in products like toners, setting sprays or mattifying products. Alcohol helps reduce drying time, leaving the skin feeling matte or refreshed.
• Enhance ingredient penetration: Alcohol can break down the skin’s barrier slightly, allowing other active ingredients (such as salicylic acid or retinoids) to penetrate more effectively. If your skin barrier is already damaged this can make it much worse.
• Preservation: Alcohol has antimicrobial properties, prevent microbial growth and help maintain the product’s stability and thereby extending the shelf life of products .

The downsides of simple alcohols

While these alcohols can help products feel lightweight and non-greasy, they often come with negative side effects, particularly for dry and sensitive skin types. Prolonged or frequent use of simple alcohols can:

• Disrupt the skin’s natural barrier: This can lead to moisture loss and make the skin more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and even breakouts. (You can read THIS post about Skin barrier for more information).
• Cause dryness and tightness: Alcohol evaporates quickly, and as it does, it can take away moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling tight or dry.
• Lead to inflammation: For those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema, simple alcohols can exacerbate redness and irritation.

Using small amounts of simple alcohols isn’t harmful for a shorter period of time, but if you have a damaged skin barrier the use of simple alcohol can lead to long term problems.

Fatty alcohols (good alcohols)

In contrast to simple alcohols, fatty alcohols—such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol—are beneficial for the skin. These are derived from fats and oils, and their primary role is to soften and moisturize the skin.

Why are they used?

Fatty alcohols have moisturizing properties that help:

• Soften and condition the skin: These alcohols are emollients, which means they help soften the skin and create a smooth texture.
• Thicken formulations: They are often used in creams and lotions to improve the consistency and give the product a creamy texture.
• Stabilize emulsions: Fatty alcohols help oil and water-based ingredients mix more effectively, improving the products stability.

The benefits of fatty alcohols

• Moisturizing properties: Unlike their drying counterparts, fatty alcohols help hydrate and protect the skin by forming a barrier that prevents water loss. They are ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin.
• Non-irritating: Fatty alcohols are generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Their soothing nature makes them popular in many moisturizing products.

The downsides of fatty alcohols

• Can cause mild sensitiveness
• Can be to heavy for certain skin types

Simple alcohols (drying alcohols)	Fatty alcohols (good alcohols)
Alcohol Denat (Denatured Alcohol)	Cetyl Alcohol
Ethanol	Stearyl alcohol
Isopropyla alcohol	Cetearyl alcohol
SD alcohol
Methanol

Alcohol and different skin types

Whether or not you should avoid alcohol in skincare depends on your skin type, the concentration of alcohol in the product, and the type of alcohol used.

Oily or acne prone skin

• People with oily skin might appreciate the quick-drying effect of simple alcohols in toners or spot treatments. Can help control oil production and provide a matte finish. Look for products where alcohol isn’t the primary ingredient (it should be listed further down in the ingredients list).
• In certain active formulas: Some treatments, like acne solutions or retinoid creams, may include alcohol to help the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin.
• As a short-term solution: If you’re using a product with alcohol for a specific purpose (like drying out a pimple), it can be effective in the short term.

Normal skin types

• Normal or Combination Skin: If your skin is neither too oily nor too dry, you may tolerate small amounts of alcohol in products, but always check where alcohol falls on the ingredients list. If it’s one of the first few ingredients, it’s likely in a higher concentration and may cause issues over time.

Dry and or sensitive skin types

• For dry or sensitive skin: If your skin is prone to dryness, irritation, or sensitivity, it’s best to avoid products with high concentrations of simple alcohols, as they can strip away moisture and weaken the skin’s natural barrier. If you suffer from extremely dry skin I would just stay away from this type of alcohol altogether.
• For maintaining skin health long-term: Over time, consistent use of products containing drying alcohols can lead to compromised skin barrier function, premature aging, and increased sensitivity.

In general, it’s best to avoid products with high concentrations of drying alcohols, especially if you’re concerned about long-term effects on your skin barrier no matter what skin type you have.

	Pros	Cons
Simple alcohols	Provide a matte finish	Can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dehydration and sensitivity.
	Helps other ingredients to penetrate the skin	Can cause irritation, redness and inflammation
	Antibacterial properties	Can cause eczema and dryness
	Fast drying	May trigger excessive oil production due to compensation, leading to more breakouts.
Fatty alcohols	Helps to retain moisture and protect the skin barrier	Can cause mild sensitivities (not common)
	Act as an emollients giving products nice texture	Can make a product feel heavier and might not be suitable for oilier skin types
	Suitable for sensitive and dry skin types
	Non irritating and non drying

How to identify Alcohol in skincare

When shopping for skincare products it’s essential to read the labels carefully to determine what type of alcohol is being used. Here are a few tips:

• Check ingredient lists: Alcohol is often listed near the top of the ingredients list in products like toners, astringents, and makeup removers. Avoid products where Alcohol Denat, Ethanol, or Isopropyl Alcohol are listed in the top five ingredients. This indicates a high concentration of drying alcohols.
• Look for beneficial fatty alcohols: Ingredients like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, are fatty alcohols that help hydrate and soften the skin. These are safe for most skin types and should not be avoided.
• Go for Alcohol-Free formulas: Many brands offers alcohol-free versions. Look for labels that specify “alcohol-free”.

Conclusion

Alcohol in skincare isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s important to know which types of alcohol to look for and which to avoid. While drying alcohols can sometimes help oily or acne-prone skin, they may cause long-term damage for dry and sensitive skin types.
Fatty alcohols, on the other hand, provide hydration and improve product texture. What it all comes down to is knowing your skin and reading ingredient labels carefully. If you’re concerned, opting for alcohol-free or fatty alcohol-based products is a much safer bet for maintaining a healthy, balanced complexion.

Other blog post to consider

What Is the Skin Barrier? Understanding Your Skin’s First Line of Defense

Dry or dehydrated skin, What is the difference!

How to determine your skin type | The best guide

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