cosmetic inci

What is "ALCOHOL" and what does it do?

Role: ALCOHOL

Family: DRYING ALCOHOL

Comedogenic index: 0

Simple alcohol refers to ethanol, and is a fairly controversial ingredient.
It has a number of advantages: it's an excellent solvent, improves penetration, creates light, aesthetically pleasing formulas, and is an excellent astringent and antimicrobial.
The downside is that it can be very drying if it's one of the first ingredients on an ingredient list.

2. Types of alcohol and their effects

Beneficial alcohols: Some alcohols, such as cetearyl alcohol, have emollient properties and are beneficial to the skin.
Harmful alcohols: Low-molecular-weight alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol, can be drying and irritating to the skin.

3. Negative Impacts of Harmful Alcohols
These alcohols can disrupt the skin's surface layers, making them less able to retain moisture and protect against environmental aggressors. Regular use of products containing these alcohols can significantly damage the skin.

4. Alcohols and ingredient penetration
Although certain alcohols facilitate the penetration of active ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C, they can alter the skin's protective layers, compromising its long-term health.

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