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Alcohols in Skincare

Denatured Alcohols

WHAT THEY ARE:

SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol

Why they’re used:

Gives a quick-drying finish and immediately degreases skin.
Can also be used as a preservative

Why they’re harmful:

When used at high concentrations, these ingredients can cause dryness, throw off the balance of your skin's microbiome, weaken its outer barrier (which can lead to things like irritation, redness and dryness), and disrupt your skin cells’ natural renewal and repair cycle.

In the long-term, with improper use, these alcohols can actually increase oiliness by tricking your skin into thinking that it needs to produce more oil (to counteract the ingredients’ immediate degreasing effect).

Fatty Alcohols

WHAT THEY ARE:

Cetyl Alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol

Why they’re used:

To soften, soothe and moisturize dry skin. These alcohols often work as emulsifiers, basically holding oil and water molecules together to make a product formula more creamy and effective.

WHY THEY’RE BENEFICIAL:

Often derived from vegetables, these ingredients are rich in healthy fats that help replenish dry skin. Other skin types can use them, too — just in smaller doses.

Plus, because of their emulsifying properties, they help keep your skincare products more shelf-stable and feeling silky smooth to the touch.