A Guide to Alcohol in Skincare

Practical advice to help you understand the role of alcohol in your products.

Why alcohol is used:
Some forms of alcohol are included in skincare products for very practical reasons — to help a formula feel lighter, to improve how active ingredients penetrate the skin, or to act as a preservative and prevent contamination.

Types of alcohol you may see:

• Simple alcohols (e.g. ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, alcohol denat): These evaporate quickly and are sometimes used for their antimicrobial or solvent properties. In higher concentrations or in poorly balanced formulas, they can be drying — especially for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. But in well-formulated products, and in low percentages (often under 10%), they may not cause harm and can be useful.

• Denatured alcohol (alcohol denat): Ethanol that has had additives included to make it undrinkable for tax purposes. These additives may be irritating for some skin types.

• Fatty alcohols (e.g. cetyl, cetearyl, stearyl alcohol): Despite the name, these are not drying. They are wax-like substances used to soften skin and stabilise creams. They're generally well-tolerated but aren’t skin-identical (biomimetic), and may feel heavy if layered or overused.

What the NHS says:
NHS guidance for eczema and sensitive skin suggests avoiding products with fragrance and alcohol, particularly in products that remain on the skin. This is a cautious recommendation to help reduce the risk of irritation — but it doesn’t distinguish between alcohol types or formulation quality.

What to keep in mind:

• The word “alcohol” on an ingredient list doesn’t always mean it’s a drying or harmful ingredient.

• The effect of alcohol depends on how much is used, what else is in the formula, and your individual skin.

• If your skin is reactive, barrier-compromised, or prone to eczema, it may be safer to choose fragrance-free products without simple alcohols.

Final thoughts:
Alcohols aren’t all bad — but they’re not all equal, either. It’s okay to ask questions, read labels carefully, and choose products that feel right for your skin. When in doubt, opt for fragrance-free, barrier-supportive skincare that keeps your skin calm and balanced.