Alcohol in Skincare: The Facts
You may have seen skincare products that contain alcohol and wondered, "Is this bad for my skin?" The short answer is that it depends on the type of alcohol and what it's used for. In this blog post, we'll discuss the different types of alcohols used in skincare, their benefits, and their drawbacks. By the end, you should have a better understanding of how to incorporate alcohol into your skincare routine wisely.
The type of alcohol used in a skincare product determines its purpose. There are three main types of alcohols used in skincare: fatty alcohols, SD alcohols, and denatured alcohols.
Fatty Alcohols:
Fatty alcohols are derived from fats and oils. They're commonly used as emollients and emulsifiers in skincare products. Examples of fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol. Fatty alcohols are relatively non-irritating and can actually help to soothe and calm the skin.
SD Alcohols:
SD Alcohols stand for "straight chain" or "secondary drying" alcohols. These are typically synthetic chemicals that are used as astringents or toners. examples of SD Alcohols include denatured ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. SD Alcohols can be very drying to the skin, so it's important to use them sparingly and only on areas that need it (like oily patches).
Denatured Alcohol:
Denatured Alcohol is ethanol that has been treated with chemicals to make it undrinkable. It's often used as a solvent or cleaning agent in skincare products. Denatured Alcohol can be very drying and irritating to the skin, so it should be avoided if possible.
Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of alcohols used in skincare, you can make an informed decision about which products are right for your skin type and needs. Remember, not all alcoholic ingredients are created equal—some can actually be beneficial for your skin! When in doubt, always consult with a professional before incorporating any new product into your routine.
