Good and bad alcohols?

Why is alcohol so widely used in cosmetic products?

Alcohol enhances the texture and sensory experience with the products that contain it. This is an important fact that many ignore, the choice of a cosmetic is often based on the texture of the product rather than its effectiveness. Which means that if it has a better texture, it sells more and that is why it is so widely used in cosmetics, of course, in addition to being antimicrobial, astringent and solvent.

But what does this mean?

That its astringent property removes the sebum accumulated on the skin during the day and if you have oily skin, alcohol can leave a feeling of “stretching” that these skin types may find pleasant. Its antimicrobial function is well known as it creates a hostile environment for certain microorganisms and thus prevents contamination on the skin or the product. On the other hand, it also has the ability to dissolve some assets in the product.

Harmful alcohols for your skin:

• Alcohol
• Alcohol Denat
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• SD Alcohol
• CD Alcohol

At present, the sales for organic or vegan products have gone through the roof, certainly these organic products do not contain alcohol or anything that harms the human body or skin and hair. Alcohol in the cosmetic world can cause dermatitis and irritate the skin. Studies have shown that alcohol weakens the skin’s barrier by removing lipids and natural proteins, so much so that it penetrates even the molecules. Which means that it is not for all skin types.


Although all this sounds so bad, there are certain types of alcohol that are allowed in topical use since they do not damage the skin or mistreat it. These are:

• Cetyl Alcohol
• Stearyl Alcohol
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Isostearyl Alcohol
• Myristyl Alcohol
• Behenyl Alcohol
  
  

These types of alcohols are fatty and are used to hold lipids together with aqueous components, they also hydrate and provide benefits to the skin, in fact it leaves it super soft acting as emollients. If you see a product that has caught your interest, make sure it contains ingredients that do not cause you more damage than there already is.