Let’s discuss an ingredient that sparks plenty of debate: alcohol. Is alcohol in skincare bad? Does it damage your skin barrier? Should you avoid it? The answer, like most things in beauty, isn’t a simple yes or no. 

Some argue it’s beneficial, while others claim it’s harmful. Our opinion? Understanding the different types of alcohol in skincare, their effects, and how to identify them can help you make informed decisions as to whether it’s an ingredient you should worry about.

Good vs. Bad Alcohol in Skincare

First things first, there are two main categories of alcohol in skincare: the good guys and the not-so-good guys. Here’s a breakdown:

The Good Guys (Fatty Alcohols)

These sound scary, but don’t be fooled. Fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are actually your skin’s BFFs. Derived from natural sources like coconut and palm oil, they act as emollients, keeping your skin soft and smooth. 

They also help thicken products and stabilize formulas, ensuring a luxurious spread on your face. Think of them as the glue that holds your favorite moisturizer together, but in a good way!

The Bad Guys (Simple Alcohols)

These are the ones you might want to avoid, especially if you have sensitive skin. Common culprits include SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, and sometimes, isopropyl alcohol.

These types are drying and can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to irritation and redness. Over-drying can also trigger the skin to produce more oil, exacerbating oily skin issues and even breakouts.

The TL;DR Answer

Fatty alcohols are generally good for your skin, while simple alcohols can be drying and irritating.

How Does Alcohol Effect Your Skin?

Now, let’s delve into how these different types of alcohols affect your precious skin:

The Good Guys (Fatty Alcohols)

• Nourishing: Fatty alcohols help prevent moisture loss by creating a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. Studies have shown that fatty alcohols can improve skin hydration and maintain the skin’s natural barrier function [1]. This keeps your skin hydrated and plump.
• Emulsifying: They act as emulsifiers, helping water and oil blend together seamlessly in your skincare products and protect the skin barrier. This ensures a smooth, even application.

The Not-So-Good Guys (Simple Alcohols):

Bad alcohols can have several negative effects on the skin:

• Drying: Simple alcohols are notorious for stripping your skin of its natural oils. These alcohols evaporate quickly, taking moisture from the skin’s surface. This can leave your skin feeling tight, itchy, and uncomfortable.[2]
• Increased Oiliness: Ironically, drying out your skin can actually trigger your oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to increased oil production and potential breakouts.
• Redness and Irritation: Simple alcohols can disrupt your skin’s delicate barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritation and redness.
• Breakouts: By disrupting the skin’s natural barrier, bad alcohols can make the skin more susceptible to bacteria, potentially leading to acne and breakouts.
• Sensitivity: If you already have sensitive skin, simple alcohols can exacerbate existing conditions like rosacea or eczema.

Quick Answer: Fatty alcohols help retain moisture and improve product texture, while simple alcohols can dry, irritate, and worsen oiliness.

Can Alcohol in Skincare Make Acne and Breakouts Worse?

Can alcohol in skincare exacerbate acne, and even create new breakouts? The answer is a bit complex. While simple alcohols themselves don’t directly cause acne, they can create an environment that promotes breakouts. Here’s how:

• Disrupted Barrier: As mentioned earlier, simple/bad alcohols can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier. This barrier helps keep out bacteria and other pore-clogging nasties. When it’s compromised, these troublemakers can have a field day, leading to breakouts and infections.
• Increased Oil Production: Remember how simple alcohols can dry out your skin? Well, your skin reacts by producing more oil to compensate for the lost moisture. This excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and clog pores, leading to pimples.
• Inflammation: The irritating nature of bad alcohols can exacerbate existing acne, causing redness and swelling.

Quick Answer: Simple alcohols don’t directly cause acne, but they can create an environment that promotes breakouts.

So Why Is Alcohol Added to Skincare Then?

If simple alcohols are so bad, why are they still used in some skincare products? Here are some reasons:

• Preservative: Some simple alcohols can act as preservatives, helping to extend the shelf life of a product by preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. [4]
• Penetration Enhancer: Alcohol can help active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively, increasing the product’s efficacy. [3]
• Astringent Effect: Simple alcohols can create a temporary tightening or tingling sensation, which some people mistakenly associate with “clean” skin.
• Feels Lighter: Simple alcohols can make products feel lighter and less greasy on the skin, which can be appealing for those with oily skin (although it’s not a sustainable solution).

Benefits of Switching to Alcohol-Free Skincare

Now that you know the not-so-pretty side of simple alcohols, let’s explore the benefits of switching to alcohol-free skincare:

• Gentler on Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, ditching simple alcohols can significantly reduce irritation, redness, and overall discomfort for those with sensitive skin.
• Improved Hydration: Without the drying effects of bad alcohols, your skin can maintain better hydration levels.
• Stronger Skin Barrier: By avoiding the drying effects of simple alcohols, you allow your skin to maintain a healthy, balanced barrier. This stronger barrier keeps out irritants and helps your skin retain moisture for a healthy glow.
• Reduced Breakouts: For acne-prone skin, eliminating simple alcohols can help prevent breakouts caused by disrupted barrier function and excess oil production.
• Healthier Skin Barrier: Alcohol-free products help maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and bacteria.
• Overall Healthier Skin: By choosing alcohol-free products, you’re essentially treating your skin with more TLC. This can lead to a calmer, more balanced complexion with a healthy, radiant look.

Quick Answer: Switching to alcohol-free skincare can lead to less irritation, a stronger barrier, reduced breakouts, and overall healthier skin.

The Bottom Line: Your Guide to Alcohol in Skincare

Here’s a quick summary of the key takeaways:

• Not all alcohols are created equal: Fatty alcohols are good, simple alcohols are not-so-good for most skin types.
• Simple alcohols can disrupt your skin’s barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts.
• Fatty alcohols help retain moisture and improve product texture.
• Consider switching to alcohol-free skincare for a gentler, more balanced complexion.

Remember:

• When choosing skincare products, always check the ingredient list and look out for terms like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol if you have sensitive skin.
• If you’re unsure about an ingredient, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Switching to alcohol-free skincare can be a game-changer for your skin health. Consider reviewing your skincare products and opting for those free from harmful alcohols to maintain a balanced, healthy complexion.

And if you need extra assistance, check out our skin type cheat sheets to learn more about your skin type and the best ingredients to support your skin barrier.

REFERENCES

1. Lodén, Marie. “Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders.” American journal of clinical dermatology 4 (2003): 771-788.
2. Löffler, Harald, et al. “How irritant is alcohol?.” British Journal of Dermatology 157.1 (2007): 74-81.
3. DeHaven, Charlene. “Delivery of cosmetic ingredients to the skin.” Retrieved from (2014).
4. Kabara, Jon J., and D. S. Orth. “Principles for product preservation.” COSMETIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SERIES (1997): 1-14.
5. —. “Alcohol in Skin Care: The Facts.” Paula’s Choice Skincare, 12 Jan. 2024, www.paulaschoice.com.au/expert-advice/skincare-advice/ingredient-spotlight/alcohol-in-skin-care-the-facts.html.
6. —. “Alcohol in Skin Care: Is It Ever Okay?” EverydayHealth.com, 29 June 2024, www.everydayhealth.com/smart-skin/alcohol-in-skin-care-is-it-ever-okay.