Is alcohol in cosmetics harmful? Cetearyl, benzyl, cetyl, cetylstearyl, denatured, ethyl

Cosmetics, even completely natural, mostly contain alcohol. However, this is not always tantamount to harm, which is considered a companion of alcohol. It performs certain functions and roles in cosmetics.

What is the function of alcohol in cosmetic products?

Alcohol in cosmetics harms the skin, of course, but manufacturers are trying to neutralize this effect with other ingredients, because its properties are quite significant. It can act as a preservative by displacing parabens, which are allergens, and extending the shelf life of the product. Without alcohol, cosmetics will deteriorate quickly.

Due to its antiseptic properties, alcohol also inhibits the growth of pathogenic organisms and balances the acidity of the environment.

It is impossible not to mention the fixation of odors: most cosmetics have a pleasant fragrance precisely because of the alcohol in the composition. Cosmetics have good penetrating properties largely due to alcohol, which makes the skin permeable.

Alcohol in its properties refers to emulsifiers and allows you to create compositions from immiscible substances, which expands the scope of cosmetics production. Evaporation, it also reduces the oiliness of the skin, and also promotes hydration, as it reduces the rate of evaporation of water from the skin.

Types of alcohols in cosmetics, purposes and scope of their application

Alcohol in cosmetics (harm depends on the type of product) is characterized by different properties. The amount of substance in the composition itself is also significant. In total, there are 3 types of alcohol that are used in cosmetics.

Simple

Simple or aliphatic alcohols have the properties of good solvents, which allows them to be used in cosmetics as emulsifiers. They are very light, they resemble water in consistency, so they do not weigh down the composition of the products. Due to their structure, simple alcohols have a low viscosity, which, when added to fatty compositions, facilitates the subsequent application of the product.

Manufacturers use this type of alcohol when mixing poorly soluble ingredients.

They are added to cosmetics for preserving and antiseptic properties. Simple alcohols also facilitate the penetration of cosmetic substances into the skin. That is, simple alcohols can act as conductors for other beneficial ingredients. Due to their tightening properties, they shrink pores on the skin.

It is aliphatic alcohol that accelerates the evaporation of water most of all, than it dries out the skin. In this case, something is added to the composition of the cosmetic product that balances its effect.

Therefore, this alcohol is not suitable for sensitive skin, unless the product is used as a spray. In this form, alcohol does not reach the skin, evaporating during the spraying process.

Simple alcohols include:

• Propyl alcohol.
• Ethanol.
• Methanol.
• Isopropyl.
• Isobutyl.

Aromatic

The simplest alcohols of this type are presented either in the form of a liquid or a crystalline aromatic substance. Aromatic alcohols do not have bright acidic properties, therefore they are used in cosmetology. They are very volatile and are not harmful to the skin as they evaporate quickly.

This type of alcohol is most often used as a preservative and antibacterial agent. Often plays the role of a flavoring agent. Aromatic alcohols include benzyl and cinnamyl alcohols.

Fatty alcohols

This type of alcohol has a thick consistency because it is obtained from oils. Due to their properties, fatty alcohols do not have the ability to dry out the skin, but rather slow down the loss of fluid. When added to cosmetic products, they make it soft and velvety.

This alcohol can be used for mixing hardly soluble substances, when mixing oils, when creating the required consistency. It is safe even for those with dry skin. Fatty alcohols are most useful in nourishing creams, they also have the ability to condition the skin.

One of the most common fatty alcohol types is cetyl alcohol, which is extracted from coconut oil. Thanks to its emollient properties, it is used to care and nourish the skin. Cetyl alcohol is even added to baby care products, lip and hair products.

But cetearyl alcohol can be suitable as an emulsifier; it is often used instead of aqueous solutions in formulations. It is widely used in the production of eye cosmetics, cleansing lotions. Other representatives of fatty alcohols include lanolin, behenyl alcohol, and arachidyl alcohol.

Description of alcohols, harm, consequences of use

When buying cosmetics, you should carefully read the composition to determine the specific type of product used. Good to know about the consequences of using alcoholic products.

Names in English for determining alcohol in the composition:

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

It is this representative of its kind that is most widespread in the production of cosmetic products. It is used in medical products, fuel fluids. Among cosmetics, it can be found in products such as aerosols, tonic substances, skin products, rinses.

Ethanol has a natural method of production through fermentation of grains, potatoes, or corn.

This alcohol is often used in the production of organic cosmetics. Ethanol has a number of special features that make it very popular with manufacturers. It helps in the rapid transport of ingredients, can be used as a preservative to keep the product in the desired form for a long time, and an emulsifier by mixing the required ingredients.

Ethanol is not as harmless, however. It has the ability to dehydrate the skin too much. Ethanol adversely affects the blood vessels, the skin loses its natural ability to recover and process solar energy.

Some researchers are even inclined to conclude that the constant presence of ethanol in skin care products leads to premature cell structure and death. Ethanol removes the protective antibacterial layer from the skin, thereby contributing to dehydration and the development of pathogens.

Such a skin, devoid of a natural fat layer, as a result, cannot restore the innate ability to withstand microbes and ultraviolet light.

Isopropyl alcohol

The main task for which this alcohol is used in cosmetics is the dissolution of immiscible ingredients. If required, it can be useful as an antifoam and perfume.

Its most common use is in cosmetic products aimed at cleansing and disinfecting, rinses and lotions; it can replace ethyl alcohol.

It is also used to reduce the fat content of creams. Isopropyl alcohol is often used in conjunction with palmitic acid. Together they form a moisturizer that makes the skin soft. Some people may be sensitive to the viscosity this alcohol creates. This leads to blackheads due to clogged pores.

So isopropyl and palmitic acid is best for dry skin. Alcohol in cosmetics is harmful only in its pure form: it disrupts the water balance and irritates, destroying the innate skin cover. Not suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol becomes bitter and unpleasant after the addition of substances that make it unsuitable for ingestion. The product is used in cosmetics as a degreaser and solvent. Side effects depend on the origin and concentration of the substance.

If the quality is poor, the product may tighten the skin, be toxic, and dehydrate the skin. This alcohol is found in hair care products, shaving creams. With the correct concentration and after special cleaning, it is completely safe. Sometimes used as a substitute for ethanol.

Benzyl Alcohol

Benzyl alcohol, with different interpretations, can be found in the composition both under the name "phenylcarbinol" and "phenylmethanol". This alcohol has an organic origin and a floral aroma. It is produced in nature by plants.

However, this method is not suitable for industrial production; therefore, benzyl alcohol for use in cosmetic products is obtained synthetically. For cosmetic purposes, it acts as a preservative and solvent for paints, shellacs, wax. It is widely used in the production of soaps and perfumes. May play the role of an antiseptic.

In high concentration, alcohol can affect the blood vessels and cause allergies, tighten the skin. In general, benzyl alcohol is moderately hazardous to the body when used, although it is toxic due to the way it is produced. The main thing is to make sure that the concentration of benzyl alcohol does not exceed the permissible minimum.

Cinnamyl alcohol / Cinnamylalcohol

It is a volatile flavor, also known as cinnamon alcohol. It is used as a stabilizer and has antibacterial properties. May severely dehydrate the skin. It is also used as an odor fixer, but its concentration should not exceed 0.01%. Able to cause an allergic reaction.

Stearyl alcohol

In its pure form, it is a mass consisting of white dense scales. Received by a synthetic method. It is most often used in the production of various cosmetic creams, masks, and ointments. Incompatible with strong acids... Safe enough.

Can be used in creams, stabilizing viscosity, in detergents, as an antifoam. Suitable for all skin types. Quite rarely, it causes an allergic intolerance to the component in the composition of the funds. Due to its properties, it has a softening and moisturizing effect on the skin.

Stearyl stearate

It is a slightly yellow shavings in pure form. It is a structurant. The composition of emulsions, which includes stearyl stearate, is dispersed and thermally stable. It is applied as a co-emulsifying component, serves to soften and moisturize the integument.

Lauryl Laurat

Safe remedy. Makes the finished product texture more pleasant to the touch. Allows the product to be evenly distributed over the skin. Can be used to improve penetration of other ingredients.

Found in skin care formulations, it is often found in various conditioners. Refers to components that do not pose a danger to humans.

Panthenol

This is nothing more than provitamin B5, which is used in many cosmetic products. It has a moisturizing, softening effect, helps to retain moisture, and prevents drying out. Used in hair and skin care products. It can also be found even as part of decorative cosmetics.

It is part of products that fight dry skin.

It can be used as a regenerating and regenerating agent, and is excellent for dry skin types. For the fatty type, it is better to use other ingredients, due to the risk of inflammation.

Glycerol

It is a syrup-like liquid, odorless and colorless. Glycerin has the ability to absorb large amounts of moisture from the air. In high concentrations, it can exhibit bacteriostatic properties. Refers to polyhydric alcohols. May also retain water. When used in small amounts, glycerin is safe.

Alcohol in cosmetics is harmful only when used in high concentration: it can cause the opposite effect and, as a result, excessive dryness of the skin. It is used in cosmetology as an emulsifier and solvent. Has a beneficial effect on dry and chapped skin.

Fitosphingosine

It belongs to the group of preservatives. Nourishes and regenerates. It is used in cosmetic formulations suitable for weakened skin. It also has antiseptic properties, which makes it suitable for use in anti-rashes and acne products. It has a moisturizing effect, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and restores the barrier functions of the skin.

Refers to completely safe ingredients and natural active substances. Formulations containing phytosphingosine can be used for any skin type. Usually it is not more than 10% in creams. It is a safe synthetic derivative.

What concentration of alcohol is safe for the skin

In cosmetics, alcohols are used as:

• preservatives (preventing spoilage by microorganisms);
• stabilizers (keeping the homogeneity of creams, emulsions);
• solvents (helping to dissolve insoluble ingredients in the formulation);
• emulsifiers, improve the penetration of various components into the skin.

Seeing alcohol in the composition, you need to determine which group of alcohols it belongs to. There are dangerous and safe ones. Fatty and aromatic alcohols are the latter. In cosmetics, simple alcohols are the most harmful. Concentration not exceeding 2% is considered to be absolutely safe.

Large concentrations of alcohol can dry out the skin, irritate, and provoke the secretion of sebum, which can cause acne.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the concentration of simple alcohols is not more than 10%. In creams for dry skin, a content of no more than 5% is permissible, for oily skin - no more than 10%. It so happens that even relatively safe formulations harm the skin and cause irritation.

To find out in advance the body's reaction to a new product, you need to do the following:

1. Apply a small amount of the desired product to either your wrist, elbow, or other sensitive area.
   
2. Leave for a day.
3. Examine the skin area.
4. If there is no redness or irritation, the product can be used.
5. If the skin reacted negatively, you need to remove the remnants of the product and lubricate the skin with a soothing cream.

If we talk about specific types of alcohols, then fatty ones are absolutely safe. They do not dry out, like simple alcohols, the skin, on the contrary, they have a softening effect, moisturize. Very rarely can cause irritation of sensitive skin.

Otherwise, they are safe components.They are widely used in various lotions, shampoos, and creams.

On packages and in various cosmetic formulations, you should not be afraid:

• Behenyl alcohol.
• Caprylic.
• Cetearyl.
• Tsetilovoy.
• Laurilov.
• Miristilovoy.
• Stearyl.
• Oleilovoy.

This list can be widely used in cosmetology without compromising health. To summarize, the required concentration of substances is not capable of causing tangible harm.

Is it possible to do without alcohols

Alcohol is an excellent antiseptic and solvent. In relatively small quantities, it is an excellent agent that helps to stabilize the composition, retain aroma components in the agent, and act as various emulsifiers. Allows you to maintain the uniformity of the compositions, penetrate the active ingredients deep into the skin. Therefore, alcohols are irreplaceable ingredients.

In addition, most of them are not only safe, but also have a beneficial effect on the skin. Most substances with similar properties have many more side effects.

If anyone is afraid of the possible negative effect of alcohol on the skin, then most manufacturers have learned to introduce additional ingredients into the composition that can neutralize the bad sides of alcohol. So, for example, heavy oil or the same wax helps to cancel the effect of alcohol that degrades the protective layer of the skin.

In cosmetics, there is a huge variety of alcohols and chemical compounds that have found their widespread use in cosmetology.

And alcohol is not always harmful. It is necessary to understand the names that are most often found on the labels of products and determine how permissible and necessary the introduction of these ingredients into the composition of cosmetics, as well as their effect on your skin type.

Article design: Anna Vinnitskaya

Video about the functions of alcohol in cosmetics

Real facts and research about alcohols in cosmetics: