An effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Also-Known-As:
Ethanol
Functions
Antimicrobial,
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
Antimicrobial,
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin.
Astringent,
Astringent
Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
Astringent,
Astringent
Astringent ingredients provide the skin with a tightened feeling, help to reduce the appearance of large pores, and assist in the healing of small cuts and wounds.
Fragrance,
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Fragrance,
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Antifoaming,
Antifoaming
Antifoaming – reduces or prevents the formation of foam.
Antifoaming,
Antifoaming
Antifoaming – reduces or prevents the formation of foam.
Solvent,
Solvent
Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Solvent,
Solvent
Solvent – a liquid that dissolves other ingredients.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity Controlling
Viscosity controlling – changes the thickness of a product.
Origin
Botanical,
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Botanical,
Botanical
Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials.
Synthetic
Synthetic
All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.
Synthetic
Synthetic
All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure.
Overview
Alcohol is a clear, colorless liquid that is also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol. This multifunctional ingredient is known well for its antimicrobial capabilities, as it is the most frequently used active ingredient in hand sanitizers. It is effective against a wide range of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and even some viruses.
In addition to being an antimicrobial agent, alcohol also makes an excellent solvent. Water and oils do not typically mix well, but both can be dissolved into alcohol, which means they can be combined when they are otherwise incompatible.
Alcohol is also used as an astringent. An astringent is a type of ingredient that dries out and toughens up the skin surface, and alcohol is well-known for having this effect on skin.
Additionally, alcohol can serve as a viscosity controlling agent. When it is added to a skincare product, the product becomes thinner and less viscous. This is useful for decreasing the thickness of products that need to be sprayable, such as hairsprays or skin finishing mists.
Finally, alcohol can also reduce foaming activity where foaming is not desired, such as in emulsion-based products like creams and lotions.
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