Isopropyl Alcohol

What it is

Isopropyl Alcohol is a synthetic alcohol made from propene, best known as the rubbing alcohol in first-aid cupboards. In cosmetics it works as a solvent and drying agent, and it also appears as a denaturant added to ethanol. It is rare in leave-on facial products because it is more drying and has a sharper smell than ethanol, so you are more likely to meet it in cleansing wipes, nail products or as a trace processing solvent.

What it does well

• Effective, quick-evaporating solvent and degreaser

  Isopropyl alcohol dissolves oils and resins and flashes off quickly, which is why it is used in cleansing and nail preparations rather than in hydrating masks.

  Strong evidence

Worth knowing

• More drying and irritating than ethanol at the same level

  Isopropyl alcohol removes surface lipids efficiently and is generally considered less pleasant and more drying on facial skin than ethanol. On a leave-on face product it is best seen as a functional trace ingredient, not a desirable one.

  Matters most toPeople with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

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