Have you ever wondered why alcohol is in cosmetics? What is its purpose in cosmetics, and why are companies still putting it in their products? Here, we’ll learn about the role of alcohols in cosmetics, and then we will understand the difference between good and bad alcohol.
Why are alcohols used as an ingredient in cosmetics?
Have you ever noticed that on the label of the cosmetic product, it sometimes mentions that it contains alcohol? Have you ever wondered why they used to add alcohol to skin care products? Aren’t they only used for drinking and may cause damage to the skin? These questions often come to many people’s minds. But do you know there is a reason behind adding alcohol to the cosmetics? Let’s discover this in detail through this guide.
When we think of "alcohol," we usually associate it with an intoxicating drink that people drink at parties or weddings. But it is also generally inspired when we talk about cosmetics? Yes, it is included in a lot of cosmetics and is used as a solvent, preservative, and texturizer. It has pros and cons, and each formulation will have its reason and may have different alcohols as appropriate!
For example:
- When there is a need for solvent and anti-bacterial agents, then drying alcohol, like ethanol (Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol), can be used. But there is a disadvantage to using it as it may strip the skin oils and damage the skin barrier, and then cause dryness and irritation.
- If there is a need for emollients, thickeners, and humectants, then fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol can be used, which support the skin barrier.
Good Alcohols: Skin Benefits and Fatty Alcohols.
Fatty alcohols (such as cetyl alcohol in the moisturizers of Skya Transdermic) are emollients that soften, moisturize, and keep the skin hydrated without leaving behind a greasy touch:
- Improve the texture of products and their spreadability.
- Help to make the skin sooth and smooth, supple skin of any type.
- Assistance in stabilizing emulsions and product retention.
- Even sensitive skin can tolerate these alcohols without irritation, so they are a good ingredient in well-formulated products.
Bad Alcohols: Simple Alcohols and the Potential Risk.
Quick-drying effects and antimicrobial effectiveness, as well as improved penetration: Simple or drying alcohols (e.g., ethanol, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol) are primarily added:
- Strips away moisture, may weaken the skin barrier, and may cause irritation or dryness with repetitive use.
- May exacerbate dry or sensitive skin symptoms and cause redness or itch.
- It is prudent to look at ingredient listings and to avoid high levels of these alcohols, particularly when you are subject to either one.
The value of including Alcohol in the formulation of cosmetics
Deep Clean: Alcohol can help clean the skin and exfoliate away all of the excess oil, dirt, and dead skin tissue, allowing for clean skin.
Bacteria Fighting: To say that alcohol has antibacterial and antiviral actions leads to reduced chances of bacteria-induced acne and redness.
Oil control: Alcohol may reduce excess sebum from forming, decreasing shininess, and preventing acne from developing.
Cooling Effect: Alcohol-based products tend to produce a soothing touch on the skin when they touch it, thus cooling down swollen skin.
Enhanced Product Performance: Alcohol in the product can amplify the action of other ingredients to aid in penetration deeper within the skin.
Long Shelf Life: Alcohol can enhance the shelf life of the product by decreasing the spoilage.
A few limitations of alcohols in skincare products
Dryness: Alcohol-based products may dry out skin and severely irritate it, which is especially evident if alcohol is used in excessive amounts or alcohol is used on dry skin.
Dehydration: Alcohol may be used to dehydrate the skin, stripping it of its natural moisture, resulting in uncomfortable skin.
Irritation: Some alcohols may irritate sensitive skin types and may cause redness, itchy skin, and swelling.
Skya Transdermic's Approach
Skya Transdermic focuses on moisture-balancing and protective predecessors such as cetyl alcohol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. Their products provide both hydration and increase absorption, and protect the natural barrier of the skin with the main purpose of gentle care of all types of skin.
User-Centric Advice: Making Smart Options.
- Use brands where fatty alcohols are preferred, because they provide benefits against skin conditions.
- Check the label on the drying alcohols and prefer those products that contain hydrators and nutrients.
- To choose long-lasting moisture formulas, such as those offered by Skya Transdermic, which contain fatty alcohols mixed with protective ingredients as well as antioxidant-rich ones.
Conclusion
It is always better to check the label mentioned on the products, as there are some ingredients which does not suit your skin. As alcohol is present in the formulation of cosmetics, some forms of alcohol are beneficial for our skin (fatty alcohol), usually referred to as "good alcohols". Drying alcohols (ethanol) are not classified as good for skin as they can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching. Therefore, check the formulation, and choose a product based on that.
That’s why choosing a brand, like Skya Transdermic, would be one of the best choices for your skin. These products are thoughtfully added with the correct ingredients and dermatologically tested to provide high-quality cosmetic products.
Frequently Asked Questions on The Role of Alcohol in Cosmetics
Question 1. How does someone tell the difference between good alcohols and bad alcohols in a cosmetic?
Answer: Good alcohols or fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl) provide moisture to the skin, and make it smooth, as bad alcohols like ethanol can leave the skin dry or disrupt the barrier, causing sensitivity, and they can do it at high levels.
Question 2. Is alcohol safe in the case of sensitive skin?
Answer: Fatty alcohols are typically not harmful; equally, they are typically helpful with sensitive skin, whereas simple alcohols can lead to dryness or irritation. Never forget to go through the ingredient list and make softer options.
Question 3. Why are alcohols used in some cosmetic brands?
Answer: Alcohols are used to stabilize products, create a nice skin touch, and also act as preservatives. To prevent harm to your skin, good formulations involve the combination of alcohols with hydrators.
Question 4. Does cetyl alcohol help dry skin?
Answer: Yes, cetyl alcohol (utilized by Skya Transdermic) softens and provides moisture to dry or delicate skin, without feeling excessive or greasy.
Question 5. Does alcohol in high amounts cause damage to the skin barrier long-term?
Answer: Like anything, if you are using products with a high concentration of drying alcohols a lot, it may affect your skin barrier, leading to dehydration and sensitivity. Fatty alcohols, on the other hand, promote the health of the barriers.
Question 6. What makes Skya Transdermic safe when using alcohol?
Answer: Skya Transdermic chooses skin-compatible alcohols such as cetyl alcohol to moisturize and guard their products, which correlate with dermatologist-marketed medicaments across the skin background.
