“Alcohol” on an INCI list can mean very different things. Volatile alcohols like denatured alcohol and ethanol evaporate quickly to create a weightless feel, but frequent exposure can strip lipids, increase transepidermal water loss, and aggravate redness—especially for dry or reactive skin. In contrast, fatty alcohols such as cetyl and stearyl alcohol act more like creamy emollients. The goal isn’t to avoid the word entirely, but to distinguish between types and manage your overall exposure across the routine you use morning and night.
“Alcohol” on an INCI list can mean very different things. Volatile alcohols like denatured alcohol and ethanol evaporate quickly to create a weightless feel, but frequent exposure can strip lipids, increase transepidermal water loss, and aggravate redness—especially for dry or reactive skin. In contrast, fatty alcohols such as cetyl and stearyl alcohol act more like creamy emollients. The goal isn’t to avoid the word entirely, but to distinguish between types and manage your overall exposure across the routine you use morning and night.
Common ingredients to avoid
Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and SD alcohols near the top of the list—particularly in toners, astringents, and gel moisturizers marketed as “oil-control.”
Common ingredients to avoid
Denatured alcohol (Alcohol Denat.), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and SD alcohols near the top of the list—particularly in toners, astringents, and gel moisturizers marketed as “oil-control.”
Comfortable, hydrated skin begins by avoiding harsh alcohols that strip moisture and disrupt balance.
Comfortable, hydrated skin begins by avoiding harsh alcohols that strip moisture and disrupt balance.
Tips for switching
Trade stripping toners for hydrating essences with glycerin, beta-glucan, or panthenol. If you need a fast-drying finish, look for silicone-free gel creams that use humectants and lightweight esters rather than volatile alcohols. Seal hydration with a ceramide-rich moisturizer while your barrier recovers.
Tips for switching
Trade stripping toners for hydrating essences with glycerin, beta-glucan, or panthenol. If you need a fast-drying finish, look for silicone-free gel creams that use humectants and lightweight esters rather than volatile alcohols. Seal hydration with a ceramide-rich moisturizer while your barrier recovers.