iS Skin Source 2021 Q4 | Page 28

Should Alcohol

Be In Your

Skincare Products ?

There are different types of alcohols , and these types can behave very differently – both in topical products and on the skin .

by Dr . Charlene DeHaven

Alcohols used in skincare products often have a very bad reputation . Consumers may have been advised to avoid products containing alcohols because they are thought to be drying and harmful to the skin . However , many people don ’ t realize that there are different types of alcohols , which can behave very differently – both in topical products and on the skin .

ARE ALL ALCOHOLS THE SAME ?
Alcohols vary in chemical properties and potential uses in skincare . One of the simplest ways to categorize them is by their chain length ( molecular weight or size ). There are long-chain alcohols and shortchain alcohols . It is the short-chain alcohols that have a bad reputation , although they also have uses in skincare products .
28 iS Skin Source