Should Alcohol Be In Your Skincare Products ? | by Dr . Charlene DeHaven
delivery of other lipid-soluble actives in the formula .
Functional Alcohols Another group of alcohols used in topicals is the functional alcohol group . These are used as active ingredients and provide essential skin benefits .
Functional alcohols are both required for human life and are essential for healthy skin .
Examples of functional alcohols include retinol ( Vitamin A ), panthenol ( Vitamin B5 ), and menthol . These types of alcohols are required for human life and are essential for healthy skin . Retinol is necessary for the healthy growth and development of all cells of epithelial origin , including skin . It is lipid-soluble and does not evaporate quickly from the skin ’ s surface . Retinol also promotes wound healing , boosts collagen synthesis , and serves as an antioxidant . At higher formulation levels , such as in some chemical peels , retinol may be used to assist the exfoliation process as a keratolytic . Panthenol is required for energy creation within cells and the metabolism of fats , proteins , and carbohydrates . Menthol , derived from the Menta group of plants , is not a vitamin but has important uses in skin care . It is another lipid-soluble alcohol and functions as a transdermal delivery agent , assisting penetration of other actives . As a counter-irritant , it calms and soothes the skin . It also has important antioxidant and antimicrobial properties .
SUMMARY
It is essential for skin care professionals to understand that various types of alcohols are incorporated into skincare products , each having different purposes and skin benefits . These concepts must be explained to patients who often arrive with misconceptions or questions about alcohol as an ingredient in skincare products .
30 iS Skin Source