Alcohol in cosmetics
All the ingredients in cosmetics are listed in many katakana characters. Some people may find it confusing to choose products that can be used on sensitive skin.
For example, cosmetics contain an alcoholic ingredient called ethanol. There are many other ingredients that contain the word "alcohol" in their names.
In this article, we will explain the ethanol and other alcohol ingredients contained in many skin care products. We hope that this article will be helpful for those with sensitive skin when choosing cosmetics.
What is ethanol?
Ethanol is one of the most common types of alcohol. It is also called ethyl alcohol and is a component of alcoholic beverages.
The alcohol content of ethanol used in cosmetics is over 90%. It is so concentrated that it can be life-threatening if ingested accidentally. It has a very strong ability to remove oil, and evaporates immediately when it comes into contact with the skin.
However, because it mixes well with both water and oil, it is also used as a solvent to make other cosmetic ingredients such as essential oils easier to dissolve. It is also often used as an extractant when extracting plant extracts.
Cosmetics containing ethanol
shampoo
It cleanses the scalp and hair and removes excess sebum. It is often used in men's shampoos and scalp care shampoos.
conditioner
It improves the feel of your hair and makes it easier to manage.
Makeup Cosmetics
Ethanol is often included in makeup products such as foundation, powder, blush, and eyeshadow . It keeps your makeup in place and prevents it from smudging or creasing.
Skin care cosmetics
Ethanol is often found in high concentrations in skin care wipes andacne treatments , and is also used in other skin care products such as lotions and moisturizing creams to make them feel lighter when used.
Sweat wipes
Sweat wipes and body wipes used to wipe away sweat in the summer often contain high concentrations of ethanol.
People whose skin responds to ethanol
As mentioned above, ethanol has the effect of removing oil. Therefore, for people with oily skin or those who are concerned about excess sebum, it has the effect of reducing stickiness.
It also enhances the penetration of cosmetic ingredients, which may allow the active ingredients to work more effectively.
People who should avoid cosmetics containing ethanol
Because of its strong ability to remove oil, people with dry or sensitive skin may experience irritation due to dryness or worsening dryness when using cosmetics containing ethanol, as it removes oil from skin that does not secrete enough sebum.
Therefore, if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about dryness, it is best to avoid skin care products that contain a high amount of ethanol. Check to see if "ethanol" is listed at the beginning of the ingredients list.
* All ingredients are listed in order of concentration. However, quasi-drugs are listed in no particular order.
Is ethanol safe?
The relationship between cancer risk and ethanol
Drinking alcoholic beverages that contain ethanol is said to increase the risk of cancer . But if ethanol comes into contact with your skin every day through cosmetics or hand sanitizer, does it pose the same risk as drinking alcohol?
It is true that low concentrations of ethanol can be detected in the blood when trace amounts of ethanol are applied to the skin on a daily basis, such as through cosmetics. In addition, acetaldehyde , a metabolite of ethanol that is of concern as a carcinogen, can also be produced in the blood.
However, even if it is detected, it is not enough to cause acute toxicity.
There is no need to worry excessively, but for children with wounds or inflammation, the risk of percutaneous absorption may be higher . It may be best to avoid using disinfectants or cosmetics containing ethanol on children with wounds.
Risks from percutaneous absorption
Ethanol promotes the penetration of cosmetic ingredients. It's fine if the cosmetic ingredients are harmless, but it's not always the good ingredients that are promoted for penetration. If the cosmetic contains ingredients that may be harmful to your health, they will also be promoted for percutaneous absorption .
The relationship between drinking alcohol and skin allergies
Ethanol is used in cosmetics as well as various medicines and topical agents.
Allergies to ethanol itself are extremely rare. However, there have been reported cases where people have been unknowingly sensitized through the skin, resulting in an allergic reaction that causes a rash all over the body when they drink alcohol.
Although this does not occur often, if you notice anything unusual after drinking alcohol, using cosmetics, or taking medication, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Other alcohol ingredients used in cosmetics
In addition to ethanol, there are many other alcohol ingredients commonly used in cosmetics.
Aromatic alcohols
The aromatic alcohols commonly used in cosmetics are the following two ingredients.
- Phenethyl alcohol
- Benzyl alcohol
Both are added as fragrances and preservatives. Since the amounts used are small, they are listed at the end of the list of all ingredients.
However, even in small amounts, both have been noted as posing an allergic risk. The US EWG states that phenethyl alcohol poses a moderate allergic risk, and benzyl alcohol poses a high allergic risk .
In addition, benzyl alcohol and phenethyl alcohol are available in both natural and synthetic forms. The chemical composition is the same whether they are natural or synthetic. You cannot determine the origin of a product just by looking at the list of all ingredients, so if you are concerned, you will need to contact the manufacturer.
Denatured alcohol
Denatured alcohol is made by adding additives to petroleum-derived ethanol. Additives used include methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and methyl ethyl ketone . To prevent misuse of ethanol, toxic substances that are life-threatening if ingested or colored are added to it.
It is considered safe at the concentrations used in cosmetics. However, its ingredients have the same characteristics as ethanol, so people with dry or sensitive skin should be careful.
Fatty alcohol
Aliphatic alcohols are completely different from ethanol and aromatic alcohols.
It is an oily ingredient extracted and processed from nuts, coconuts, palm oil, vegetable oils, beef tallow, etc. Because it contains natural fatty acids, it is expected to have moisturizing and emollient effects.
There are many types of fatty alcohols:
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
- Cetanol (Cetyl Alcohol)
- Oleyl alcohol
- Behenyl Alcohol
- Caprylyl alcohol
- Caprylyl glycol
- Decyl Alcohol
- Isostearyl alcohol
- Lauryl alcohol
- Myristyl Alcohol
The main role of fatty alcohols in cosmetics is as emulsifiers, binding the oil and water components of lotions and creams together and preventing them from separating. They can also adjust the viscosity of cosmetics to thicken them, creating a creamy texture and a rich finish.
Because it contains fatty acids derived from plants and animals, it also acts as an emollient , creating a protective barrier on the skin's surface to prevent dryness.
There are so many different types of alcohol ingredients in cosmetics.
Moreover, different types have different effects and actions.
It's difficult because there are so many, but it's a good idea to carefully consider each ingredient to see if it suits your skin or not.
Useful information is being distributed via LINE
CONCIO Academy's LINE account provides tips on how to choose better cosmetics. Please use it to make truly kind choices for yourself and your loved ones .
Register here → https://lin.ee/jAkRPAs
"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
We deliver world-class peace of mind to sensitive skin in Japan.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
