Ethanol
Alcohol
Limits microbes.
In the Drying alcohol group
What it is
The type of alcohol found in beer and wine, usually made by fermenting plant sugars.
Dissolves other ingredients, gives the skin a tightened feel and helps limit microbial growth.
What it does in a formula
Limits microbesOfficial EU function: Antimicrobial
Gives a tightening feelOfficial EU function: Astringent
Dissolves other ingredientsOfficial EU function: Solvent
Gives the textureOfficial EU function: Viscosity controlling
AntifoamingOfficial EU function: Antifoaming
Adds scentOfficial EU function: Fragrance
Why some people watch for it
Drying alcohol
Some people with dry or sensitive skin avoid products high in ethanol because they find it drying or tightening. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl or cetearyl alcohol are different substances and are not in this group.