If They’re Such a Threat to Your Skin’s Health, Why Do Some Brands Still Use Them? Simple Alcohols Such as Ethyl Alcohol, Methanol, Ethanol, Denatured Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sd Alcohol and Benzyl Alcohol Are Mostly Used as Antibacterials or as Solvents That Will Improve a Formula’s Texture.

At the Other End of the Spectrum, We Have a Group of Alcohols That Are Exceptionally Beneficial for Your Skin. Fatty Alcohols Are Compounds Derived from Certain Natural Waxes, Plants and Unrefined Cereals That Act as Emulsifiers and Emollients in Some Products.

Should You Avoid Alcohols or Not?

Ultimately, It’s a Matter of How and Why Those Alcohols Are There. When Using Spot Treatments or Treating an Infected Wound, Simple Alcohols Are Not Bad as Long as They’re Not Used Long-Term. If a Product That You Use Regularly Includes a Simple Alcohol in Its Formulation and Is Listed Within the First Six Ingredients, It’s Better to Stay Away from It.

Alcohol in Your Skincare - Is It the ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ Kind? Experts Explain What to Look out For

By Marcus Vance

• Oct 8, 2026 • 4 min read

Alcohol in Your Skincare - Is It the ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’ Kind? Experts Explain What to Look out For

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

“When It Comes to Cosmetics, We Separate Alcohol into Two Categories: Simple Alcohols and Fatty Alcohols, ” Says Rachaelle Rempe, Founder of Skincare Brand Auraiha. She Points out That Although There Are No “Good” and “Bad” Alcohols per Se, They Can Be Used to Achieve Different Results.

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

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