Alcohol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and skincare products and can come in different forms. Most of the time, alcohol is not a problem. However, one type of alcohol called simple alcohol (or ethanol), can be very drying to the skin because it evaporates quickly. The evaporation can cause irritation, which may lead to other complications.

Never use simple alcohol on your skin alone. However, when mixed with other cosmetic ingredients, it typically poses no issue. For people with easily irritated or sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to avoid skincare products with these types of alcohols. If you find your skin doesn’t like these alcohols, look for products that have an alcohol free icon.