The ingredient, explained

Alcohol

Alcohol has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.

AntimicrobialAntifoamingAstringentMaskingViscosity controllingSolvent

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Ethanol

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Antimicrobial: A technical role associated with controlling microorganisms on skin.
Antifoaming: Reduces unwanted foam during manufacture or product use.
Astringent: A technical role associated with tightening the skin surface.
Masking: Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.
Viscosity controlling: Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Solvent: Dissolves other ingredients in a formula.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human safety research

Ethanol-containing experiments found lower irritation than detergent washing, while patch testing reduced hydration without significant barrier or erythema changes.

What this does not tell us

Fifteen volunteers per experiment and particular short-exposure conditions. This does not establish tolerability of every ethanol-containing leave-on product or apply to alcohol consumption.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 17578437 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 10 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.