What it is & what it does
Alcohol is a fast-evaporating solvent used to dissolve ingredients, improve spread and help a formula dry quickly.
WHAT IT IS: Alcohol is a fast-evaporating solvent used to dissolve ingredients, improve spread and help a formula dry quickly.
HOW IT WORKS: In some products it creates a lighter, less greasy finish and can improve delivery of certain ingredients. At high levels it can feel drying or sting compromised skin, so the finished formula and concentration matter much more than seeing the word “alcohol” alone.
WHY ITS ROLE MATTERS: Solvents and carriers dissolve or disperse other cosmetic ingredients and influence the product's spread, evaporation and texture. Some can also help the upper skin layers retain water, depending on concentration. Their ability to assist a formulation does not establish a particular clinical effect for any active delivered with them.
A REALISTIC EXPECTATION: The role is mainly helping the complete formula work consistently, not acting as a stand-alone retinoid or brightening treatment.
HOW IT WORKS: In some products it creates a lighter, less greasy finish and can improve delivery of certain ingredients. At high levels it can feel drying or sting compromised skin, so the finished formula and concentration matter much more than seeing the word “alcohol” alone.
WHY ITS ROLE MATTERS: Solvents and carriers dissolve or disperse other cosmetic ingredients and influence the product's spread, evaporation and texture. Some can also help the upper skin layers retain water, depending on concentration. Their ability to assist a formulation does not establish a particular clinical effect for any active delivered with them.
A REALISTIC EXPECTATION: The role is mainly helping the complete formula work consistently, not acting as a stand-alone retinoid or brightening treatment.
