Isopropyl Alcohol
Volatile solvent and antiseptic. Dissolves oils, speeds drying, degreases. At high levels it dries and irritates skin; at low levels it works as a processing solvent. Pregnancy-safe at cosmetic amounts.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Medium
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Combination, Normal
- Use with caution
- Dry, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Isopropyl Alcohol is a simple volatile alcohol, a solvent and antiseptic. INCI: Isopropyl Alcohol. Commonly known as isopropanol or 2-propanol. In a formula it dissolves oils and resins, degreases surfaces, speeds product drying, and lowers viscosity. It is added to toners, hand sanitizers, products for problem skin, and technologically as a solvent for other ingredients. Concentration decides everything: in small amounts it is a neutral processing solvent, in high amounts an active degreaser. Pregnancy safety. At cosmetic concentrations, skin absorption is low and there are no teratogenicity data for topical use. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Drinking alcohol-containing products is of course not acceptable. Tolerance. The main caveat is drying. High alcohol levels break down stratum-corneum lipids, raise transepidermal water loss, and irritate skin, especially dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin. If alcohol sits near the top of the INCI, the product is likely degreasing; near the end of the list it is a low-dose processing solvent and is not a concern. The ingredient has no skincare effects of its own. It is a functional solvent and sensory modifier.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isopropyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Isopropyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Isopropyl Alcohol for?
Isopropyl Alcohol suits: oily, combination, normal. Use with caution in: dry, sensitive.
Can Isopropyl Alcohol irritate the skin?
Isopropyl Alcohol has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
What is Isopropyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Volatile solvent and antiseptic.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Isopropyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Isopropyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: Isopropanol, 2-Propanol, IPA.
See Isopropyl Alcohol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
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