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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional volatile solvent and antiseptic. At high levels it dries and irritates, especially dry and sensitive skin. No skincare effects of its own.
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.
Irritation potential
MediumAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
Use with caution
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.
Isopropyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Isopropyl Alcohol suits: oily, combination, normal. Use with caution in: dry, sensitive.
Isopropyl Alcohol has moderate irritation potential. Sensitive skin may show a transient reaction that usually settles with adaptation.
Volatile solvent and antiseptic.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Isopropyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: Isopropanol, 2-Propanol, IPA.
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