“Isopropyl Alcohol?”Here!rubbing alcohol
Appears in 2 scanned products.
In personal care
A small, fast-evaporating alcohol molecule, closely related to the kind in drinks but not meant for drinking. It is made industrially from propylene and is the same substance sold in pharmacies as a disinfectant.
Why it’s used
In formulas it acts as a solvent, carrying other ingredients into solution, and as a quick-drying vehicle in things like hand sanitizers, nail products, toners, and perfumes. It also helps thin out thicker mixtures and speeds drying on the skin or nail surface.
What the evidence says
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has assessed isopropyl alcohol and found it safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It is a known skin and eye irritant at higher concentrations, which is well documented, and repeated exposure can dry out skin by stripping surface oils. The FDA also recognizes it as an effective antiseptic active ingredient in over-the-counter drug products at specific concentrations.
Context
Concentration and contact time matter: brief, rinse-off, or quick-evaporating leave-on use (as in a toner or hand sanitizer) differs from prolonged occlusive contact. CIR's safety conclusion applies to use levels typical of cosmetic formulations, not to concentrated industrial-grade product.
Rumors
Isopropyl alcohol increases how much other harmful ingredients get into the skin.
Not gradedhealth and safety evidence
Sources cited — no verdict reached.
What was measured is not yet noted.
- The Effect of Various Vehicles on the In Vitro Skin Permeability of Minoxidil (Peer-reviewed) · Funded by Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Jundishapur, Ahvaz · No conflicts declared
Who’s saying this
- Vibrant Skin Bar — a professional body or practice: medical spa offering injectables, skin, body contouring and wellness treatments
How we know who this is
- “From advanced cosmetic injectables and skin rejuvenation treatments to wellness therapies and non-surgical body contouring, Vibrant Skin Bar offers a comprehensive approach to aesthetics and self-care — all under one roof in Phoenix, Arizona.” (their page)
Breathing isopropyl alcohol vapor from products causes headaches, dizziness and nausea.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
Isopropyl alcohol dries out and sensitizes the skin.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Measured as an outcome.
- How irritant are n-propanol and isopropanol? - A systematic review (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- paulaschoice.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Isopropyl alcohol in skin care makes acne worse.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
Isopropyl alcohol strips the skin's natural oils and throws off oil (sebum) production.
Not gradedhealth and safety evidence
Sources cited — no verdict reached.
What was measured is not yet noted.
- The Effect of Various Vehicles on the In Vitro Skin Permeability of Minoxidil (Peer-reviewed) · Funded by Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Jundishapur, Ahvaz · No conflicts declared
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
Where it shows up
and 1 more product