ALCOHOL

Alcohol, also known as ethanol, usually acts as a preservative in cosmetics. When used topically (on the skin), it acts as a penetration enhancer and can increase the transdermal absorption of active ingredients.1 Ethanol is widely used for topical application, with only rare reports of adverse effects. (1)

(1) Lachenmeier D. W. (2008). Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England), 3, 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-3-26