Alcohol In Extracts: Harmful To Hair And Skin?

Alcohol is a common ingredient in cosmetic products, but its effects on hair and skin are often misunderstood. While some alcohols are beneficial or neutral for hair and skin health, others can be drying and damaging. The distinction lies in the type of alcohol used, with short-chain or drying alcohols like ethanol, SD alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol known to cause hair dryness and breakage over time. On the other hand, long-chain fatty or emulsifying alcohols like cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol can moisturize, soften, and smooth the skin without negative side effects. As such, it is important to be aware of the different types of alcohols and their unique properties when choosing cosmetic products to ensure that they are safe and effective for your hair and skin.

The different types of alcohol in extracts

Alcohols are used in skincare products for various purposes, such as solvents, preservatives, and antimicrobial agents. They can enhance the penetration of active ingredients, improve the texture of the product, and make it absorb faster. However, not all alcohols are created equal, and some are more beneficial to the skin and hair than others.

Simple Alcohols

Simple alcohols, also known as short-chain alcohols, are those that evaporate quickly and are typically drying to the skin and hair. Examples include ethanol or ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and methyl alcohol or methanol. These types of alcohols are often used in hand sanitisers, skincare, and hair-care products. They can act as astringents, antifoaming agents, and solvents. While they may be beneficial in certain applications, they can also strip the skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to absorbing harmful ingredients.

Fatty Alcohols

Fatty alcohols, on the other hand, are very different from simple alcohols. They are typically non-irritating and have moisturising properties. Fatty alcohols can be derived from natural sources, such as plant oils (coconut, palm, palm kernel) and animal fats (cow tallow, pig lard, beeswax). They act as emollients, thickeners, and emulsifiers in skincare and hair-care products. Some common fatty alcohols include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and lanolin alcohol. These alcohols can be found in hair conditioners, foundations, skincare cleansers, and moisturisers. They help prevent oil and liquid from separating and provide moisturising benefits, keeping the skin and hair feeling healthier.

Other Types of Alcohols

There are also other types of alcohols used in skincare and hair-care products, such as benzyl alcohol, which is naturally found in fruits and teas, and propylene glycol, which is derived from amino acids. These alcohols can be found in soaps, cosmetics, cleansers, and hair products. While some alcohols may be beneficial to the skin and hair, it's important to consider individual skin types and goals when choosing products containing these ingredients.

The effects of alcohol on hair

Alcohol is a generic term that covers a family of chemicals with differing properties. There are two major types of alcohols used within hair and skincare products: short-chain or drying alcohols, and long-chain fatty or emulsifying alcohols.

Short-chain alcohols are considered "bad" because they can have limited benefits for most hair types, as they have very few carbon atoms. They are commonly used in hair products that need a quick-drying effect, such as traditional hair sprays. They evaporate quickly, so the styling agents attach faster and work better, but this also means that your hair is literally getting sucked dry. With prolonged use, hair becomes dry, brittle, and frizzy, and is more prone to breakage. Some of the most common short-chain alcohols that you will find in hair care products are ethanol, SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol.

Long-chain fatty alcohols, on the other hand, are considered "good" alcohols. They don't have any drying or irritating effects and can be used even on sensitive or atopic skin. These alcohols show properties that support skin and hair health or are indifferent to it. Some examples include cetyl alcohol, which is an emulsifier that enables the formation of an emulsion and stabilizes it; cetearyl alcohol, an emulsifier and emollient that softens and smoothes the skin and hair; and stearyl alcohol, which is also an emulsifier and emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin and hair.

While some alcohols can be damaging to hair, not all alcohols are created equal, and some are actually beneficial to hair health. For example, a 60% alcohol extract from the Alnus sibirica Fisch. ex Turcz tree has been found to have hair growth-promoting effects. The extract was found to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production, which is a representative factor in male pattern hair loss. It also increased the expression of IGF-1, an important factor in hair growth.

In conclusion, while some alcohols can be drying and damaging to hair, others can provide significant hydration and benefits. It's important to be aware of the different types of alcohols and their effects on the hair to make informed decisions about hair care products.

The effects of alcohol on skin

Alcohol is a generic term for a family of chemicals with differing properties. Alcohols used in cosmetics can be divided into those with positive and negative effects on the skin. "Good" alcohols are either beneficial or neutral for the skin or scalp. They don't have any drying or irritating effects and can be used even on sensitive or atopic skin. Some examples of "good" alcohols include:

• Cetyl Alcohol: an emulsifier that enables the formation of an emulsion and stabilizes it.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: an emulsifier and emollient that softens and smoothes the skin.
• Stearyl Alcohol: an emulsifier and emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin.
• Glycerin: moisturizes and supports the regeneration of the epidermis.

On the other hand, "bad" alcohols can have negative effects on the skin. For example, ethanol (Alcohol, Ethyl alcohol) is used mainly as a solvent in cosmetics, but it can dehydrate the skin and disturb its microflora. It is often used in acne-prone skincare products due to its drying and antibacterial properties. However, using it on acne-prone skin can do more harm than good, as it can cause excessive drying, leading to increased sebum production and exacerbated acne. In addition, it can disrupt the healthy skin microflora, leading to the multiplication of bacteria responsible for blemishes and acne aggravation. Isopropyl Alcohol is another example of a "bad" alcohol. It is used as a solvent, preservative, and anti-foaming agent, but it can be irritating and highly allergenic to the skin.

It's important to note that the safety of topical applications of ethanol is still a matter of debate, and there is conflicting scientific evidence. While some studies have shown potential harm from chronic use, there is currently a lack of evidence to associate topical ethanol use with an increased risk of skin cancer.

Overall, when it comes to the effects of alcohol on the skin, it's important to distinguish between "good" and "bad" alcohols and choose products with the right types of alcohols to maintain skin health and hydration.

The safety of alcohol in cosmetic products

Alcohol is a common ingredient in cosmetic products and can be found in everything from hairspray to skincare. But is it safe?

On the other hand, long-chain fatty alcohols can be beneficial or neutral for the skin and scalp. They are often used as emulsifiers, emollients, and moisturizers. Some examples of "good" alcohols are cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol. These alcohols can soften and smooth the skin without causing dryness or irritation.

While the impact of alcohol in cosmetic products on the skin and hair is important, it is also worth considering the impact on the body as a whole. There is evidence that ethanol, a common ingredient in cosmetics, can have negative effects on the liver, central nervous system, and other body systems when ingested. There are also concerns about the potential carcinogenic effects of ethanol, although this has primarily been associated with orally consumed alcoholic beverages.

Overall, the safety of alcohol in cosmetic products depends on the type of alcohol and the specific product. Some alcohols can be drying and damaging to the hair and skin, while others can provide hydration and other benefits. It is important to read ingredient lists and understand the different types of alcohols to make informed choices about the products we use.

Alcohol-free alternatives

While not all alcohols are bad for the skin and hair, it is generally recommended to avoid products that contain short-chain alcohols or drying alcohols such as ethanol, SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, propanol, propyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol. These types of alcohols can have a drying effect on the hair and skin, leading to potential damage and breakage.

When it comes to alcohol-free alternatives, there are several options available:

Hair Care

For hair care products, it is best to opt for alcohol-free options, especially if you have dry, frizzy, or damaged hair. Alcohol-free shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments can help nourish and moisturize the hair without the drying effects of alcohol. Some recommended alcohol-free hair care products include:

• Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Leave-in Smoothing Gelee: This lightweight gel provides hydration and frizz control for normal hair types.
• John Frieda Frizz Ease Curl Reviver Mousse: This mousse is suitable for wavy and curly hair, as it nourishes and defines curls while eliminating frizz.
• Four Reasons Nature Styling Mousse: This mousse is ideal for fine hair, as it adds volume and protects the hair from heat styling and humidity.
• Pantene Cheat Day Alcohol-Free Dry Shampoo Foam: This dry shampoo is a great alternative to traditional shampoo, refreshing the hair without drying it out.
• Bounce Curl Alcohol-Free Hairspray: This hairspray provides a medium to a strong hold without drying out the hair.

Skin Care

When it comes to skincare, alcohol-free alternatives are also available. Look for products that are labelled as "alcohol-free" or "without alcohol". Some common alcohol-free skincare alternatives include:

• Moisturizers: Opt for alcohol-free moisturizers to hydrate the skin without potential irritation.
• Toners: Alcohol-free toners can help balance the skin's pH without the drying effects of alcohol.
• Cleansers: Gentle, alcohol-free cleansers can effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
• Serums: Alcohol-free serums can provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients without the potential irritation caused by alcohol.

In addition to these alternatives, it is always a good idea to read the ingredient labels and opt for products with natural and organic ingredients.

Frequently asked questions