Alcohol
INCI: ALCOHOL
CAS 64-17-5 EC 200-578-6
Drying alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin.
Use With Caution
This ingredient may pose risks. Check regulatory details below.
Details
Description
Drying alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin.
Purpose
Function
Solvent, antimicrobial agent, astringent, antifoaming agent, viscosity-controlling agent, penetration enhancerSolventAstringentAntimicrobial
Profile
Properties
Vegan
Yes
Silicone
Silicone free
Origin
Synthetic
Malassezia
Safe
Fungal Acne
Safe
Reef Safe
Yes
Compliance
Regulatory Status
EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionhigh
Sensitizationnone
MoSadequate
NOAEL2400 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
penetration-enhancereu-regulatory-watchflammableewg-limited-dataantimicrobialsolventprop65eu_children_restrictedepa_safer_alternativeifra_fragrancefda_food_additive
Verdict
A well-established, multifunctional cosmetic solvent with a long safety record. CIR and SCCS data confirm safety at cosmetic use levels. The main caveat is its role as a penetration enhancer, which can increase systemic delivery of co-formulated ingredients, and the pending EU CMR category 2 reprotoxic reclassification which – if finalised – would require a derogation assessment. Not a sensitizer.
US Note
CIR Expert Panel concluded Alcohol and Alcohol Denat. are safe as used in cosmetics; dermal application does not produce significant systemic ethanol exposure; safety of denatured forms depends on denaturant used
Assessment
Ratings
Reference