Isopropyl Alcohol in Skincare

By Alexandra Nelson

Alcohols are organic compounds consisting of a hydroxyl functional group. It is made up of an Oxygen-Hydrogen molecule bonded to a Carbon. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), also known as isopropanol, 2-propanol, dimethylcarbinol, or commercially recognized as “Rubbing alcohol,” is a clear, volatile, and flammable liquid with a fermented odor and a slightly bitter taste.

There are several grades of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), including industrial/technical, cosmetics, pharmaceutical (USP), reagent, and electronic. This article will focus on the cosmetic grade, which includes the use of isopropyl alcohol in cosmetics and personal care products.

Isopropyl Alcohol is used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and lotions, primarily as a solvent in topical formulations, for its antimicrobial activity; therefore, IPO finds it used across a range of products, including nails, hair, and skincare. It plays various roles, including as an astringent, an antifoaming agent, and a solvent.

Now a question arises, how can isopropyl alcohol provide benefits to skincare?

The skin is the most significant part of our body that requires continual care; it is essential to recognize what skin type we are, normal, dry, oily, or a combination of both, so we can be able to choose the right skin care product which will help our skin to benefit better.

One of the main properties of Isopropyl Alcohol is that it is bactericidal, meaning that any product, toner, lotion, or soap formulated with this type of alcohol can convenience from an antimicrobial activity.

Acne, medically termed as Acne vulgaris, is a skin condition that appears when hormonal activity in the body results in the overstimulation of oil glands, causing the over-production of oil. This oil builds up below the skin and can clog or block skin pores, sometimes even infecting the pores with bacteria. Most people call acne as pimples or zits. Pimples appear when skin pores are clogged with pieces of shedding dead cells held together by sebum. Pimples can be considered one of the direct results of acne, but it can appear without the influence of hormonal activities associated with acne.

Here is mostly where Isopropyl alcohol plays a vital role in skin care since, thanks to its bactericidal properties, it will help to kill the bacteria that cause acne, removing the excess of oil and dead skin that clogs the pores.

Infectious bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium that is usually found in the skin and is associated with the formation of acne. This bacterium usually relies on sebum for nutrients and thus multiplies in the follicles at puberty. The existence of these bacteria in the follicles attracts the white blood cells, which in turn secrete enzymes that are harmful to the walls of the follicle, paving the way for the contents of the follicles to enter the dermis. As a result of this process, inflammation occurs, leading to blemishes, papules as well as nodules.

At concentrations ranging between 60 and 90 percent, Isopropyl Alcohol kills a broad range of germs and bacteria that cause acne. That is why bar soaps, liquid cleansers, toners, and lotions with lower doses of alcohol in their formulation should be included in the proper skincare routine to treat oily and acne skin types.

Skincare for acne

First, skin cleansing is primordial; using a soap containing antibacterial additives in reasonable concentration (Isopropyl Alcohol) is beneficial to help prevent the formation of more sebum that clogs the pores, as well as killing the bacteria formed in the skin.

Second, deep cleaning with a toner only in the areas where the inflammation is located is recommendable since it will remove the excess of oil, taking immediate action against the formation of more pimples.

To accelerate the healing of inflammatory acne lesions, anti-pimple sticks, gels, or creams containing a lower dose of Isopropyl Alcohol can be used. They are applied only to the lesion and its immediate surroundings but not to larger areas. For such preparations, Isopropyl Alcohol is found, as it dries out the blemish and has a disinfectant effect. Usually, it is sufficient to apply the anti-pimple products twice daily. More frequent use may irritate the skin.

When it comes to choosing the right skincare product

In small or reasonable concentrations, skincare products can benefit from the good effects of alcohol. Alcohol can penetrate oil buildup and dissolve dirt and grease on the face if that is considered the skin type goal. Just reading the label, we can get a proximity of how much alcohol is in the product by examining where it lands on the ingredients list.

For instance, in cases of extremely oily skin, an alcohol-based toner helps to reduce pore-clogging and sebum. The opposite case is for dry skin and sensitive eczema or allergies, where alcohol-made products won’t be that satisfactory.

Isopropyl Alcohol can also be a valuable addition to help other ingredients penetrate the skin, as it acts as a booster, preserves the product, and makes it feel lightweight when applied. In smaller amounts, it’s unlikely to be harmful, which is why it is most important to read the label and ask a dermatologist if concerns arise at the time of choosing a skincare routine.

Conclusion

A good and appropriate skincare routine must be significant in people’s lives worldwide; good health and self-esteem go together while caring for our skin and appearance. The skin’s clarity of acne and other conditions is an assistance to self-time and confidence.

In our effort to achieve vibrant, healthy skin, we also become healthier individuals, gain enhanced self-confidence, and promote our true beauty. This beauty begins on the inside and radiates throughout our lives. Choosing skincare products containing the right ingredients depending on our skin type is the clue to achieving skin goals. Isopropyl Alcohol is a component we can rely on when it comes to using products with antibacterial properties; it is essential to understand how it works and the correct dose and concentration every person needs depending on different concerns.

Buy Isopropyl Alcohol Now