ALCOHOL

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

(1) Lachenmeier D. W. (2008). Safety assessment of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity. Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England), 3, 26.