Drying alcohol in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Drying alcohol is flagged by Olive Detective as a low concern in cosmetics. Volatile alcohol; can dry and compromise the skin barrier. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on Dermatology consensus; EWG — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Irritant — can irritate skin, eyes or the respiratory tract.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on alcohol denat, sd alcohol, denatured alcohol.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is yellow, so it does not cap a product's score by itself.
Source: Dermatology consensus; EWG
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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