Alcohol
Alcohol (ethanol)
- Role
- A solvent that evaporates quickly and gives a fresh feel on application.
- Catalog formulas
- 13
- Type
- Base
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
According to CosIng, Alcohol is undenatured ethyl alcohol. INCI functions: solvent, astringent, antimicrobial, antifoaming agent, viscosity controlling agent and fragrance ingredient.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In deodorants it dissolves the fragrance and other ingredients; according to Cosmetics Europe it gives a refreshing, cooling feel and supports product preservation. It does not reduce sweating.
CosIng lists no restrictions for Alcohol under the annexes to EU Regulation 1223/2009. As with denatured alcohol, the finished formula should be assessed: the proportion of alcohol and the way it is used.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) states in the leaflets of skin medicines containing ethanol that it may cause a burning sensation on damaged skin.
Not the same as Alcohol Denat.: that is the same ethanol with an added denaturant that makes it undrinkable. Fatty alcohols such as Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol act on the skin quite differently, the FDA notes.
Products containing Alcohol
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Alcohol Supports: INCI functions, substance identity, restrictions
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Alcohol Supports: use in cosmetics
- EMA: Annex to the guideline on excipients in the labelling and package leaflet (Ethanol, 2019) Supports: application to skin
- FDA: Alcohol Free labeling Supports: definition, difference from fatty alcohols