Are alcohols bad for use on the skin?

You may have heard that alcohol is not good for your skin. Social media is flooded with people recommending alcohol free skincare, but why is it so common then?

Alcohol is commonly used in skincare products for a few reasons: it helps to preserve the formula, to lighter the texture, to improve absorption or as a fixing agent for fragrances. But plain alcohol definitely has some side effects, and these benefits often do not justify what this ingredient can do on the customer’s skin.

However there are other types of alcohol considered beneficial for your complexion.

Types of alcohol 

There are two main types of alcohol that are used in skincare and cosmetics products are 

• Denatured alcohol
• Fatty alcohol 

Denatured alcohol is known as bad alcohol that can cause dehydrated skin. Due to its quick drying properties it delivers deeper active ingredients, and tightening pores. However, it can cause skin barrier corrosion, leading to dryness and irritation. 

While fatty alcohols like Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, butylene glycol, propanediol, or lanolin alcohol are good alcohol which are very light on skin and do not cause any irritation. It helps to enhance products stability and texture. 

Fatty alcohol is beneficial for dry skin and is non-irritating. It can lock moisture into the skin, and is helpful to improve skin barrier. 

Alcohol can penetrate oil buildup and dissolve dirt, but should be used in small amounts to optimize product effectiveness. For normal skin types, alcohol is unlikely to cause problems, but if your skin is sensitive, it may be irritating or cause burning.

Understanding the concept of alcohol-free cosmetics is crucial for avoiding harmful effects on the skin. Although alcohol-free cosmetics typically do not contain denatured alcohol, they still contain fatty alcohols in their ingredients. 

How to choose the best skincare products? 

Alcohol in skin care has both pros and cons, depending on the skin type and goal. Here are some factors to consider before using any skincare products. 

• Look for those ingredients that are good for your skin, like Cetearyl Alcohol.
• Avoid denatured alcohol, or that causes irritation and damages your skin barrier.
• Preferred fragrance-free and paraben-free products. 

Jess Beauty skincare routine 

Jess Beauty products are safe to use, pH balanced, and formulated with plant actives to nurture and form a strong skin barrier. These products do not contain skin-drying alcohols like alcohol denat, making them suitable for all skin types. 

How to start building your routine with Jess Beauty's products?

1. Cleanser

Have you ever felt tight skin after face wash? Jess beauty Face Reset Cleanser was designed to gently remove dirt and debris without leaving your skin dry. This contains Squalane, Coconut Derived Ingredients, Hyaluronic acid that gives hydrated and smooth skin even after every wash.

1. Serums

Serums play a crucial role in beauty routines, they are known for reinforce effects and targeted efficiency. For example, if you are suffering from dryness our Shine Bright Serum will help you to lock in moisture and retain hydration for longer periods of time. And if you use it before a moisturizer, even more wonderful!


If you are looking for anti-aging serums, try our Age Rewind Serum  which is effective for anti-aging, wrinkles, and fineline treatment.

1. Moisturizer

Jess Beauty's organic moisturisers will help you to restore skin balance and are suitable for all skin types. All of them were made with natural super ingredients like vitamin c, centella asiatica, squalane, panthenol, green tea and niacinamide which is best suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skins. If you are looking to brighten your complexion, opt for C-bomb moisturizer.

Now, if you want to reduce redness, dehydration or inflammation, Post Workout Gel is going to be your best ally!

1. Sunscreens 

If you are looking for sunscreen without harmful alcohol, take a look at Sun Drop SPF 50+ Sunscreen Oil , a silky velvet serum enriched with camellia sinensis and squalane. Sun Drops not only protects your skin against sun damage, but also forms a shield to prevent the penetration of free radicals and other environmental factors.

If you prefer a gel texture to carry everywhere and wear in every situation, Let it Sun SPF 50+. Same benefits, just different texture.