What it is
Isopropyl alcohol is a volatile short-chain alcohol widely used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It dissolves a range of ingredients, reduces viscosity, and evaporates quickly to give a light, fast-drying feel, which is useful in lotions, sprays, and quick-absorbing sunscreens. It can also act as an antifoaming agent.
Safety & warnings
At the low levels used in finished cosmetics, isopropyl alcohol is generally well tolerated. Because it is a volatile solvent, high concentrations can have a drying or mildly irritating effect on skin in some users. It is not a fragrance allergen and is not comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is produced industrially, typically by the hydration of propylene.
Questions everyone asks
Why is isopropyl alcohol in my sunscreen?
It is used as a solvent that helps dissolve ingredients and evaporates quickly, giving the product a lighter, faster-drying feel.
Is isopropyl alcohol the same as the alcohol in alcohol-free claims?
It is a true solvent alcohol; products that are described as alcohol-free typically avoid this type of volatile alcohol.