Isopropyl Alcohol
What Isopropyl Alcohol is & what it does
Isopropyl Alcohol is a small, fast-evaporating synthetic alcohol widely used as a solvent and antimicrobial agent. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it can act as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients, as a viscosity reducer, and to give a quick-drying, lightweight finish. Because it evaporates rapidly and can feel drying at higher levels, it is usually included in modest amounts.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol safe?
Isopropyl Alcohol is a common cosmetic solvent and is generally considered safe at the modest levels used in finished products. It evaporates quickly and can feel drying if used in higher amounts, so it is usually included in small proportions. People with very dry or sensitive skin may prefer formulas that use little or none.
What does Isopropyl Alcohol do in skincare?
In skincare and sunscreen formulas, Isopropyl Alcohol acts mainly as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients and as a viscosity reducer. It can give products a quick-drying, lightweight finish and helps other components blend. It is a formulation aid rather than an active skincare ingredient.
Is Isopropyl Alcohol natural or synthetic?
Isopropyl Alcohol is a synthetic ingredient produced industrially through chemical processing. It is not extracted from plants and is manufactured to a consistent, defined purity.
Sunscreens with Isopropyl Alcohol
We rate 6 sunscreens that contain it:
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Shiseido The Perfect Protector SPF 50+/Pa++++ (SEA)
77/100
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Biorga Hyseke Sun Fluid Sensitive Skin SPF 50+
67/100
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Nu Skin Nutricentials
Nu Skin Nutricential Day Dream Protective Lotion Lightweight Day Moisturizer Spf 30
65/100
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Nu Skin Nutricentials Day Dream Protective Cream Creamy Day Moisturizer SPF 30
65/100
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Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Moisturizer SPF 30
57/100
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Dr. Kelen Natura Sun Napspray SPF 50+
49/100