Ethanol

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Ethanol?

✅

YES - Generally Safe

Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)

Quick Answer: Ethanol is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, ethanol (alcohol) in skin products is usually safe when used in normal amounts. It can dry or tingle the skin and may make your skin absorb more of other ingredients.

✅What to Do

Use products with ethanol as directed. If you have dry or sensitive skin, pick products with added moisturizers and consider using them less often. Do a patch test the first time you try a new product. Avoid putting ethanol-containing products on cuts, raw skin, or near the eyes. If you use other strong treatments (like prescription creams), check with your clinician because ethanol can increase absorption.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for dryness, stinging, redness or increased sensitivity. Studies show ethanol can act as a penetration enhancer and increase how much other ingredients get into the skin (research on transdermal absorption). An environmental and health agency has classified ethanol as expected to be harmful to some organ systems in cases of high or repeated exposure (Environment Canada). Keep products out of reach of children and never ingest. If you have ongoing irritation, stop use and see a healthcare provider.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Organ Risk: Environment Canada classifies ethanol as “expected to be toxic or harmful” to non-reproductive organs and lists it as a medium human-health priority. That means repeated or heavy exposure (even from skin use) could hurt organs such as the liver or kidneys.

Long-Term Risk: The ingredient record notes non-reproductive organ-system toxicity at a low-to-moderate level and the Environment Canada classification implies possible effects from repeated or long-term exposure. This points to potential health effects after years of use.

Absorbed: Animal studies (published research in 2003 and 2006) show ethanol can act as a penetration enhancer and change how chemicals move through skin. That means topical ethanol can increase how much of itself or other ingredients get into the body.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Ethanol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sugarcane alcoholethyl alcoholethanolSPECIALLY DENATURED ALCOHOL, 200 PROOF, SDA 35A, CONTAINS ETHYL ACETATESPECIALLY DENATURED ALCOHOL, 200 PROOF, SDA 2B-4, CONTAINS N-HEPTANEDEHYDRATED ALCOHOL, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALETHANOL, ABSOLUTE, REAG. ISO, REAG. PH. EUR., >=99.8% (GC), LIQUID (CLEAR, COLORLESS)SPECIALLY DENATURED ALCOHOL, 200 PROOF, SDA 3C, CONTAINS ISOPROPANOLALCOHOL DETERMINATION-ALCOHOL, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDSPECIALLY DENATURED ALCOHOL, 200 PROOF, SDA 2B-5, CONTAINS N-HEXANEETHANOL CALIBRATION KIT, AMPULE OF 10 X 1.2 ML, CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALETHANOL, FOR SPECTROSCOPY, ANHYDROUS, DENAT. WITH 5% 2-PROPANOL + 5% METHANOLSPECIALLY DENATURED ALCOHOL, 200 PROOF, SDA 40B, CONTAINS TERT-BUTYL ALCOHOL AND DENATONIUM BENZOATE

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Ethanol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Ethanol or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Ethanol

Is this safe for adults to use Ethanol?

Yes, Ethanol is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the organ risk risks of Ethanol for adults?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the long-term risk risks of Ethanol for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What are the absorbed risks of Ethanol for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What products contain Ethanol?

Ethanol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Ethanol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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