Organic alcohol

Dulcia natural uses alcohol in its Night Facial Essence and Retinol booster - night care products. Formulations of these products with and without alcohol were tested over an extended period. The results showed that the skin responds more quickly and the intended effect is achieved sooner and with better results when alcohol is included in the formula. The product was tested on our volunteers for 6 months. Women with various skin types took part in the test. No irritation or dryness was recorded in any case, so this product is suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin. Alcohol is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic alcoholic smell. It is most commonly produced by fermenting simple carbohydrates using yeast. It is made from a prepared sugar solution or from crops such as potatoes, maize or sugar cane. Ethanol can also be produced synthetically.

It increases skin permeability, allowing other substances (particularly active ingredients) to be absorbed more quickly, enhancing their effects. It has antimicrobial properties. It is generally recommended for combination and oilier skin, as it helps regulate sebaceous gland activity. At lower concentrations, it does not harm sensitive or dry skin either. Alcohol is an essential ingredient in some cosmetic products. It helps active ingredients absorb into the skin, greatly improves their penetration and helps vitamins reach the skin. It also replaces preservatives. Alcohol helps retain fragrance essences, acts against bacteria, speeds up the penetration of active ingredients into the skin and regulates sebum production. As alcohol evaporates quickly, it creates a mild cooling effect after a product containing it is applied, and also has astringent (tightening) properties. Low-molecular-weight alcohols such as ethanol at concentrations above 20 % in leave-on products temporarily reduce skin barrier integrity and increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Alcohol is suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, dehydrated and mature skin, when used at an appropriate concentration in a well-balanced formula. We particularly recommend it for oily and combination skin, where it regulates sebaceous gland activity and provides a mattifying effect, and also for sensitive skin at low concentrations below 5-10 %, where it improves the penetration of active ingredients without irritation. For dry or eczema-prone skin, we choose formulas with fatty alcohols such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol, which restore the skin barrier.

A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection confirmed that frequent use of alcohol-containing products by healthcare workers disrupted the skin barrier, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and loss of hydration. Further research showed that ethanol at concentrations of 10-15 % in toners can cause stinging and increased TEWL in sensitive skin, while at low concentrations below 5 % in emulsions it improves absorption without significant adverse effects.