Ingredient dictionary

Isopropyl Alcohol

Also listed as: Isopropanol, 2-Propanol

A simple alcohol made from propylene. It works as a solvent, thinning ingredients and helping them spread, and it can give a light, fast-drying feel. It is on the label of 72 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: our code flags isopropyl alcohol as a drying alcohol, so when it sits high on the list it can dry out and sting dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Drying alcohol. High on a list, simple alcohols can dry and sting dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

What Isopropyl Alcohol does

Dissolves and thins other ingredients
Helps formulas dry quickly
Gives a light, fresh feel

Isopropyl alcohol is a simple alcohol made from propylene, a common building block from the petrochemical industry. Formulators use it as a solvent, which means it helps other ingredients dissolve and spread evenly through a formula.

On skin and hair it evaporates quickly, so it leaves a light, fresh feel and helps products dry fast. You will often see it in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling products and hair color, where it helps the mix blend. Because it can remove oils and dry the surface, it is often balanced by moisturizing ingredients.

Good for

Quick-drying styling products that aim for a light finish. Dry or sensitive skin may want to check where it sits on the label.

Be careful if

Our code flags isopropyl alcohol as a drying alcohol, so when it sits high on the list it can dry out and sting dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is isopropyl alcohol bad for your skin?

Most people tolerate it well, especially in small amounts. It is still a drying alcohol, so it can dry out or sting skin that is already dry, sensitive or prone to eczema. If that describes you, check where it sits on the label and look for moisturizing ingredients.

Is isopropyl alcohol the same as rubbing alcohol?

Close, but not the same thing. Rubbing alcohol is usually made from isopropyl alcohol, but it is sold for household use. In cosmetics, it is one ingredient inside a formula, mixed with moisturizers and other ingredients, rather than a stand-alone liquid.