Alcohol-free skin care good for your skin, good for health

Many skin care products use alcohol as a solvent to lift dirt and oils from the skin.

Cleansers, fragrances, hairsprays and deodorants are common products containing this kind of ‘cosmetic’ alcohol, which is denatured and undrinkable. The side effects of denatured alcohol include birth defects, neurotoxicity and skin irritations and given that the skin is one of the major organs of the body and highly absorbing, it stands to reason that avoiding alcohol-based products could be advisable.

Alcohol is also drying on precious skin and leaves you with a ‘tight face’ feel that has you searching for the moisturiser.

Other uses for denatured alcohol include antifreeze, household cleaners and stain removers.

You might also be interested to read about cosmetics not tested on animals here.

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.