Products with Alcohol

Where alcohol belongs in a formula, and where it does not

Alcohol has a poor reputation in skincare, much of it earned by cheap toners. In professional formulas it serves two narrow purposes: dissolving actives that water cannot carry, and evaporating fast — which matters when a product has to dry along a lash line or disappear into the scalp without residue. Almost everything on this page is of that type.

You will find it in the Obagi Eyelash Enhancing Serum, the Nutrafol Women's Hair Serum and Men's Hair Serum, and in Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%, where it helps keep ascorbic acid in solution. PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads round out the list.

Should I avoid alcohol in skincare if my skin is dry?

Context decides it. A leave-on toner heavy in alcohol can leave dry skin tight; a lash serum applied in a thin line, or a vitamin C serum where alcohol is simply the carrier, is a different proposition. If your skin is reactive, pair these with a richer moisturizer rather than ruling them out.

How to shop at ELLEMES

If you are unsure whether one of these suits your skin, our estheticians can look at the whole routine rather than judging a single line on a label.

Browse more