Ethanol 96% is a clear, volatile liquid widely used in cosmetic formulations to dissolve fragrances and certain actives, improve clarity, and speed evaporation. At low levels it provides a refreshing feel, lowers tack, and improves sprayability; at higher levels it may thin emulsions and dry the skin. It is freely miscible with water and many glycols, and is suitable for hydroalcoholic sprays and gels when alcohol-tolerant polymers/emulsifiers are used. It is not a preservative at typical cosmetic levels and is highly flammable—appropriate safety controls are required during compounding and storage.

Benefits:

●       Rapid solubilization of fragrances/resins and improved formula clarity

●       Fast evaporation and better spray performance

●       Reduces greasiness in richer formulas (at low levels)

●       Useful medium for botanical tinctures to be filtered later

●       Helps tune viscosity and de-bubble hydroalcoholic gels

●       Broad miscibility with water and glycols for processing flexibility

How to use:

●       Add to the aqueous phase or as a separate alcohol phase; avoid open heat sources.

●       In gels: hydrate/neutralize alcohol-tolerant polymers first, then add ethanol gradually to maintain clarity and viscosity.

●       In emulsions: keep levels low and choose alcohol-tolerant emulsifiers—high levels can destabilize.

●       For fragrance incorporation: pre-blend the fragrance with ethanol before adding to the bulk, using a co-solvent if clarity is required.

●       Target pH 4.5–7.5 where applicable; verify polymer and packaging compatibility.

●       Safety: highly flammable; ensure ventilation and anti-static handling.

Recommended usage levels in skincare:

●       Toners/refreshing face mists: 1–8%

●       Aftershaves/hydroalcoholic lotions: 10–40% (skin tolerance dependent)

●       Cosmetic hydroalcoholic gels (non-sanitizers): 10–40% with alcohol-tolerant gelling agents

●       Fragranced body sprays: 10–40% with suitable solubilization

●       O/W creams/lotions for quick dry-down effect: 0.5–3%
 Note: Hand sanitizers and perfumes may use 60–95% ethanol and are outside typical skincare usage.

Solubility:

●       Miscible with: water; compatible glycols (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerin); many organic solvents

●       Limited/unsuitable with: most silicones and some heavy hydrocarbons

●       Solvent power: dissolves many fragrance oils/resins; may precipitate certain polymers—pretest

Applications:

●       Low-level toners and face/body sprays

●       Aftershaves and hydroalcoholic lotions

●       Hydroalcoholic gel/serum (with alcohol-tolerant polymers)

●       Fragranced sprays and aromatic micellar waters

●       Botanical tinctures/extracts for toners (filtered and preserved)

Storage:
 Keep tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from heat/sparks/flame and oxidizers. Protect from light and moisture; store at a moderate temperature (below 25 °C). Ensure denaturing and labeling requirements according to local regulations.