Ethanol

Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, is commonly used in products such as perfumes, air fresheners, lotions, hand sanitizers and household cleaners. It helps ingredients mix evenly and products dry quickly after use.

At higher concentrations, ethanol is also an effective antimicrobial ingredient. This makes it widely used in hand sanitizers, where it helps reduce bacteria and many common viruses on the skin. Because it works quickly and does not require water or rinsing, ethanol-based hand sanitizers have played an important role in public health, especially in settings where soap and water are not readily available.

 

Are there concerns associated with ethanol?

At high concentrations, ethanol can cause eye irritation and may lead to skin dryness with frequent or repeated use. However, the extent of dryness can vary depending on the formula. Products designed for regular skin contact, such as hand sanitizers, are typically formulated with moisturizing ingredients, such as emollients and humectants, to support skin hydration and make them more comfortable for frequent use.

Ethanol has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans when consumed in alcoholic beverages. It is important to note that consumer products containing ethanol are not intended to be swallowed. When used as directed, they do not present the health risks associated with drinking alcohol.

Ethanol is also considered a volatile organic compound (VOC) because it evaporates quickly into the air. Products such as cleaners and air fresheners may be subject to VOC emission standards set by agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB), to help manage air quality.

Ethanol is widely used across many product types, and its use is regulated by agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These agencies set requirements for safe use, labeling and product performance.

Alternative ingredients may be used depending on the application. For example, isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) is another commonly used alcohol, and certain quaternary ammonium compounds may be used in hand sanitizing products.

References: European Chemicals Agency information on Ethanol; Australian government fact sheet on Ethanol