"Alcohol dries, fragrance harms" — everyone has heard it, and both claims are half wrong. Not all alcohol and not all fragrance is a problem — it is important to distinguish. Let us break down the formula so as not to worry needlessly while still protecting reactive skin.
The problematic alcohol is denatured alcohol (alcohol denat., SD alcohol); fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl) on the contrary soften and do not dry. Fragrance (parfum) and essential oils are common irritants for reactive skin. For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free (not "unscented").
01Alcohol: denatured versus fatty alcohols
Formulas contain completely different "alcohols". Denatured alcohol (alcohol denat., SD alcohol, ethanol) gives a quick matte feel but can dry and irritate — especially reactive skin. And fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl alcohol) are emollients: they soften and stabilise the texture, they do not dry. The single word "alcohol" in the name is not a verdict.
Which alcohol is where
Denatured
- In the formula
- Alcohol denat., SD alcohol, ethanol
- Why
- A light texture, quick absorption
- For reactive skin
- Better avoided
Fatty alcohols
- In the formula
- Cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl alcohol
- Why
- An emollient, a texture stabiliser
- For reactive skin
- Usually safe
02Fragrance: parfum and essential oils
Aromatic additives are among the most common irritants and causes of contact dermatitis. This applies to both synthetic fragrance (fragrance, parfum, aroma) and "natural" essential oils (lavender, citrus, mint, eucalyptus) — natural does not mean safer. For reactive skin, rosacea and eczema-prone skin, fragrance is best excluded.
03Fragrance-free versus "unscented"
These are different things. "Unscented" can mean the scent is masked with another fragrance — that is, there is fragrance in the formula anyway. Fragrance-free means no aromatic additives at all, even ones you cannot smell. Reactive skin needs the second option specifically.
04Common questions
Is any alcohol in the formula bad?
No. Fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl) soften and do not dry. Wariness is justified towards denatured alcohol (alcohol denat., SD alcohol), especially high in the ingredient list.
Are essential oils safer than synthetic fragrance?
Not necessarily. Essential oils are common irritants. For sensitive skin "naturalness" does not guarantee gentleness; go by fragrance-free.
Drawing on dermatological sources:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.