Description
Ethanol, also called alcohol, ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid and the principal ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine or brandy. Because it can readily dissolve in water and other organic compounds, ethanol also is an ingredient in a range of products, from personal care and beauty products to paints and varnishes to fuel.
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a natural byproduct of plant fermentation and also can be produced through the hydration of ethylene.
Uses & Benefits
Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products. It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, in lotions as a preservative and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and in hair sprays to help the spray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.