Function of Alcohol in a Formulation
Question
Based on the following ingredient list, what is the function of Alcohol in this formulation?
- WATER(AQUA/EAU)
- ALCOHOL
- Dipropylene glycol
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- DIPHENYLSILOXY Phenyl Trimethicone
- Pentaerythrityl tetraethylhexanoate
- Tranexamic Acid
- Trehalose
- PEG/PPG-14/7 DIMETHYL ETHER
- PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate
- Silica
- Erythritol
- Potassium Methoxysalicylate
- PEG-60 GLYCERYL ISOSTEARATE
- Phenoxyethanol
- Behenyl Alcohol
- Butylene Glycol
- Carbomer
- BATYL ALCOHOL
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
- SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE
- POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
- ISOSTEARIC ACID
- DIMETHYLACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE CROSSPOLYMER
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic acid
- Xanthan Gum
- Polyquaternium-51
- Fragrance (PARFUM)
- LAURYL Betaine
- SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT LYSATE FILTRATE
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
- SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE
- Sodium Metabisulfite
- Hexyl Cinnamal
- Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
- CITRONELLOL
- Olea Europaea (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Glucosamine HCl
- HYDROLYZED SILK
- RUBUS SUAVISSIMUS (RASPBERRY) LEAF EXTRACT
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
- CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT
- Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
- LILIUM CANDIDUM BULB EXTRACT
- ARTEMISIA PRINCEPS LEAF EXTRACT
- UNCARIA GAMBIR EXTRACT
- GARCINIA MANGOSTANA BARK EXTRACT(GARCINIA MANGOSTANA)
- BUPLEURUM FALCATUM ROOT EXTRACT
- ROSA ROXBURGHII FRUIT EXTRACT
- Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
- Tocopherol
- THEANINE
- CINNAMOMUM CASSIA BARK EXTRACT
- sodium benzoate
- HYDROLYZED CONCHIOLIN PROTEIN
Answer
Function of Alcohol in the Formulation
The ingredient list provided shows ingredients in descending order of concentration. Since Alcohol is listed high up, it means it is present in a significant amount in the product.
Based on the properties of ingredients like Ethyl Alcohol (a common type of alcohol used in cosmetics), its primary function when present in high concentrations is often as a solvent. It helps dissolve other ingredients in the formulation that may not be easily soluble in water or oil alone. This is crucial for creating a stable and uniform product.
Other potential functions of alcohol in cosmetic formulations can include:
- Quick drying: It helps the product evaporate quickly from the skin.
- Astringent: It can provide a temporary tightening sensation on the skin.
- Antimicrobial: It can help preserve the product.
In this specific formulation, given its high position, its main role is likely to act as a solvent for one or more of the other ingredients listed.
