Ingredient · Updated
Ethyl Alcohol
Found in 2 products
What is Ethyl Alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid often produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast. In industrial contexts, it can also be synthesized through the hydration of ethylene.
It is commonly used in surface cleaners for its disinfectant properties, effectively killing various bacteria and viruses. In the context of health products, ethyl alcohol is generally regarded as safe when used topically or in small concentrations as a preservative or solvent in other products.
When you see ethyl alcohol on a label, it's important to recognize its role in reducing microbial presence or acting as a solvent. It's also the primary type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, although it's generally not consumed directly from products that contain it as an ingredient.
Commonly found in: Hand sanitizers, Surface cleaners, Medicated swabs, Mouthwash
What to watch
- High concentrations can cause skin irritation or dryness upon frequent contact.
- Ingestion of high amounts can lead to intoxication or more severe health issues.
Benefits
- Effective at disinfecting and reducing bacterial presence on surfaces.
Ethyl alcohol is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a sanitizer and in other regulated contexts.
Studies show ethyl alcohol is effective as a surface disinfectant, but concerns remain about its effects on skin with prolonged exposure.
Ethanol is plant-derived and thus generally accepted as vegan-friendly.
Sources: Ethanol as a Disinfectant
Scout's take
Effective disinfectant, rapid evaporation, solvent properties, low residual toxicity
More from Scout's analyses
Effective solvent, antimicrobial activity, evaporates quickly, low residual toxicity
from the analysis of Noshinku Bergamot Hydrating Hand SanitizerAll 2 products with Ethyl Alcohol
Where Ethyl Alcohol shows up
- Hand Sanitizer 2 products
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