Properties and Benefits:
Ethanol 97% is valued for its versatility and effectiveness as:
- Solvent: It is widely used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, perfumes, and medicines due to its ability to dissolve many organic compounds.
- Disinfectant: With its strong antimicrobial properties, it is effective in killing many types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a staple in sanitation protocols for medical settings and general cleanliness.
- Preservative: In cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, ethanol helps prevent the growth of microbes, extending the shelf life of products.
- Extraction Agent: In herbal and botanical extractions, it efficiently extracts desired compounds from plants, making it crucial in the production of tinctures and herbal extracts.
Skincare and Beauty Uses of Ethanol 97%:
Toner and Astringent: Ethanol is commonly used in facial toners and astringents due to its ability to cleanse the skin by removing oils and reducing the appearance of pores. It can help in managing acne-prone skin by drying out excess oils and killing bacteria.
Perfume Solvent: In the fragrance industry, ethanol acts as a solvent to dissolve various aromatic compounds, making it a primary component in many perfumes and colognes. It helps in dispersing the fragrance evenly when applied to the skin.
Preservative: Due to its antimicrobial properties, ethanol is added to cosmetics and skincare products as a preservative to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds, which extends the shelf life of products such as creams and lotions.
Product Penetration Enhancer: Ethanol can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients in skin care products into the skin, increasing their efficacy. It helps in delivering beneficial compounds deeper into the skin layers.
Cleansing Agent: In cleansing products like makeup removers and wipes, ethanol is effective in breaking down makeup, dirt, and other impurities on the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.
Hand Sanitizer: Ethanol is a key ingredient in hand sanitizers and disinfecting gels, providing a quick and effective means to clean hands and kill germs without the need for soap and water.
DIY Skincare Products: For those who create their own skincare formulations, ethanol can be used to make extracts from herbs and flowers, which can be incorporated into homemade toners, serums, and sprays.