Alcohol-free cosmetics: ethanol and fatty alcohols
A chemical family broader than ethanol alone
In cosmetic claims, alcohol-free usually refers to the absence of ethyl alcohol, as explained by the FDA. Fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol or cetearyl alcohol may nevertheless appear in the composition. Their texture and emollient functions differ from ethanol’s roles: spotting the word alcohol in an ingredient list is not enough to identify the situation correctly.
Relating the claim to the product being considered
A water-based perfume and a rich cream do not necessarily use the same formulation systems. Buly, for example, presents alcohol-free perfumes whose compositions remain fragranced. If the claim interests you for comfort or avoidance of a particular ingredient, check the exact name and accompanying components; it does not promise a general absence of reactions to the finished cosmetic.
Resources to explore further
FDA — Alcohol Free
The FDA clarifies the conventional meaning of alcohol-free claims and distinguishes ethyl alcohol from the fatty alcohols that may remain in cosmetics.Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice describes cetyl alcohol’s emollient, emulsifying and texture functions, helping distinguish this ingredient from a more volatile alcohol.Officine Universelle Buly
Buly’s Eau Triple Damask Rose provides an alcohol-free fragrance example with an ingredient list that can be examined as a complete formulation.