Can you put alcohol on your face?

What does rubbing alcohol do to your face?

Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol mixed with water. It kills many bacteria, viruses and fungi, and acts as an astringent, which tightens pores. That explains its use as a toner after cleansing, but the drying effect makes it a poor choice for sensitive or acne prone skin. If you do use it, apply moisturizer afterward. Drugstore strengths range from 50% to 90%; higher concentrations can be harsher on skin. The 70% strength commonly used for household cleaning is not a facial skincare recommendation.1

Does oily skin need alcohol?

No. An alcohol based cleanser can irritate oily skin, and a harsh face wash can trigger increased oil production. Use a mild, gentle foaming cleanser instead, then apply moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Look for products labelled "oil free" and "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to clog pores. For shine during the day, gently press blotting paper against your face for a few seconds rather than rubbing it. Blotting papers absorb excess oil, without asking your cleanser to audition as paint stripper. See a dermatologist if excess oil, blackheads or acne remain a problem.3

How should you wash your face instead?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply a gentle cleanser without alcohol using your fingertips. Avoid scrubbing, washcloths and mesh sponges, which can irritate skin.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
4. 4Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy. If your skin is oily, moisturize after cleansing too.

Wash once in the morning and once at night, and after heavy sweating. More scrubbing is not a substitute for gentle cleansing.2

Who should be especially careful?

People with eczema or an already damaged skin barrier are more susceptible to irritation. Irritant contact dermatitis means skin inflammation caused by something that damages the skin's protective barrier. The amount, concentration and frequency of exposure all matter: repeated mild exposure can cause problems as well as a single strong exposure. Retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can also irritate skin, so avoid adding another irritant when your acne routine is already causing dryness or soreness.4

What if you already used alcohol?

Stop using alcohol if your skin becomes dry, rough, red, itchy, painful or burning. Wash away any remaining irritant with plenty of water and avoid further exposure. Moisturizer helps skin retain moisture and repair itself. Contact a healthcare professional for a severe reaction, symptoms of dermatitis, failure to improve, or possible infection such as warmth, tenderness, redness or fever. Contact dermatitis usually clears within 2 to 3 weeks, but persistent exposure can bring it back.5

Can you use alcohol on facial cuts?

Do not routinely use antiseptics to clean an otherwise clean wound: they can interfere with healing by damaging cells involved in repair. Antiseptic use before a medical procedure is a different situation from daily facial cleansing. Seek medical attention for a deep cut, a large wound, a burn, a bite or debris that will not wash away.6

Rubbing alcohol has a place in cleaning skincare tools, which is a less glamorous job than becoming a toner. A face roller can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol after each use to remove bacteria and product residue. Keep rubbing alcohol away from flames, never swallow it and never mix it with bleach.17