How to choose a face lotion without alcohol

What does "alcohol free" actually mean?

In cosmetic labeling, Alcohol by itself means ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol or grain alcohol. An alcohol free claim generally means the product does not contain that particular alcohol, not every member of the alcohol family. The front label is a starting point for shopping, not permission for the ingredient list to take the day off. If you want to avoid all alcohols, rather than just ethanol, you will also need to check for fatty alcohols.1

Denatured means ethyl alcohol has an added substance that makes it undrinkable. SD Alcohol means specially denatured alcohol, and the name can be followed by numbers or letters. Alcohol Denat. is another name for denatured alcohol, so excluding only the exact word ethanol would miss it.1

Is lotion the right texture for your face?

A gel or lotion is generally a good facial moisturizer unless your skin is very dry. Removing alcohol from your shopping criteria does not remove the need to choose enough moisture. A cream contains more oil and is thicker than a lotion; an ointment is thicker still and holds moisture in more effectively. If a light lotion leaves your face dry, consider a richer texture rather than searching endlessly for another lotion.23

• For otherwise normal skin with seasonal dryness, a lotion can be sufficient.
• For dry skin, choose a cream or ointment rather than relying on a light lotion.
• For oily skin, consider a lighter gel instead of a heavy moisturizer.
• For combination skin, moisturize the dry areas rather than automatically applying the same amount over oily areas.
• For acne prone skin, look for a noncomedogenic formula, meaning one formulated not to block pores.

What should the lotion contain instead?

Look for ingredients that bring water into the skin and help keep it there. Humectants attract water; examples include hyaluronic acid, urea and sorbitol. Occlusives reduce moisture loss; examples include dimethicone and petrolatum. Emollients soften and smooth dry skin. A moisturizer can combine these functions rather than relying on one headline ingredient.2

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin, which protects the body and prevents water loss. Damage to that barrier increases water loss and sensitivity to irritants and allergens. Ceramides are natural components of the material between the outer skin cells. Moisturizers containing synthetic ceramides can support hydration. Nicotinamide, also called vitamin B3, helps reduce water loss and supports barrier repair by stimulating production of skin lipids.25

If you are comparing richer barrier products, petroleum based formulas are more effective at reducing water loss, while dimethicone formulas feel less greasy. The heavier option is not automatically the better facial choice: some occlusive barrier creams can aggravate acne. Barrier cream describes a product's purpose, not an alcohol free formula, so check its ingredients with the same care as a lotion.5

What if your skin is sensitive?

Alcohol free is only one filter. For dry or sensitive skin, choose fragrance free products and avoid botanical ingredients that trigger your allergies. Introduce one new moisturizer at a time so a reaction is easier to trace. If you have known allergies, check the entire ingredient list rather than relying on a sensitive skin claim.24

How to apply your face moisturizer

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and warm, not hot, water.
2. 2Rinse well and pat your face dry gently, leaving the skin slightly damp.
3. 3Apply moisturizer gently to the areas that need it. After a bath or shower, apply it within three minutes to help retain water.
4. 4If you use prescription creams or other active products, follow your clinician's layering instructions. Some treatments need to go on before the moisturizer.

For excessively dry skin, choose a moisturizer you can comfortably use at least twice a day; morning and evening are practical times. A plain emollient without active ingredients can also be reapplied whenever skin feels dry. Check the label before treating a medicated product as an ordinary lotion. During the day, include broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in your routine, whether your moisturizer contains sunscreen or you use a separate product.34

What should you expect?

Regular moisturizing can soften scaling skin, reduce moisture loss and make dry skin feel more comfortable. There is no single recovery timetable for switching to an alcohol free lotion. Judge the moisturizer by whether dryness and discomfort improve with consistent use, not just by what the formula leaves out. For dry, peeling skin, moisturize rather than trying to exfoliate the flakes away.34

When should you stop or get medical help?

Stop using a new moisturizer if it causes irritation or a rash, and contact a healthcare professional. Allergic reactions can involve preservatives, fragrances or other ingredients, even in a product without ethanol. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin. See a dermatologist if dryness does not improve, or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating; a moisturizer alone might not be enough.345