There are many alcohols that are very beneficial to the skin, including Cetyl, Stearyl, Cetearyl and Lanolin alcohols. Alcohols in skincare are quite different from what you’d find in a glass of wine – they help to solubilise ingredients, stabilise creams, and create sensorial properties that make unique textures. These alcohols have a higher molecular weight, which means they are not irritating to skin. Other alcohols, such as Denatured Alcohol may be considered drying to the skin if used in large quantities, which is why we try to avoid them.