Alcohol-Free Products
These days, what we don’t choose to include in our skincare, personal care, and beauty routines is almost as important as what we do include. Finding products that deliver the results we’re after that also opt for natural formulas rather than harsh ingredients can be tricky. This is especially true when you’re looking for products that don’t contain alcohol. Why avoid alcohol? Because while perhaps temporarily effective when it comes to disinfecting skin or reducing oil, alcohol is proven to be extremely drying in the long-run. The good news is that more and more brands are developing alcohol-free formulas that work with natural ingredients to deliver the same results without any nasty side effects.
What Is Alcohol Free?
Products that contain alcohol or are listed as “alcohol-free” are not all referring to the same alcohol. In other words, not all alcohol is the same. Traditionally, skincare and cosmetic products use two types of alcohol: ethanol or ethyl alcohol and fatty alcohols, like cetearyl alcohol. When shopping for alcohol-free products, you’ll want to look out for product labels that don’t simply list “alcohol,” which refers to ethyl alcohol (aka the drying kind of alcohol according to the FDA).
Benefits of Alcohol Free Products
Most people associate the alcohol found in beauty and personal care products with ethanol, but as discussed, not all alcohols are the same. Ideally, you want to steer clear of products that contain ethanol as it can have drying effects on the skin or can even be damaging if it causes erosion.
Top Alcohol Free Brands
These brands keep skin in check — no alcohol required.
Thayers
Rich in history, Thayers got its start in 1847 when Henry Thayer M.D. opened a laboratory on Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts to produce a line of herbal extracts. The company changed hands and direction several times over the years but its longstanding commitment to natural, high-quality self-care remedies remains the same.
Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner
Give your pores a deep clean and leave your skin looking refreshed and glowy with this alcohol-free, chemical-free toner, which includes aloe leaf juice, rose water, and grapefruit seed extract.
S.W. Basics
Naturally-formulated, designed to be effective, and the inclusion of certified organic, fair trade, or family farm-sourced ingredients make this skincare brand a coveted fan favorite among our members.
Oil Serum
An oil and serum in one, this rich blend of moisturizing organic avocado, geranium, turmeric, and coffee oils works to cleanse, hydrate, and balance skin for a healthy-looking, supple complexion.
Seventh Generation
The Burlington, Vermont-based company—which hopes each of its products will have a positive impact for at least seven more generations—got its start in 1988 and established its foothold by offering non-toxic, green household and personal care products that are naturally derived and recyclable.
Baby Wipes
It’s only the best for your little one and these gentle wipes skip the harsh ingredients like chlorine and alcohol in favor of a natural, plant-derived formula that includes water and softening aloe.
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Create your own natural beauty essentials with these DIY recipes.
5-Ingredient Body Butter
Indulge in a little self-care with this rich, luxurious all-over body butter that blends together shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil, vitamin E oil, and your favorite essential oil for soft, silky skin.
6 Simple DIY Body Scrubs
You’ll definitely want these scrubs when you realize how easy they are to make yourself. From coffee grounds to Epsom salts and almond meal, you may already have some of these exfoliating ingredients in your pantry.
A Deep Conditioning Hair Mask Good Enough to Eat
The ultra moisturizing ingredients in this hair mask would also make for good smoothie ingredients (but try not eat it). Simply pair coconut oil with creamy avocado and let the fatty acids condition brittle strands.