Are products labelled as alcohol free better for me?
‘Alcohol free’ is a gimmick. Most cosmetic manufacturers will have you believe that alcohol as an ingredient will do dreadful things to your skin, scalp and hair. There are many different types of alcohol – types to rub on your skin, to drink – even a gas alcohol. Some alcohols are drying agents but other alcohols are emollient, protective, smooth to the touch and highly beneficial when dryness is a problem. The latter are used extensively in cosmetics for this reason. An ‘alcohol free’ product is not necessarily better than one containing alcohol – it may even be worse.
