Rubbing alcohol is a versatile product that can be used for many purposes. Makeup removal is essential for healthy skin. There are many makeup removal products out there in the market. A common query is: Can you use rubbing alcohol as a makeup remover?
Alcohol cuts the greasiness and removes tough stains, so many makeup-removing products contain little alcohol. This alcohol is ethyl alcohol that acts as a solvent and emulsifies with makeup instantly.
Makeup removal is as necessary as putting on makeup. Skin feels fresh when it is makeup-free. So it is essential to choose makeup removers that are not harmful to the skin. This guide will elaborate on how to use rubbing alcohol as a makeup remover.
Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol as Makeup Remover? Is it ok to use it?
Do you want any makeup leftovers on your skin? The answer is no. Makeup leftovers damage your skin by penetrating deep into the skin. Rubbing alcohol comes in handy when removing waterproof and magnetic makeup. Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol as a makeup remover.
The benefits of rubbing alcohol are undeniable. It has been a hot topic whether to use alcohol on the skin or not, but due to its advantageous properties, it is an essential ingredient in makeup, skincare, and makeup removal products.
Rubbing alcohol is sometimes confused with isopropyl alcohol. The main difference between both alcohols is their concentration. Isopropyl is 100% concentrated, and rubbing alcohol is diluted with water. Otherwise, both are good antibacterial and antiseptic.
Note: Rubbing alcohol is suitable for occasional makeup removal. I recommend not relying on it only. Otherwise, you will have adverse effects on your skin.
How do I Use Rubbing Alcohol as Makeup Remover?
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent antibacterial agent that melts the makeup by absorbing all the makeup content. It cleanses your face thoroughly and gives you clean and smooth skin. Using rubbing alcohol ensures that no makeup residue is left on my face.
You need to know how to use rubbing alcohol on your face to remove makeup and prevent skin damage. I use rubbing alcohol only when I have to remove waterproof makeup.
- Clean your hands before removing makeup.
- Pour a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball.
- You can also mix carrier oil with rubbing alcohol to dilute it.
- Pat and gently rub the cotton ball on your face to remove makeup.
- Repeat the process until all your makeup is removed.
- Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face to clean your face.
- Moisturize your face after face washing.
My tip: I suggest you select an isopropyl alcohol that’s no more than 70% ethanol. Start using lower percentages of rubbing alcohol on your skin.
Effects of Rubbing Alcohol on the Face
Have you ever wondered why it’s so debatable whether to use rubbing alcohol or not? Rubbing alcohol has a lot of uses in our household, but using it to remove makeup is somewhat unexpected.
You can use rubbing alcohol once in a while on your face but do not make it a part of your makeup removal routine, and removing alcohol-activated makeup needs a different procedure, as it will harm your skin.
Dehydrated Skin
Rubbing alcohol, as the name suggests, is to rub on the skin to remove makeup. Rubbing alcohol dries your skin and breaks the natural barrier of your skin that locks moisture into the skin. When your skin is not moisturized, it gets dried out and dehydrated.
Acne Breakouts
When you use rubbing alcohol on your acne-prone skin, it aggravates your skin. It causes more skin oil production, resulting in severe acne breakouts. So, in a nutshell, rubbing alcohol worsens acne-prone skin and sensitive skin also.
Changes in Texture of the Skin
When you use rubbing alcohol, you rub and pull your skin. It irritates your skin, and your skin gets dried out. Your skin tends to produce more oil to compensate for this dryness. All this results in significant texture changes in your skin.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Dry Up Pimples?
Rubbing alcohol evaporates when it comes in contact with any surface, be it your skin or any other surface. That’s why rubbing alcohol is undetectable. When rubbing alcohol dries out, it also loses the skin’s natural moisture, which keeps it hydrated. So, in this way, it dries up pimples.
Does Rubbing Alcohol get rid of Blackheads?
Blackheads and whiteheads are impurities that get settled in the enlarged pores on your skin. Rubbing alcohol is antibacterial. It disinfects the skin but does not clear out the pores, and blackheads and whiteheads are not due to bacterial growth; they are environmental pollutants. So, when you use rubbing alcohol, it can dilate the pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.
Can I Put Rubbing Alcohol on my Face After Shaving?
It is believed that rubbing alcohol is an antiseptic with cooling properties and is used after shaving. I suggest you not put it on your face after shaving as it will cause stinging. If you get a minor cut while shaving, you can put a little amount of it to disinfect it and avoid bacteria penetrating the cut.
What is Rubbing Alcohol Used For?
Rubbing alcohol is a product that has multiple uses. It is used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. You can clean all your household items, including your makeup, and keep them sanitized using rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is also antiseptic and has cooling properties, which are great for treating wounds and bruises.
- Home Health – Deodorant, Ice packs, Muscle aches, etc.
- Household cleaning – Removing permanent stains, Cleaning jewelry, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your Skin Absorb Rubbing Alcohol?
Alcohol evaporates quickly in the air. So, there is less chance of skin absorbing rubbing alcohol. I advised you to wash your face immediately after removing your makeup with rubbing alcohol. It reduces the chances of any alcohol residues on your face.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Close Pores?
Rubbing alcohol is weightless and has astringent properties, which means it can shrink and close pores. Moreover, it is an excellent solvent for reducing excess oil production on the skin.
Is Witch Hazel with Alcohol Good for Skin?
Witch Hazel is a plant extract that is used as an astringent. Alcohol in the form of isopropyl alcohol is used as a disinfecting agent. When witch hazel is mixed with alcohol, it can cause sensitivity to your skin, especially the eye area. Witch hazel is top-ranked in sensitizing skin ingredients.
Final Words
Alcohol is a versatile chemical that has unlimited uses. It has excellent disinfecting, dehydrating, and astringent properties. When you use rubbing alcohol on your skin, it melts away the makeup leaving no makeup leftovers on your skin, but long-term and regular use of it can have harmful effects. This article is about whether: Can you use Rubbing Alcohol as Makeup Remover, how to use rubbing alcohol on your face, what the effects of using it on your skincare, and some related to using rubbing alcohol.
