7.0
ISS Score
A- — Good — low to minimal hazard
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
solvent · antiseptic · preservative · astringent
Alcohol
Also known as: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol
Molecular Formula
C2H6O
Molecular Weight
46.07 g/mol
Category
alcohol
Bottom Line: Alcohol is generally safe for use in cosmetics and food, though it can cause irritation in some individuals when used excessively.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- used in low concentrations
- applied to intact skin
- consumed in moderation
- used in well-ventilated areas
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- you have sensitive skin
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have a history of alcohol intolerance
- you are using other irritants
✕ Avoid If:
- you have open wounds or broken skin
- you are allergic to alcohol
- you are consuming large amounts in food or drink
- you are using products with high alcohol content
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C2H6O |
| Molecular Weight | 46.07 g/mol |
| Melting Point | -114.1°C |
| Boiling Point | 78.37°C |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water. Soluble in acetone, ether, benzene. |
| Density | 0.789 g/cm³ |
| Log P | -0.31 |
Common Use Cases
6 Categories
Cosmetic
Facial cleansers, toners, hair sprays. Use in moderation to avoid skin irritation.
Food
Vanilla extract, cooking wines, flavored spirits. Generally safe in cooking; avoid excessive consumption.
Pharmaceutical
Antiseptics, hand sanitizers, cough syrups. Effective as a disinfectant; use as directed.
Household
Cleaning agents, disinfectants, air fresheners. Ensure good ventilation when using alcohol-based cleaners.
Supplement
Herbal tinctures, extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Veterinary
Pet antiseptics, cleaning solutions. Use products specifically formulated for pets.
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Topical application of alcohol can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Moderate
Ingestion of alcohol can lead to intoxication and adverse health effects.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Low to Moderate
Inhalation of alcohol vapors may cause respiratory irritation in high concentrations.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: High
Contact with eyes can cause irritation and potential damage to ocular tissues.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- pregnant — High risk due to potential fetal harm from alcohol exposure.
- infants_children — High risk due to lower tolerance and potential for poisoning.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- general_adult — Typically well tolerated with moderate exposure.
- elderly — Generally tolerated but may require caution.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| general_adult | Low | Adults typically tolerate moderate alcohol exposure, but individual reactions vary. |
| pregnant | Very High | Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. |
| infants_children | High | Children are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol due to lower body weight. |
| breastfeeding | Moderate | Alcohol can pass into breast milk, affecting the infant. |
| elderly | Low to Moderate | Elderly individuals may have increased sensitivity to alcohol effects. |
| sensitive_skin | Moderate | Individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation from topical alcohol. |
Toxicology Data
9 Endpoints
Alcohol is widely used in various products, with safety assessments indicating moderate risk of irritation.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 Oral | 7060 mg/kg | Rat - Oral gavage (OECD 401/423) | Low acute toxicity (oral/dermal) | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| LD50 Dermal | 15800 mg/kg | Rabbit - Dermal application (OECD 402) | Low acute toxicity (oral/dermal) | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Skin Irritation | mild | Draize test (OECD 404) | mild irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Eye Irritation | moderate | Draize test (OECD 405) | moderate irritation potential | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Skin Sensitization | Non-sensitizer | Guinea pig maximization test (OECD 406) | Non-sensitizing | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Genotoxicity (Ames Test) | Negative | Bacterial reverse mutation assay (OECD 471) | Not mutagenic | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| LC50 Inhalation | 20000 mg/m³ | Rat - Inhalation exposure (OECD 403) | Low inhalation toxicity | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Positive (oral) | Two-generation study (OECD 416) | Teratogenic risk (oral) | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
| Carcinogenicity | IARC Group 1 | Long-term carcinogenicity studies (OECD 451/453) | Carcinogenic to humans (oral) | CIR Safety Assessment (2008), SCCS Opinion, ECHA REACH |
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Alcohol is widely used in various products, with safety assessments indicating moderate risk of irritation.
- Commonly used in cosmetics and food.
- Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
- Regulatory bodies have established safe usage guidelines.
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
CIR
Report: Safety Assessment of Alcohol
Year: 2012
Conclusion: Alcohol is safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%.
View Full Report →
EFSA
Report: Scientific Opinion on Alcohol in Food
Year: 2017
Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is safe in moderation; excessive intake poses health risks.
View Full Report →
FDA
Report: Regulatory Status of Alcohol
Year: 2020
Conclusion: Alcohol is generally recognized as safe when used appropriately.
View Full Report →
Regulatory Status
Global
Alcohol is permitted for use in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals across major jurisdictions. Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
United States
FDAPERMITTED
None
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED
None
United Kingdom
UK GovernmentPERMITTED
None
Canada
Health CanadaPERMITTED
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol is generally safe in cosmetics, though it may irritate sensitive skin.
Moderate consumption of alcohol in food is typically safe, but excessive intake can be harmful.
Yes, excessive use can lead to irritation and other health issues; moderation is key.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0.0 - Initial enrichment | 2026-04-13T03:58:55.875183Z | — | Initial data enrichment via 3-phase structured outputs |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.