Sensitive Skin: Finding Alcohol-Free Products

Recently I started paying closer attention to the ingredients of the products I was using on my skin, since I was still having reactions once in a while. I finally decided to look up what ingredients to stay away from for eczema prone skin and then the light bulb went on!! The reason for my skin getting these reactions was right in front of my face! Alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate and a few others, but those two first ones are the biggies! Once I read this I started checking out my products and one by one I saw either alcohol as one of the first few ingredients or sodium laureth sulfate or both! So I stopped using them cold turkey! Now just a little side note, my skin used to not react to products like this. It has just been in the past few years that my skin has decided to change. So I am not saying no one can use products with these ingredients, but if you find you have sensitive skin and you keep trying new products but something keeps reacting with your skin, you can always try what I have and see if it works.

Why they put alcohol in beauty products:
- Fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners in skincare
-It makes products feel weightless and quick drying
- Skin is good at keeping ingredients out, alcohol helps breakdown skin barriers to help retinol or vitamin c get deep down
-Alcohol harms your skin's protective barrier, which triggers free-radical damage and can make oily skin and redness worse
-alcohol based acne products increase irritation and dryness
-Alcohol can irritate Roscacea & Eczema 

Why they put sodium lauryl sulfate in products? It helps to make products foam and is inexpensive. Sulfates like this one can compromise the skin's permeability , allowing moisture to escape, which can thin our protective layer. Basically this is one of the most irritating cleansing agents used in skin care products.

What are parabens? Parabens are used as preservatives in  beauty products. They have been found to cause less irritation than other preservatives used in products.

What are sulfates? Sulfate, generally speaking, are used as detergent cleansing agents. They show that the product is "working" by foaming or creating suds. They are just like parabens and not harmful to you in the grand scheme of things but they can cause irritation. The most common cause for irritation is caused when products don't have the correct amount of sulfates in their product, possibly used more than recommended as a filler. 

What is benzyl alcohol? A naturally occuring or synthetic ingredient used as a solvent and preservative. Though less likely to cause a reaction, the synthetic versions may cause contact allergy. Usually in bath products, soaps and detergents, eye makeup, blushes, cleansing products, shaving products and makeup.

What is cetearyl alcohol? Wax derived from grape seed and wheat. It helps to keep oil and water parts from separating. Can effectively condition the skin and hair. 

Here are some great alcohol-free products:

Skincare

Dior Cleansing Oil
I use this year round morning and night

For all skin types,
Alcohol free

Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, soaps, alcohols, or detergents

Lancome Alcohol- Free Toner

Dermatologist tested; pH balanced; gently tones , refines and softens skin

Dior Gentle Toning Lotion

With velvet peony extract, which soothes and help inflammation; alcohol a free

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic

Instant hydration to the skin and helps balance skin so it is prepared for the rest of your products

No parabens, sulfates, phthalates or alcohol

Apply to face after cleansing

Boscia Cool Blue Hydration Essence

Apply after toner

Hydrating gel-serum lasting moisturization and firmness, calming and cooling the skin

No alcohol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, preservatives, color, gluten

Dermatologist tested

Dior Oil Serum

Hydrating and anti-aging oil serum; corrects all visible signs of aging specific to dry skin
Alcohol free

NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-free Moisturizer

Hydrates and revitalizes the skin

No parabens, alcohol, synthetic fragrance or oil

Non-comedogenic

Dermatologist tested



Embryolisse Concentrated Lait-Cream
I am currently using this cream morning and night
Paraben free and alcohol free



Embryolisse Hydra-Mat Emulsion
I use this in my kit at times
Absorbs excessive sebum and reduces shininess
paraben and alcohol free

Makeup



NARS ProPrime Light Optimizing Primer
Broad spectrum spf 15
Oil free primer
For a radiant complexion- I use this in my kit
No parabens, alcohol, or synthetic fragrance



Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation
Long-lasting and lightweight
No parabens or alcohol



NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
All skin types
Hydrating, multi-action skincare benefits and light diffusing technology to create a softer and smoother complexion
No parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol or fragrance
Crease-proof, longwear
Dermatologist Tested
Non-comodeogenic



Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix
All skin types
Alcohol-free
Dermatologist tested


I hope you all find this article helpful in your search for your perfect skincare and makeup wardrobes! Let me know what you think of the products I have listed.

Source www.paulaschoice.com

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