There are alcohols and then there are alcohols, especially when it comes to skin care ingredients. Chemically, alcohols are carbon chains with a functional hydroxyl (OH) group attached. On an ingredients list they will usually be the ones ending in an “ol”, as in ethanol, methanol, panthenol. While alcohols are used in skin care for their anti-bacterial properties alcohols like isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol and ethanol can be drying and irritating to the skin. However, the fatty alcohols are a different category altogether, with some definitely offering skin benefits such as skin permeation, moisture retention and anti-aging support. Fatty alcohols are a mixed bag, though, as even ones known to be beneficial can cause skin irritation and should be used with caution.