Ingredient

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is a fast-evaporating solvent and antiseptic.

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Caffeine

Temporarily de-puffs and brightens the look of tired skin and under-eyes.

Good to know

Drying alcohol
A lightweight, volatile alcohol that can feel drying for some — different from the nourishing fatty alcohols.

What it does

moderate evidence

In cosmetics it works as a solvent, antifoaming agent, and viscosity controller, and it dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds while drying down quickly without residue. It is a formulation aid, and its drying nature is deliberately used in products like acne spot treatments and drying lotions.

Benefits

Dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds and evaporates quickly for a clean, residue-free finish
Antiseptic and disinfectant (the basis of 60-70% rubbing-alcohol solutions)
Useful as an antifoaming agent and to control product viscosity
Its quick-drying, defatting action is purposely used in spot treatments and aftershaves

Side effects

Drying and degreasing on skin, stripping natural oils with frequent use
Can irritate or sting sensitive, dry, or broken skin
Best kept to rinse-off or targeted spot use rather than all-over leave-on application