Isopropyl Alcohol Worst Solvent No known benefits Isopropyl Alcohol at a glance Also called rubbing alcohol or isopropanol Used in cosmetics and sunscreens as a solvent Also a penetration enhancer Well known to be drying and sensitizing Isopropyl Alcohol description Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is known to be drying/sensitising to skin when listed among the main ingredients (higher up on the ingredient list); tiny amounts in an otherwise good formula aren’t a problem. In addition to being drying and sensitising, this type of alcohol can disrupt skin’s surface layers. Related ingredients: Alcohol