Ethanol is widely used in a variety of products that come into direct contact with human skin (e.g. pharmaceutical products such as hand sanitizers in occupational settings, cosmetics such as hairspray or mouthwash, pharmaceutical preparations, and many household products). Conflicting evidence regarding the safety of this topical use of ethanol can be found in the scientific literature, but up-to-date risk assessments of ethanol use on the skin and within the mouth are currently lacking.
The primary public health concern with topical ethanol applications is its carcinogenic effects, as there is clear evidence that oral ethanol in the form of alcoholic beverages is carcinogenic. So far, there is a lack of evidence linking topical ethanol use to an increased risk of skin cancer. There is limited and conflicting epidemiological evidence on the link between the use of ethanol in the mouth as a mouthwash or mouthwash and oral cancer. Some studies indicate that locally produced acetaldehyde increases the risk of oral cancer through mechanisms similar to those found after ingestion of alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, topically applied ethanol acts as a skin penetration enhancer and may enhance the transdermal absorption of xenobiotics, such as carcinogenic contaminants in cosmetic formulations. Using ethanol can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, especially in people with aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) deficiency.
After regular application of ethanol to the skin (e.g., in the form of hand sanitizer), relatively low but measurable blood concentrations of ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde may occur, but below acute toxicity levels. Transdermal toxicity can occur only in children, especially through a tear in the skin.
Because many studies on the safety of topical ethanol applications may be subject to industry bias and there is a general lack of scientific research on its long-term effects, independent research on this topic is needed. Research should focus on the chronic toxic effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde at the site of action, with special attention to children and individuals with genetic defects in ethanol metabolism.
ethanol msdsis widely used as a solvent in households and industries [1]. Consumers may be exposed to ethanol through its use as an ingredient in many household and personal products, such as cosmetics, hair sprays, window cleaners, de-icers, and certain pharmaceutical preparations [2]. Most people have experienced skin contact with alcohol solutions
The primary public health concern with topical ethanol applications is its carcinogenic effects, as there is clear evidence that oral ethanol in the form of alcoholic beverages is carcinogenic. So far, there is a lack of evidence linking topical ethanol use to an increased risk of skin cancer. There is limited and conflicting epidemiological evidence on the link between the use of ethanol in the mouth as a mouthwash or mouthwash and oral cancer. Some studies indicate that locally produced acetaldehyde increases the risk of oral cancer through mechanisms similar to those found after ingestion of alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, topically applied ethanol acts as a skin penetration enhancer and may enhance the transdermal absorption of xenobiotics, such as carcinogenic contaminants in cosmetic formulations. Using ethanol can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, especially in people with aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) deficiency.
After regular application of ethanol to the skin (e.g., in the form of hand sanitizer), relatively low but measurable blood concentrations of ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde may occur, but below acute toxicity levels. Transdermal toxicity can occur only in children, especially through a tear in the skin.
Because many studies on the safety of topical ethanol applications may be subject to industry bias and there is a general lack of scientific research on its long-term effects, independent research on this topic is needed. Research should focus on the chronic toxic effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde at the site of action, with special attention to children and individuals with genetic defects in ethanol metabolism.
ethanol msdsis widely used as a solvent in households and industries [1]. Consumers may be exposed to ethanol through its use as an ingredient in many household and personal products, such as cosmetics, hair sprays, window cleaners, de-icers, and certain pharmaceutical preparations [2]. Most people have experienced skin contact with alcohol solutions