There are several types of alcohols within iS Clinical products. The short chain alcohol used in cosmetic products is termed denatured alcohol and its chemical name is ethanol. Although ethanol is sometimes commonly called “drinking alcohol”, our products should never be ingested. This alcohol is used in very small amounts in these products and is safe for use as directed. This ingredient evaporates quickly and completely when the product is placed on the skin. This small amount is not drying or irritating. The iS Clinical serums contain both alcohol and water as solvents for the active ingredients. If the denatured alcohol were not included, the amount of water used as a solvent would have to be increased. Water evaporates much more slowly than denatured alcohol and the product would remain in liquid form on the skin much longer, making it unacceptable to most users. The short chain alcohols, such as ethanol, behave very differently in cosmetic formulations than the long chain alcohols. The long chain alcohols are large molecules that are used as moisturizers or humectants. They provide additional hydration to the skin and are not drying. Some other molecules, such as Vitamin B5, are alcohols and are used as ingredients for their specific functions within the skin.