Bilgiye hızlı erişim:
The “alcohol-free” label frequently seen on cosmetic products may lead consumers to perceive the product as gentler, more natural, or less irritating. However, this claim is not just a marketing slogan—it must be scientifically and technically substantiated in accordance with cosmetic regulations.
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) and the Turkish Cosmetics Legislation, every claim presented on a cosmetic label must be supported by the manufacturer through appropriate analysis and documented in the product’s technical file.
What Does “Alcohol-Free” Actually Mean?
Not all alcohols are the same.
This claim indicates that the product does not contain certain types of alcohol, typically including:
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
Methanol (methyl alcohol)
Propanol
Butanol
These alcohols are often used as solvents, can have a drying effect on the skin, and may cause irritation, especially in sensitive individuals. They are commonly found in products such as alcohol-based toners, aftershaves, and perfumes.
However, the term “alcohol-free” does not imply the exclusion of all alcohol-containing ingredients.
Alcohols Exempt from the “Alcohol-Free” Claim
Not all alcohols are harmful.
Some fatty alcohols frequently used in cosmetics are exempt from the “alcohol-free” claim because they do not have a drying effect on the skin. On the contrary, they are known for their moisturizing, emollient, and stabilizing properties.
Examples include:
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl Alcohol
These ingredients belong to the fatty alcohol class derived from saturated fatty acids and do not conflict with the “alcohol-free” claim under cosmetic regulations. Therefore, even if these substances are present in your formulation, the label can still state “alcohol-free”—provided this is properly analyzed and documented.
What Analysis Is Required to Support This Claim?
A technical file must include laboratory evidence.
Before being placed on the market, products making an “alcohol-free” claim should be tested using quantitative methods such as Gas Chromatography (GC) to confirm the absence of relevant alcohol types. These tests must be conducted by authorized laboratories and included in the Product Information File (PIF).
✔ Analyses must be performed by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.
✔ Test results should show that the alcohols in question are either completely absent or below the detection limit.
✔ All reports must be retained in both digital and printed formats, as they may be requested during regulatory inspections.
What Do the Regulations Say?
Misleading claims are not permitted.
According to EU and Turkish cosmetic legislation, any labeling or marketing claim must be:
Verifiable,
Traceable,
Scientifically substantiated.
Therefore, widely used but sensitive claims such as “alcohol-free” must be supported by reliable testing, or they risk leading to market withdrawals or regulatory penalties.
At Cosming Laboratory, we provide comprehensive analytical services to help ensure your cosmetic product claims are both scientifically valid and legally compliant.
Our services include:
⇒ GC-MS analysis specifically tailored for “alcohol-free” claims
⇒ Technical file consultancy and reporting support
⇒ Testing aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards
⇒ Label review and regulatory compliance evaluations
Stay informed about the latest developments in the industry and our company by subscribing to our e-newsletters.
Cosming Laboratuvar Bilgi Yönetim Eğitim Danışmanlık San. Ve Tic. Ltd Şti.
Get a Quote Register