Isopropyl is pure alcohol with no other ingredients. Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of isopropyl and water. Sometimes, it contains additional ingredients. Unlike rubbing alcohol, undiluted isopropyl is not suitable for home use.
Because rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol, the two liquids have similar properties, but they are not the same. For example, both have antibacterial properties and are disinfectants.
However, because it is undiluted, isopropyl alcohol is too hazardous to use as a disinfectant for the skin or home. Companies use isopropyl alcohol in industrial settings to manufacture products, while rubbing alcohol is for at-home use.
In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol. We will also explain how to use rubbing alcohol as a disinfectant and the potential side effects.
Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol.
By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water. Most rubbing alcohol brands contain 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is also not the same substance as ethyl alcohol, which is the type of alcohol in beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.
The other main component of rubbing alcohol is water. Depending on the product, there may be other ingredients.
Some rubbing alcohols that companies manufacture for aching muscles contain essential oils such as wintergreen. Wintergreen essential oil contains a compound known as methyl salicylate, which dilates tiny blood vessels in the skin. This can help relieve aches and pains.
The main difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol is the concentration. The concentration of isopropyl alcohol is 100%, while the concentration of rubbing alcohol is less because of the addition of water.
Otherwise, the two liquids have similar properties. They are antibacterial and antiseptic. They are also both flammable, and toxic when inhaled or ingested.
Both products involve risks with use, but because isopropyl alcohol is more concentrated than rubbing alcohol, it is more hazardous.
People typically use rubbing alcohol at home as an antiseptic to clean cuts and scrapes, lowering the risk of infection. It may be part of an at-home first aid kit or medicine cabinet.
If a rubbing alcohol contains wintergreen or methyl salicylate, individuals may use it to help relieve muscle aches that are the result of exertion. An additional use involves disinfecting small objects in the home.
Isopropyl alcohol is undiluted and this makes it more hazardous, and it is not appropriate for home use.
People should not apply isopropyl alcohol to the skin for any reason, as it can pass into the bloodstream and cause poisoning. Rubbing alcohol is better for use in first aid and to sterilize small objects or surfaces.
If the isopropyl alcohol concentration in rubbing alcohol exceeds 80%, it loses some antibacterial properties. The higher concentration also makes it more hazardous and inappropriate for home use.
Disinfecting items in the home
A person may use rubbing alcohol in the home to disinfect thermometers and frequently touched items, such as computer keyboards and phones.
First, ensure the room is well-ventilated. Next, dip cotton wool in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the surface or object.
Disinfecting cuts and scrapes
People can use rubbing alcohol that contains 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect minor cuts and scrapes. To do this, follow these steps:
- Ensure the room has good ventilation.
- Gently clean the skin around the cut with some water.
- Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and apply to the area. Allow it to dry.
- Cover with a sterile bandage, if necessary.
- Repeat this 1–3 times per day.
Do not apply rubbing alcohol to a large area of the body or near the eyes, and do not use it for more than 1 week without consulting a doctor.
What’s the Difference Between Isopropyl Alcohol and Rubbing Alcohol?
FAQ
Why is isopropyl alcohol out of stock?
Can you buy rubbing alcohol in the supermarket?
Why shouldn’t you use rubbing alcohol?
What can replace rubbing alcohol?
Is there a surplus of rubbing alcohol?
The U.S. now has vast surpluses of a sanitizing liquid that consumers aren’t allowed to buy. A store is sold out of key products for warding off the coronavirus in Kirkland, Wash, March 5. Photo: jason redmond/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images One of the few everyday consumer items still not available at most stores is good old rubbing alcohol.
What is rubbing alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is a household chemical that is widely available. Many people may already have it in their home. It is a mixture of water and an alcohol known as isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol. Commonly, rubbing alcohols consist of 70% isopropyl alcohol, although this exact percentage can vary.
Is rubbing alcohol ethanol based?
Rubbing alcohol is either an isopropyl alcohol or an ethanol -based liquid, with isopropyl alcohol products being the most widely available. The comparable British Pharmacopoeia ( BP) is surgical spirit. Rubbing alcohol is denatured and undrinkable even if it is ethanol-based, due to the bitterants added.
Does rubbing alcohol contain isopropyl alcohol?
By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water. Most rubbing alcohol brands contain 70% isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is also not the same substance as ethyl alcohol, which is the type of alcohol in beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. What else can rubbing alcohol contain?