Hair and body mists with alcohol are a bad choice - choose alcohol-free hydration and fragrance

If you like cosmetics that not only care but also improve your mood – reach for Orientana hair and body mists . These are products that combine a sensual scent, a light formula and natural care without alcohol . Thanks to them, every moment can become a small ritual – refreshing, enveloping and soothing the senses, as well as caring. But before you get to know them, I will tell you how alcohol as an ingredient affects our hair and skin.

Using perfumes and scented hair mists is becoming increasingly popular – it’s a quick way to improve your well-being and the smell of your hair. However, many of these products contain high concentrations of ethyl alcohol , which can have a negative effect on the structure of the hair. Is it really harmful? We check the facts.

Alcohol in perfumes and fragrance mists – what are its functions?

Alcohol is a key ingredient in traditional perfumes and most fragrance mists available on the market. Although it is often associated with a potential irritating or drying effect, in the context of cosmetic formulation it plays several important technological and sensory roles .

Fragrance carrier

The primary function of alcohol (mainly ethanol) in perfumes is to be a carrier of fragrances . Thanks to its dissolving properties, it mixes perfectly with both essential oils and synthetic fragrance compositions. Alcohol allows for their even dispersion and facilitates application - just a few sprays are enough to obtain the desired aroma.

Importantly, alcohol does not directly affect the scent - its role is to release fragrance notes that develop on the skin or hair as it evaporates.

Preservative and antibacterial agent

Ethanol has antiseptic and preservative properties, which is why it often eliminates the need for additional preservatives in fragrance products. Its presence limits the growth of bacteria and fungi, which is especially important in products with a high water content - such as hair and body mists.

This also explains why alcohol is so commonly used in cosmetics in aerosol form – it helps maintain the microbiological purity of the formula throughout its use.

Provides quick evaporation

One of the reasons why scented alcohol products are so popular is because they are lightweight and dry quickly . The alcohol evaporates almost immediately after application, leaving no sticky film or greasy residue – unlike scented oils or cream perfumes.

Hair and body mists with ethyl alcohol (ethanol, INCI: Alcohol Denat.)

In the perfume and cosmetics industry , the most commonly used alcohol is ethyl alcohol . In the product composition, you will find it as Alcohol or Alcohol Denat. (denatured - i.e. protected from consumption). Denatured does not affect its cosmetic effect, but it is required by law in many countries.

Ethanol used in cosmetics is usually a pure, highly concentrated form of alcohol – often over 80% in perfumes. It is this high concentration that often causes unwanted drying and irritating effects , especially on sensitive scalps or fine hair.

It is worth emphasizing that ethyl alcohol in cosmetics is not an active ingredient – ​​its role is primarily technological and sensory , although its presence may have negative side effects on the hair structure, as described in the following parts of the entry.

The Effect of Ethyl Alcohol on Hair – A Review of Research

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), often the main ingredient in many perfumes and fragrance mists, has dissolving, evaporating and degreasing properties. Although its presence in cosmetics provides convenience of use, it also has undesirable effects on the condition of the hair. Below is an analysis of the results of scientific studies on the effect of ethanol on the structure of the hair.

The effect of ethyl alcohol on hair hydration and structure

Human hair is covered with a thin lipid layer, the most important component of which is 18-methyl eicosanoic acid (18-MEA) – a fatty acid present on the surface of the hair shaft. This natural lipid layer is responsible for maintaining elasticity, shine and moisture , and also protects hair from water loss and harmful external factors.

According to Robbins' (2012) classic publication - "Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair" - ethanol has a high affinity for dissolving lipids. In contact with hair, it can effectively remove 18-MEA, weakening the protective barrier of the hair shaft. This in turn leads to:

• loss of natural shine because light no longer reflects as well from the damaged hair surface,
• decrease in elasticity and mechanical strength , which causes hair to break and split more easily,
• accelerated drying , as the lack of a lipid layer promotes excessive transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

As a result, even short-term but frequent exposure of hair to products with a high alcohol concentration can contribute to serious deterioration of its condition , especially if the hair is already weakened by styling, dyeing or exposure to UV radiation.

In vitro studies on hair surface damage

The effects of ethanol on hair have also been confirmed in laboratory conditions. In a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014) , the authors conducted in vitro experiments in which human hair samples were exposed to various chemical solvents – including ethanol – to assess their effects on the structural integrity of the hair shaft.

The use of ethyl alcohol caused a clear disruption of the hair cuticle scales , which was visible under electron microscopy as irregular elevations and cracks. Additionally, the following were found:

• increased hair porosity – which leads to faster absorption and loss of moisture, but also the penetration of impurities,
• deterioration of mechanical parameters – such as resistance to stretching and bending,
• a reduction in the hair's ability to retain moisture after re-hydration.

The effects were particularly pronounced in the case of bleached, colored or naturally dry hair – that is, hair that had already been damaged chemically or physically. The destruction of the protective layer and increased porosity make the hair rough, dull and difficult to comb , and its ends split easily.

Scientific studies clearly indicate that ethyl alcohol can damage the structure of the hair both by disrupting the lipid layer and by physically damaging the cuticles . Although a single use of an alcohol mist may not produce noticeable effects, long-term and regular use of such products - especially on already damaged or dry hair - is a huge risk of worsening the condition of the hair.

Common Effects of Using Perfume on Your Hair

Applying perfumes and body mists directly to the hair can lead to a number of negative effects, especially if they contain high concentrations of ethyl alcohol . Although the scent may be pleasant and long-lasting, the condition of the hair may deteriorate noticeably over time.

Dryness of hair ends

The ends of your hair are the oldest part of your hair – devoid of natural moisture and sebum produced by your scalp. For this reason, they are particularly susceptible to the drying effects of alcohol in perfumes. Regular exposure to ethanol causes moisture to evaporate from the hair shaft and removes protective lipids, which leads to dryness, roughness and split ends. For people with dry, bleached or high-porosity hair, hair and body mists with alcohol have an effect visible after just a few uses.

Dulling and loss of shine

The natural shine of hair is due to the healthy structure of the cuticles (cuticle) and the presence of a thin lipid layer that smoothes the surface of the hair shaft. Ethyl alcohol dissolves lipids and damages the external structure of the hair, which causes the hair to stop reflecting light and becomes dull, rough and visually "tired" . Hair and body mists with alcohol will make the hair look damaged, even if it has not been thermally or chemically styled.

Increased brittleness

The exposure of the cortex and the loss of elasticity due to alcohol weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage . The damaged structure is unable to effectively absorb mechanical stresses – such as combing, tying with a rubber band or rubbing against a pillow – which makes the hair break more easily. Over time, this can result in thinning ends and difficulty in growing a healthy length.

Hypersensitivity reactions of the scalp

Not only the hair, but also the scalp can suffer from frequent contact with products containing alcohol. Ethanol has an irritating effect on the epidermis, and its dehydrating properties can lead to dryness, itching, and even micro-cracks in the skin's protective barrier. In people with sensitive scalp, this can result in an inflammatory reaction, irritation of the hair follicles, and in extreme cases - increased hair loss.

More and more brands are introducing body and hair mists based on water, aloe and natural extracts, without alcohol. This allows the fragrance to last more delicately, but without the risk of drying out the hair.

Ethyl alcohol present in perfumes and traditional mists has a negative impact on the condition of hair , especially with frequent use and in the case of dry, colored or damaged hair. The damage results mainly from its degreasing and dehydrating action.

If you care about your hair care, choose alcohol-free hair mists and fragrances with moisturizing and protective additives. This is a safe and hair-friendly solution - especially in summer.

Why is it worth using Orientana hair and body mists?

There is no shortage of scented mists on the market, but many of them contain alcohol , which, as I described above, often leads to dry hair and skin, as well as dull and brittle hair and skin irritation. Meanwhile, Orientana has focused on plant-based moisturizing ingredients , such as aloe, glycerin and hyaluronic acid , offering an alternative that combines scent with real care benefits.

This is confirmed by independent application studies , in which as many as 100% of participants testing the Indian Jasmine mist confirmed the effect of hair moisturizing , and 96% considered the scent beautiful and long-lasting . Similar results were obtained by the Japanese Sakura mist , appreciated for its lightness, pleasure of application and relaxing aroma.

Hair and body mists - Indian Jasmine is sensuality and relief in one

This mist takes you straight to warm, Ayurvedic gardens. The scent of jasmine has a relaxing effect, reduces tension and improves well-being - as confirmed by 80% of surveyed women . It is a perfect choice for the evening or as an aromatic companion to a home SPA.

Importantly, the product does not only smell good. Studies confirm its moisturizing, refreshing and styling effects - as many as 96% of test subjects confirmed that the mist facilitates combing , and 100% found that it does not weigh down or stick hair together .

Hair and body mists - Japanese Sakura is lightness and freshness in the spirit of slow beauty

This mist was inspired by the Japanese rituals of Hanami, or admiring the cherry blossoms. Its scent is floral, slightly powdery and very subtle – perfect for daytime or to refresh your hair during the day.

100% of users appreciated the durability of the fragrance, its intensity and comfort of application , and 96% noticed the moisturizing effect after the first days of use.

This is the perfect mist for lovers of fresh, elegant fragrance notes that do not dominate but accompany you throughout the day.

Naturalness and pleasure without compromise

Unlike most mists available on the market, Orientana hair and body mists are alcohol-free - they do not dry out, do not cause dullness of hair and do not irritate sensitive skin. Thanks to their light formulas , they do not weigh down the hairstyle and are suitable for frequent use - also during the day, in the summer or after training.

In Orientana, scent becomes care. In the spirit of holistic care and the philosophy of slow beauty, Orientana hair and body mists invite you to a world where scent is not only a pleasure, but also a form of care for hair, skin and emotions . It is more than a cosmetic - it is a daily ritual of conscious breathing, contact with yourself and a momentary break from the rush.

Japanese Sakura and Indian Jasmine Hair and Body Mists are an invitation to the world of natural fragrances that care not only for your hair, but also your well-being. And all this without a drop of alcohol.

Hair and body mists will take you to beautiful places in Asia!

Source: Robbins CR. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair . 5th ed. Springer; 2012.

Source: Tanji T. et al., "The effects of organic solvents on the hair cuticle: a comparative study" , Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014; 36(1): 45–52.