Fact Check: Can Applying vodka on the face cleanses skin, tighten pores, and prevent acne?

What are skin cleansers?

According to The Indian Journal of Dermatology, skin cleansers are surface-active chemicals (emulsifiers/detergents/surfactants/soaps) that reduce skin surface tension and emulsify dirt, sebum, oil from cosmetic products, microorganisms and exfoliated corneum cells (the process of removing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum, the top outer layer of skin). An ideal cleanser should do all of this without harming or irritating the skin, aiming to keep the skin surface moist. (1)

What is Acne?

 The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines acne (Acne Vulgaris) as a common skin condition in which hair follicles beneath the skin become blocked. Sebum oil keeps skin from drying out and dead skin cells clog pores, causing sores known as pimples or zits. Most breakouts occur on the face but can also emerge on the back, chest, and shoulders. Acne affects people of all ages, but it is most frequent among teenagers (13-19 years) and young adults (18-26 years). Males are more likely to get acne during their teenage years. Acne lasts throughout adulthood, and it is more common in women. (2)

They further add that the combination of oil and cells causes bacteria that ordinarily exist on the skin to thrive in the clogged follicles, causing inflammation, redness, heat, and pain. When the blocked follicle's wall breaches, germs, skin cells, and sebum are released into the surrounding skin, resulting in lesions or pimples. In healthy skin, through pores, sebum produced by sebaceous glands empties on the skin. (2)

What are skin pores?

As per Dermatologic Surgery, skin pores are characterized by apparent topography alterations (lines, wrinkles and scales) on skin surfaces. The three main clinical causes of enlarged face pores are excessive sebum, decreased flexibility around the pores, and increased hair follicle volume. (3)

 Benefits of Vodka

According to The American Journal of Pharmtech Research, vodka is a distilled beverage made up largely of water and ethanol. Vodka is traditionally created by distilling fermented cereal grains or potatoes, but some modern brands include other ingredients, such as fruits or sugar. Vodka is traditionally consumed neat. (4)

As per The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 g of vodka includes 66.6 g of water, 231 kcal, 5mg phosphorus, 1 mg sodium, and 0.01mg copper.(5)

Does applying vodka on the face cleanse the skin, tighten pores and prevent acne breakout?

Neutral spirits or ethyl alcohol/ethanol derived from agricultural sources serve as the alcohol base used to produce vodka.

Fleming Mathew et. al. published an article highlighting the use of ethanol, a type of alcohol, as an effective agent for facial cleansing. The study emphasizes ethanol's role in disinfection and sterilization due to its antimicrobial properties. Ethanol can be used for facial cleansing, but its use carries significant side effects.

Scientific evidence indicates that the use of ethanol and ethanol-based creams are associated with skin irritation and contact dermatitis (7) but we couldn’t find any relevant scientific evidence supporting the claim that applying vodka on the face cleanses the skin, tightens pores and prevents acne breakout.

A study conducted by Partha Mukhopadhyay et.al, published in The Indian Journal of Dermatology, concluded the importance of using appropriate cleansers for different skin conditions. Gentle, non-foaming cleansers are best for sensitive or dry skin, while active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are recommended for acne-prone skin. The study advises against harsh ingredients, including high concentrations of alcohol, as they can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and worsen conditions. Proper cleanser selection is key to managing and improving various dermatological issues. (1)

Lin Liu et. al, conclude in their study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, that alcohol consumption negatively impacts skin health. The study found that alcohol worsens skin conditions by increasing inflammation and sensitivity. The ethanol present in alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde and then into acetic acid. These alcohol metabolites can aggravate various skin conditions by enhancing the production of inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes and promoting lymphocyte proliferation, thus worsening inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis. (6)

Another study conducted by Dirk W Lachen Meier et.al, published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology revealed that the use of ethanol-based creams increases skin penetration and facilitates transdermal absorption of xenobiotics (for example, carcinogenic pollutants in cosmetic formulations). Specifically, in persons with aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) deficiency, ethanol usage is associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis. They further claimed that in addition to skin cancer, alcohol usage is also linked to the development of various skin problems, including psoriasis, discoid eczema, and superficial infections. (7)

Scientific evidence has revealed that vodka which is ethanol can clean the skin but the use of ethanol/ ethyl alcohol use is associated with various skin issues, including psoriasis, discoid eczema, and superficial infections. Consequently, using alcohol-based products on the skin leads to significant adverse effects. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus was found that clearly stated that applying vodka can directly prevent acne.

What do experts say?