2. Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)
Ethanol, also called alcohol, ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol, is a
clear, colorless liquid and the principle ingredient in alcoholic
beverages like beer, wine or brandy. Because it can readily dissolve
in water and other organic compounds, ethanol also is an ingredient
in a range of products, from personal care and beauty products to
paints and varnishes to fuel.
3. What is Ethanol?
Ethanol is a natural byproduct of plant
fermentation and also can be produced
through the hydration of ethylene.
Yeast and sugar major component
7. Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products. It acts
as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure
that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and
viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers
in situations where soap and water are not available. Practicing hand hygiene
is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using
hand sanitizers or alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate
SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
8. Household Products
Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds, and makes an
effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care
and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is
also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that
could pose a danger to consumers.
9. Food Additives
As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as
enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food
flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol
and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only
allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.
10. Fuel
More than 97 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture
called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate
the fuel and reduce air pollution. Ethanol has a higher octane number than
gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy. Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine
knocking and maintain drivability.