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) recommended the use of hand sanitizer where soap and water is not available

Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetic and beauty products. It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, in lotions as a preservatives and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and in hairsprays to help the spray adhere to hair.

Ethanol is highly flammable and should not be used near open flames.