There are many different substances chemically classed as “alcohols” and only a few of them are volatile enough to dry your skin. Hand lotions normally contain non-volatile waxy alcohols, with names like cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, and so on. These waxy alcohols won’t dry your skin; in fact, they’ll condition it. If volatile alcohols are used in lotions at all, it’s only at very small percentages, either as part of the fragrance blend or as trace processing leftovers in nutrient or botanical extracts. So there’s no need to worry if you see “alcohol” on a lotion label. — Paul Bryson is director of research and development at OPI.
Technique
More FAQ
Is too much primer causing lifting?
Sometimes, about a week after doing a new set of nails they lift at the cuticle area. Why is this? Am I using too much primer or nor enough?... read more
How can I get embedded dirt and oil out of the cuticles?
Can you tell me what I can soak my clients’ nails in to remove embedded dirt and oil, particularly in the cuticles?... read more
What are the pros and cons of orangewood sticks vs. metal implements when it comes to pushing back cuticles?
What are the pros and cons of orangewood sticks vs. metal implements when it comes to pushing back cuticles?... read more
What's causing a client's peeling feet?
My client’s feet peel all the time. She doesn’t have athlete’s foot or dry skin and she puts lotion on them twice a day. But they’re still peeling. Any idea what could be wrong?... read more
The Nail Doctor
Is there anything I can do as a nail tech to prevent infected ingrown toenails?... read more
What would make you switch acrylic products?
Reader to Reader: What would make you switch acrylic products?... read more
Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails?
Is there any benefit to using a UV light to cure top coat on natural nails?... read more
What ingredients in lotions and soaps can cause lifting?
What ingredients in lotions and soaps can cause lifting?... read more
Could gels be causing my client's cuticle sensitivity?
I have been using a gel product on a client for several years. A few months ago she started complaining that her cuticles were sore after her appointments.... read more
What unique services do you provide for your pedicure clients?
Readers respond: What unique services do you provide for your pedicure clients?... read more
My 28-year-old female client has a bad case of foot odor. What do I do?
My otherwise healthy 28-year-old female client has a persistent foot odor. The odor is terrible and embarrassing. Her feet sweat in open shoes such as sandals. All topical treatments she has tried have failed. Any suggestions?... read more
What could suddenly brown toenails mean?
I have a very bad case of psoriasis on my scalp. Can this be the cause of the discoloration on my toenails?... read more