Differences in Environmental ‘Alcohols’ in products - SCRAM

If you’re wearing a SCRAM monitor you may consider products containing the following:

Stearyl Alcohol

* An emulsion stabilizer and conditioning agent

Stearyl Alcohol is a naturaly fatty alcohol derived from stearic acid, coconut oil or vegetable fatty acids, and is used to soothe and soften as a conditioning agent and as an emulsifier. It is often found as a hair coating ingredient in shampoos and conditioners, and an emollient in creams and lotions for the skin. It can also be used to thicken formulas, adding body and viscosity.

Cetyl Alcohol

* A fatty alcohol that's either produced from the end products of the petroleum industry, or derived from plants (palm oil-palmityl alcohol). It comes in the form of a white, waxy solid. It's no longer derived from sperm whale oil (where it was originally discovered) seeing how whales are now an endangered species.

Works as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener and carrying agent for other ingredients contained in a cosmetic solution. It keeps the oil and water parts of an emulsion from separating, and gives products good spreadability. As a thickening agent and surfactant, it helps alter the viscosity and increase the foaming capacity of non-aqueous (lotions) and aqueous solutions (shampoos). It is often misinterpreted as an "alcohol" related to ethyl or rubbing alcohol, both of which can be extremely drying to the skin. The truth, in fact, is quite the opposite, as cetyl alcohol is well known to effectively condition and soften the skin and hair. Because of its multi-functional capabilities, this ingredient is used in a wide range of personal care products such as moisturizer, face cream, shampoo/conditioner, anti-aging treatment, hair dye, sunscreen, cleanser and lipstick.

Cetearyl Alcohol

* Formed by the condensation of cetearyl alcohol (fatty acid) with glucose. Can be naturally derived (from coconut/corn oil) or chemically synthesized.

An emulsifier used in oil in water formulations. It helps skin and hair retain moisture, and gives a velvety after touch. You can find it in a variety of cosmetic products such as facial moisturizer, sunscreen, anti-aging treatment, eye cream, foundation, conditioner, body firming lotion, hand cream and cleanser.

Behenyl alcohol

* A natural fatty alcohol in the form of a white, waxy solid. Also known as dacosanol

An emulsifier that also keeps the oil and liquid parts of a solution from separating. Its other functions include altering the thickness of a liquid, increasing foaming capacity, and stabilizing foams. When applied to the skin, it gives it a smooth feel and helps prevent moisture loss. Many products incorporate this ingredient because of its unique sensory properties and non-greasy feel after application. It's mainly used in face/body lotions and creams, but can also be found in deodorant, lipstick and foundation.

Benzyl Alcohol

* A clear, colorless liquid with a floral aroma.

Primarily used as a fragrance additive, and secondarily as a UV light absorber. Can be found in a variety of cosmetic products such as perfume/cologne, hair dye, moisturizer, sunscreen, bubble bath and cleanser.

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It’s important to understand the different environmental alcohols out there as it will help you determine what products may actually be safe to use without triggering an alert on your anklet resulting in a violation. There have been several documented instances of SCRAM wearers using products with these types of environmental alcohol derivatives without any negative impact.

Remember, we are not technically allowed to possess or use alcohol while wearing SCRAM. I am not responsible for your individual choice or outcome nor am I encouraging you to use products containing alcohol.

There is an excellent article on the ‘good’ kinds of alcohols in hygiene products at:

https://happyskincare.com.au/blogs/happy-news/alcohol-in-skincare-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

Source: www.truthinaging.com