Weleda uses alcohol mainly for its extractive and preservation properties. It also helps the consistency and lifts the fragrance. The alcohol used in Weleda toiletries is fermentation grade ethyl alcohol, which is produced by fermenting plant sugars.

Weleda do not use propyl alcohol which is derived from petroleum and which the body cannot break down.

Companies where synthetic substances are permitted can use chemical extractions but when working with only natural ingredients, water/alcohol extractions are normally used.

For some plant materials, water alone would work as an extraction agent but in order to give a shelf life of more than a few months, a synthetic preservative would have to be used.

Alcohol does have some benefits for the skin. It is mildly disinfectant and also cooling.

The alcohol content in Weleda organic skincare products does not destroy the skin's natural oily cover, the acid mantle.

The percentage of alcohol varies from product to product: in Weleda Deodorants alcohol is the base ingredient and will form over 60% of the product. Weleda facial creams have an alcohol content of between 4.5% and 7%.

For a natural toner, Weleda's Iris Toning Lotion has a low alcohol content of 14% but Rose Facial Toner is even milder with an alcohol content of only 9.5%.

In cases where people are allergic to alcohol, we advise them to patch test the chosen Weleda product on a small area on the inner wrist. Invariably Weleda products do not cause a reaction.