Chances are you’ve seen isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol in many stores and used in various products. But what’s the difference between the two? Well, although they’re different, both are essential for ensuring a clean and sanitized environment.
With that said, continue reading to learn the contrasts between isopropyl alcohol vs rubbing alcohol.
Rubbing Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is one of the main forms of alcohol used in disinfecting and cleaning products It’s also commonly used to make rubbing alcohol. Another major type is ethyl alcohol, and it’s known as ethanol and incorporated in alcoholic drinks.
Many brands of rubbing alcohol contain isopropyl alcohol as well. To ensure potency and sanitation, some rubbing alcohol solutions contain only 70% isopropyl alcohol and water, with no other additives.
Why Is it Called Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is a comparatively new development, and the word “rubbing” was first used in the 1920s. It began as a bandage lining for bandages. It was also used as a rubbing solution for daily massages!
Individuals put different fragrances and chemicals into rubbing alcohol back then, which helped to flush out skin pores.
Rubbing alcohol has become the main ingredient in most emergency kits and medical facilities. It is commonly applied on wounds and surgical equipment because it can completely disinfect surfaces in a matter of seconds.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, which is also known as 2-propanol or IPA, is a common antiseptic and alcoholic ingredient used in a variety of industries. Isopropyl alcohol is found even in hospitals, as pharmaceutical products, sanitation rooms, as well as hand sanitizers.
Since it’s so good at disinfecting objects, isopropyl alcohol is put in a variety of products. When isopropyl alcohol concentration ranges from 60% to 90% with filtered water varying from 40% to 10%, bacteria, viruses, and certain groups of fungi are quickly denatured.
Since it can easily be mixed with water, which acts as a guideline and helps disperse addictive compounds around or within a cleaning solution.
Isopropyl alcohol appears in the following applications:
- Astringent
- Cleaning Products
- As a substance for stripping paint
- As an antiseptic
- Dilution and extraction agent
Essentially, isopropyl alcohol is mainly for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces rather than on the body.
Isopropyl Alcohol Vs Rubbing Alcohol: Different Purposes
Keep in mind that the most active element of rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol. However, you should be mindful that the two are described and used differently.
Rubbing alcohol is used for the following purposes:
- Disinfecting hard surfaces
- Disinfecting household items or surgical devices
- Disinfecting spray
On the other hand, hand sanitizers and disinfecting sprays contain isopropyl alcohol. But you can’t purchase isopropyl alcohol on its own without a license for it.
Also, it’s vital to understand isopropyl alcohol safety.
Isopropyl Alcohol vs Rubbing Alcohol
There’s a major contrast between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol, as you can see. However, both play a critical role in ensuring that the environment, as well as our bodies, are clean and sanitized.
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