Vermont Barbers and Cosmetologists Practice Exam 2025 - Free Barber and Cosmetologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

The purpose of alcohol in skin disinfectants is primarily to dehydrate and kill bacteria and viruses. Alcohol works as an effective antiseptic due to its ability to denature proteins and disrupt the cellular membrane of pathogens, leading to their death. This mechanism is what makes alcohol-based disinfectants valuable in both medical and cosmetic applications for maintaining skin hygiene.

While hydration typically involves the addition of moisture to the skin, alcohol can actually have the opposite effect, potentially leading to dryness with prolonged use. The idea of adding fragrance to disinfectants is also not accurate, as the dominant function of alcohol in these products is to serve as a disinfecting agent rather than as an additive for scent. Although some alcohol-based products might have a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, this is not their primary function and does not contribute to the essential disinfecting properties. Therefore, the role of alcohol is clearly established in its capacity to eliminate harmful microorganisms rather than enhancing fragrance or providing hydration.