Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol refers to either isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) or ethanol based liquids, or the comparable British Pharmacopoeia defined surgical spirit, with isopropyl alcohol products being the most widely available.

They are liquids used primarily as a topical antiseptic. They also have many industrial and household uses.

The United States Pharmacopeia defined 'isopropyl rubbing alcohol USP' contains approximately 70 percent by volume of pure isopropyl alcohol. The United States Pharmacopeia defined 'rubbing alcohol USP' contains approximately 70 percent by volume of denatured alcohol. In Ireland and the UK, the comparable preparation is surgical spirit B.P., which the British Pharmacopoeia defines as 95% methylated spirit, 2.5% castor oil, 2% diethyl phthalate, and 0.5% methyl salicylate. Under its alternative name of wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate is a common additive to North American rubbing alcohol products. Individual manufacturers can use their own "formulation standards" in which the ethanol content usually ranges from 70-99% v/v.