Isopropyl Alcohol vs Rubbing Alcohol: Key Differences

When exploring DIY crafts or household cleaning, you’ve likely encountered isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol. While many use the terms interchangeably, there are some key differences that can impact your projects, especially if you’re working with resin, acetone, or a candle making kit. In this article, we’ll break down the differences, uses, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

When it comes to disinfecting surfaces or cleaning wounds, many people use the terms isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol interchangeably. However, there’s more to these substances than meets the eye. While they share similarities, understanding the key differences between them is essential, especially when safety, effectiveness, and proper usage are concerned.

In this article, we’ll break down the real difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol, their uses, composition, and when to use each one.

What Is Isopropyl Alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or IPA, is a colorless, flammable chemical compound with a strong odor. It’s typically found in concentrations of 70% to 99% and is commonly used as a disinfectant, solvent, and cleaning agent.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), also known as isopropanol, is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is a type of alcohol that is used widely as a solvent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent. Chemically, it is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms (C₃H₈O).

Purity levels:
Isopropyl alcohol is available in various concentrations, most commonly 70%, 91%, or 99%. The percentage refers to the amount of pure alcohol mixed with water or other solvents.

Key Uses:

• Cleaning electronics and screens

• Disinfecting surfaces

• Removing oils and dirt from skin

• Prepping surfaces for resin or acetone applications

What Is Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a broader term that generally refers to a solution that contains isopropyl alcohol, water, and additional denaturants or ingredients like fragrance. It’s often sold in 70% concentration and intended for topical use on skin.

Rubbing alcohol is a general term that refers to any alcohol-based topical solution used for disinfection and first aid. It usually contains isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol as its base, but it is not 100% pure. It is typically mixed with water and may contain other additives like denaturants, perfumes, or colorants.

In the United States, rubbing alcohol typically contains about 70% isopropyl alcohol, but it can also refer to solutions with ethyl alcohol, especially in some regions.

Key Uses:

• First aid antiseptic

• Soothing muscle aches

• General-purpose cleaner

• Sometimes used in candle making supplies for prepping jars or cleaning tools

Key Differences Between Isopropyl and Rubbing Alcohol

Feature	Isopropyl Alcohol	Rubbing Alcohol
Purity	70%–99%	Typically 70% with additives
Composition	Pure isopropanol + water	Isopropanol + water + denaturants
Common Use	Industrial/medical cleaning	Topical antiseptic
Scent	Strong chemical smell	Often includes fragrance
Price	Slightly more expensive	More budget-friendly

Isopropyl Alcohol in Candle Making

If you’re learning how to make candles or already have a candle making kit, isopropyl alcohol is useful for:

• Cleaning jars before pouring wax

• Removing excess wax spills

• Sanitizing tools like wicks holders or thermometers

Many professional candle makers recommend using isopropyl alcohol over regular rubbing alcohol for cleaning due to its higher purity and faster evaporation.

Which One is Better for Disinfecting?

Both isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are effective disinfectants, but 70% isopropyl alcohol is often considered the most effective concentration for killing bacteria and viruses. This is because water helps slow the evaporation of alcohol, allowing it to penetrate cell walls more effectively.

Rubbing alcohol with 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol works similarly, but the presence of additives means it may not be suitable for certain delicate applications such as cleaning electronics or camera lenses.

Can You Use Rubbing Alcohol for Resin or Acetone Cleaning?

While rubbing alcohol can clean surfaces, it may leave behind residues due to added ingredients. For resin or acetone work, especially in arts and crafts, isopropyl alcohol (90% or above) is preferred for:

• Smoothing resin surfaces

• Removing tacky layers

• Cleaning brushes and tools

Which One Should You Choose?

• For cleaning candle jars, resin tools, and general crafting: go with isopropyl alcohol.

• For minor skin cleaning or as a first aid antiseptic: rubbing alcohol is suitable.

• When stocking your candle supply, keep isopropyl alcohol handy for professional-level prep and cleanup.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol ensures you use the right product for your craft, cleaning, or medical needs. Whether you’re exploring how to make candles or dealing with resin art, having the right cleaning supplies from your trusted candle making supplies can make all the difference.

So, what’s the real difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol?

The answer lies in their purity and ingredients. Isopropyl alcohol is the pure chemical compound, while rubbing alcohol is a formulated product designed for external use, which may contain various additives.

Understanding the difference allows you to choose the right product for your needs—whether it’s cleaning electronics, sanitizing surfaces, or treating wounds. When in doubt, always check the label for concentration and ingredients to ensure you’re using it correctly and safely.

Be sure to stock up on both options when shopping for your next candle supply run!

• Country List: