*** UPDATED ***
Every year the same questions come up regarding chometz Alcohol in Toiletries. People see alcohol in the product and panic. Very often however, they are suitable for use on Pesach.
These guidelines come from a shiur by Rav Zev Leff (Shlit"a)
Rav Moshe Feinstein (zt"l) ruled that we should only really be concerned about liquids and gels that contain chometz based alcohol. In theory, these liquids could be distilled (similar to whisky) and turned back into drinkable alcohol. These items should be put away for Pesach and sold. As creams cannot be distilled we should not be concerned about any alcohol ingredients. Many however are strict and put even creams away that contain possible chometz alcohol based ingredients.
Lipsticks: You should buy new lipsticks for Pesach with a Kasher lePesach hechsher.
Mouthwash: You should buy new for Pesach with a Kasher LePesach hechsher. (BTW, the most common mouthwash, "Listerine", contains grain based alcohol).
Toothpaste or Lip ointment: Despite being pastes or ointments, we are strict when it comes to anything that comes near or enters the mouth and so one should buy new for Pesach with a Kasher LePesach hechsher. (BTW, The most common lip ointment, "Blistex", contains grain based alcohol).
Liquid Toiletries: Deodorants, Perfumes, Lotions etc, try to buy with a kasher lePesach hechsher.
Toothpaste or Lip ointment: Despite being pastes or ointments, we are strict when it comes to anything that comes near or enters the mouth and so one should buy new for Pesach with a Kasher LePesach hechsher. (BTW, The most common lip ointment, "Blistex", contains grain based alcohol).
Liquid Toiletries: Deodorants, Perfumes, Lotions etc, try to buy with a kasher lePesach hechsher.
However if they have no hechsher then you can follow these general guidelines:
Chometz Free Alcohol
Methanol alcohol is made from wood or other organic substances and has no chametz components.
Isopropyl alcohol is made from propene or petrol and has no chametz components
Stearyl alcohol is made from Stearic acid which comes from either animal or vegetable fat.
There is no problem as far as chametz is concerned but consult your Rav if you find this in any lipstick or lip ointment)
Cetyl alcohol is made from Palm or other vegetable oil and has no chametz components
Danger of Chometz based Alcohol
Ethyl alcohol (Ethanol, also known as SD - Special Denatured) is made from grain and contains chometz components.
Denat (Denatured) Alcohol is a form of Ethyl and contains chometz components.
Alcohol. Any product that simply states "Alcohol" should be treated as if it contains Ethanol, as this is the most common form of Alcohol for cosmetics and hygiene products such as mouth wash.
Alcohol. Any product that simply states "Alcohol" should be treated as if it contains Ethanol, as this is the most common form of Alcohol for cosmetics and hygiene products such as mouth wash.
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