Does the same job as Ethyl with a few key differences.
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 70% is another widely used antiseptic… and at first, I honestly didn’t know the difference between this and ethyl alcohol.
Both work as they should but slightly differently from each other.
You see, 70% isopropyl alcohol is considered optimal for skin antisepsis before blood draws and medical procedures.
It’s slightly more effective than ethyl alcohol for some specific applications, particularly cleaning medical instruments and injection sites. It’s also slightly more drying on the skin.
In the Philippines, isopropyl alcohol is commonly sold in the green-labeled bottles you see at Mercury Drug and Rose Pharmacy.
The Express Medical Supply guide notes clearly: alcohol prep pads (which are isopropyl) are effective for disinfecting unbroken skin and medical instruments but are NOT recommended directly on open wounds.
Use Betadine, instead, for wounds.
What it’s used for:
- Disinfecting intact skin before injections, blood draws, or IV insertion
- Cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments like scissors and tweezers
- Surface disinfection of tools in your first aid kit
- Hand hygiene when soap and water are not available
- General antiseptic cleaning of unbroken skin
Why it belongs in your emergency kit:
- Excellent for cleaning your tools (scissors, tweezers, BP cuff) before use
- Recommended by medical standards for skin prep before medical procedures
- 60ml is the perfect kit and bag size… lightweight, compact, always ready
- Works faster than ethyl on some surfaces and instruments
- Pairs well with Betadine for comprehensive wound and skin antisepsis
| PROS | CONS |
| Highly effective for sterilizing instruments and skin prep | NOT for use on open wounds… can damage wound bed and delay healing |
| Optimal antiseptic for injection sites according to clinical studies | Slightly more drying on skin than ethyl alcohol |
| Very affordable and widely available in Philippine drugstores | Flammable… same fire caution applies as ethyl |
| Compact 60ml size perfect for any kit | Toxic if ingested… keep away from children |
| Can be used on skin, tools, and hard surfaces | Does not provide sustained antiseptic effect after it evaporates |
