Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, propan-2-ol) is the most common solvent in detailing chemistry. It dissolves polar and nonpolar contaminants, evaporates cleanly without residue, and is cheap. You'll find it in panel preps, glass cleaners, ceramic coating prep solutions, and as a minor component in many spray sealants where it acts as a wetting agent. Health risks are well-characterized: it's a flammable liquid (H225) at high concentrations, an eye irritant (H319), and inhaling concentrated vapors causes CNS depression — dizziness, headache, nausea (H336). At the low concentrations typical in finished detailing products (under 5%), the practical risks are mild eye and skin irritation with prolonged contact. Use ventilation and gloves when working with the concentrate; the diluted spray formulations are routine to use.