(edit title) Where to buy rubbing alcohol? Just wondering where to buy in Sweden Options

[drackenstein]

I bumped into this old thread while google searching the exact same thing today. I needed some rubbing alcohol to clean off the pads on a circuit board I'm working and was seriously vexed on where to get the stuff. Some of the reply's made me chuckle a bit; prescription for ibuprofen? I get mine at the hemkop right by the register, no prescription needed. I guess things have changed since 2011

Anyway, I just wanted to clarify for future readers that rubbing alcohol is indeed isopropyl alcohol which as discussed in this thread is not banned in Sweden and can be found behind the counter at the apotek . You'll need to speak to a pharmacist and possibly show them the translated text on your smart phone as I had to do today. Be warned it'll set you back 59 sek (over 8 bucks usd) which is startling since rubbing alcohol can be found at any 99 cent store back home in nyc.

Here's the Swedish translation "isopropylalkohol". Like I said, I showed them that on my phone and they went off behind the counter to get it. They seemed confused about where they keep it, apparently it's not a commonly sought after item, but once they found it they just handed it over; no third degree

In any case that's my 2 öre; hope this info can be of some help to a future googler.

[lisalajolla]

Go to one of the pharmacy people at the Apotek.
They have it in the back. It only comes in a box containing the small packets (like at the doctors for when you get a shot) Ask for injection stork, skin cleansing swabs. They are 70%.

[olga118]

I have not found it in Sweden. I brought it from the usa

[Yorkshireman]

You can buy 99.5% from Kjell & Co. 1000ml for 129:-

http://www.kjell.com/sortiment/hus-halsa-f...lalkohol-p18303

[Paulis]

Back home I used to use it for the same purpose, to fix my eyeshadows, had no idea you couldn't find rubbing alcohol here, and I'm not sure you should use any other thing, as the reason for using just ethanol is that it will evaporate very quickly and won't leave any residue in your eyeshadows/blush, but you can still use water, it will give you the same result but you will have to wait a little longer until it dries out completely, that's the only difference.

[Hisingen]

No doubt it is that magic part of the phrase - alcohol. That is - or was - virtually taboo here in Sweden. Back in the 60's there was the 'brown paper bag' that was supplied with the booze, and which Swedes carefully had one hand underneath to avoid any risk of dropping the precious fluid.

Of late, though, with the subject of hygiene in hospitals having caused a bit of a hoo-haa, alcohol for hygienic purposes has become available, even via computer outlets such as mentioned - Kjell & Co - and even the mention of the refreshing liquids is no longer as hush hush as it once was. Ah - progress.

A little point, umpteen years ago when being prepared for a hernia operation, the nurse let the alcohol run wild, and in an attempt to alleviate the chill I tried to spread it with a hand, and was told most strictly to keep my dirty paws out of the way.

On the hands, it is very drying, and needs to be followed up in due course with some suitable hand cream or the skin will become very 'brittle' for want of a better word. But then I am sure that I am trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, if you will pardon the expression.