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Why is alcohol sometimes included in CHG formulations?

Because it's an extremely effective antiseptic. In fact, according to CDC’s Guideline for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections, Alcohol is the most effective, fast acting single active ingredient. In addition to being fast acting and substantive, contrary to common understanding, Alcohol is also quite persistent – not because it remains on the skin in contact with whatever bacteria are present, but instead, because it renders those organisms that survive exposure to it extremely limited in their ability to reproduce.  As illustrated in the table below taken from FDA’s Microbiology Review of ChloraPrep’s New Drug Application (see http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/nda/2000/20-832_CHLORAPREP%20ONE-STEP%20ANTISEPTIC_microbr.pdf), alcohol is as persistent as ChloraPrep^® for 24 hours.

The presence of alcohol also facilitates drying and in the process reduces procedure time.

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