Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric philosophical doctrine. See Synonyms at mysterious. b. Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric circle.
Rubbing alcohol is neither an acid nor a base. Acids have pH values less than 7 and bases have pH values that are greater than 7. Rubbing alcohol has a pH value of 7, so it is neutral. Rubbing alcohol is also called isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is known as ârubbingâ alcohol because it can be used to rub glue, grease, and paint off dirty surfaces. Rubbing alcohol dissolves fats. It also dissolves DNA, and is used in testing labs to remove the DNA from tissue samples for genetic analysis. Rubbing alcohol dissolves DNA of bacteria and human skin cells. 2  Since rubbing alcohol kills skin cells in the lining of pores, it can cause them to become clogged with dead skin. 3  Rubbing alcohol usually creates new blemishes rather than eliminating old ones.