Most doctors will tell you directly that it really depends on your skin type. Alcohol is a well known drying agent, and the suitability of using alcohol-containing skincare products also depends on the alcohol concentration in the product.
Which body part you are using the product at also matters – your face is naturally going to be more sensitive than your hands where drying effects are concerned.
As you pointed out, studies have shown alcohol to help other ingredients like retinol and vitamin C be absorbed into skin more effectively, but it can also damage the skin surface via dryness and skin erosion.
Personally, where possible, I avoid the use of alcohol-containing skincare products as it tends to be too drying on my skin.
