Denatured ethanol: a fast-evaporating solvent used to dissolve ingredients and change product feel.
Sources: 1Denatured alcohol, SD alcohol
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Not assessed
Alcohol Denat.
What it does
Can help a formula dry quickly and deliver a lighter finish. It is different from fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol.
Sources: 1Good for
- Fast-drying product textures
How to use it
Follow the finished product's label. Do not apply raw solvent or denatured material as a skincare treatment.
Sources: 1Who should be careful
High-alcohol formulas may sting compromised or very dry skin. Avoid eyes and keep flammable products away from ignition sources.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Volatile ethanol dissolves compatible ingredients and evaporates from the skin surface.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
Irritation or stinging depends on concentration, exposure and the rest of the formula.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Drying potential depends on concentration, denaturants and the surrounding formula. A label rarely reveals the exact amount.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Flagged
Potential concern depends on the product and exposure; this flag is not a prediction of every user's response.
Sources: 1 - May irritate sensitive skin
- Flagged
Potential concern depends on the product and exposure; this flag is not a prediction of every user's response.
Sources: 1
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
- Exact material, composition and supplier-grade specifications
- Denaturant identity and ethanol concentration
Clinical evidence and research
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitNot assessed
The cited references support identity, formulation role or safety context. No standalone clinical efficacy rating has been completed for the main benefit in this draft.
Sources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
alcohol denat.
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
No single structure to show yet
This ingredient represents a mixture, extract, polymer or ingredient family. A single molecular diagram may not describe its composition.
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| material scope | Variable material or ingredient family: no single molecular formula, molecular weight or bond diagram describes every grade. | CIR: Alcohol Denat., SD alcohols and denaturants |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (1)
Scientific sources
- CIR: Alcohol Denat., SD alcohols and denaturantssafety assessment · 2008
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