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Moumoujus

ALCOHOL DENAT. SD ALCOHOL 3-B.

Avoid / SOLVENT

Alcohol Denat. SD Alcohol 3-B is a multi-functional solvent primarily used for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, as well as its ability to enhance ingredient penetration. While it contributes to creating lightweight formulas, its tendency to strip natural skin oils necessitates careful formulation for optimal skin health.

Summary

Antimicrobial/antibacterial Solvent Viscosity controlling Astringent Penetration enhancer Creates cosmetically elegant, light formulas Preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

This denatured alcohol variant serves as an antifoaming agent, cosmetic astringent, solvent, and viscosity decreasing agent. It actively strips natural oils from the skin, leading to a drying effect, while also acting as an antimicrobial agent by killing bacteria. It facilitates the absorption of other active ingredients and functions as a preservative. Its astringent properties also help to temporarily tighten skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.05–12%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Spray and gel formulations containing SD Alcohol 40-B at 12% and 29% respectively, demonstrated non-irritating effects and did not induce photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic responses in human subjects.
  2. 02 SD Alcohol 40-B, when denatured with Denatonium Benzoate, produced minimal irritation in rabbit models even at a high concentration of 55.65%.
  3. 03 Overall, the ingredient is considered safe for cosmetic use within a 0.05% to 12% concentration range, provided it is denatured with specific agents such as t-Butyl Alcohol, Denatonium Benzoate, Diethyl Phthalate, or Methyl Alcohol.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Alcohol Denat. is a highly stable ingredient that inherently inhibits microbial growth, thereby contributing significantly to product preservation.

Synergies

  • Enhances penetration of other active ingredients

Conflicts

  • Acetyl chloride (potential violent reaction)
  • Acetyl bromide (potential violent reaction)
  • Mixtures with concentrated sulfuric acid and strong hydrogen peroxide (risk of explosion)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
12%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel determined that Alcohol Denat. and various SD Alcohols are safe for cosmetic use up to 12% when denatured with specific compounds including t-Butyl Alcohol, Denatonium Benzoate, Diethyl Phthalate, or Methyl Alcohol. The FDA's stance on alcohol as an active ingredient in drug products highlights a general caution regarding long-term daily use, though this does not directly apply to denatured alcohol in cosmetics.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional benefits in formulation, Alcohol Denat. poses a moderate risk for irritancy and comedogenicity, alongside its potential to disrupt the skin's natural oil balance, making it generally unsuitable for Moumoujus's precision skincare philosophy, particularly for dry and sensitive skin types.

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