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Moumoujus

ALCOHOL DENAT. SD ALCOHOL 39-B.

Avoid / SOLVENT

Alcohol Denat., specifically SD Alcohol 39-B, is a rapidly evaporating solvent crucial for solubilizing ingredients, enhancing product spread, and delivering a quick-drying, matte finish. While it possesses antimicrobial and preservative benefits, its potential for high irritancy necessitates careful consideration for use in precision skincare.

Summary

Antimicrobial Antibacterial Solvent Viscosity Controlling Astringent Antifoaming Masking Penetration Enhancer Preservative

Science

Mechanism of Action

Alcohol Denat. (denatured ethanol) functions primarily as a solvent, enabling the dissolution of both water- and oil-insoluble components. Its low molecular weight and rapid evaporation contribute to formulas that spread easily, absorb quickly, and leave a light, fast-drying, matte appearance. It also acts as an antifoaming agent, cosmetic astringent, and viscosity decreasing agent. Furthermore, it exhibits antimicrobial properties, helping to disinfect the skin and inhibit bacterial growth, and serves as a preservative to extend product shelf life. It can also act as a penetration enhancer, facilitating the absorption of other active ingredients into the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 10–29%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Functions as a preservative at concentrations up to 10%.
  2. 02 Used in slimming/anti-cellulite and styling gels for solubilizing ingredients at concentrations up to 20%.
  3. 03 Concentrations of 12% (in spray liquid) and 29% (in gel formula) of SD Alcohol 40-B did not induce photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic responses in human subjects.
  4. 04 Produced minimal irritation effects in rabbit tests at 55.65% (SD Alcohol 40-B).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Alcohol Denat. is a volatile liquid that evaporates quickly and is not associated with causing dusting or visible residue on the skin.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits general stability, maintaining its integrity even under fire conditions. Its rapid evaporation property, due to low molecular weight, contributes to quick-drying cosmetic formulas.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Concentrated hydrogen peroxide (risk of explosive formation)
  • Hypochlorous acid (risk of violently explosive alkyl hypochlorites formation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
12%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that specific SD Alcohols, including 39-B, are safe as used in cosmetic formulations when denatured with t-Butyl Alcohol, Diethyl Phthalate, or Methyl Alcohol under current conditions of use and concentration. However, safety data for denaturants like Quassin, Brucine, and Brucine Sulfate were insufficient. While the FDA lists alcohol (ethanol) as GRAS for food, drug products containing it as an active ingredient require specific approval. The FDA has also noted that manufacturers have not adequately demonstrated that products with these ingredients are safe for long-term daily use or more effective than plain soap and water. A regulatory 'loophole' allows products with denatured alcohol to be labeled 'alcohol-free' as the term 'alcohol' strictly refers to ethanol. Higher concentrations (up to 70-80%) are used safely in specific applications like perfumes for dissolving oils.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional versatility as a solvent and preservative, Alcohol Denat. receives a 'worst' rating for its high irritancy potential and lack of skin compatibility recommendations, rendering it generally unsuitable for Moumoujus's precision skincare formulations.

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