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Moumoujus

ALCOHOL DENAT. SD ALCOHOL 40.

Avoid / SOLVENT

ALCOHOL DENAT. (SD Alcohol 40) is a denatured form of ethanol frequently utilized in skincare formulations as a versatile solvent and astringent. While it contributes to product elegance and ingredient delivery, its mechanism of action can inadvertently lead to skin dryness and compromise the epidermal barrier.

Summary

antimicrobial/antibacterial solvent viscosity controlling astringent penetration enhancer antifoaming

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient effectively acts as a solvent, facilitating the dissolution of various compounds and enhancing the penetration of active ingredients into the skin. It provides a tightening, refreshing sensation characteristic of an astringent, and exhibits antimicrobial properties beneficial for disinfecting the skin surface. Although it aids in creating light, fast-absorbing product textures, it also achieves this by solubilizing and removing the skin's natural lipids, which can lead to a drying effect and potential disruption of the skin's protective barrier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.05–12%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations demonstrated that formulations containing SD Alcohol 40-B at concentrations up to 12% were non-irritating in animal models (rabbit vaginal mucosa) and non-sensitizing in human repeated insult patch tests, particularly when denatured with Denatonium Benzoate.
  2. 02 Human studies involving gel and spray formulas with SD Alcohol 40-B (at 29% and 12% respectively) reported no induction of photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic responses.
  3. 03 Multiple sunscreen products, incorporating SD Alcohol 40-B (35%) and SD Alcohol 40 (up to 74.5%), showed no signs of photoallergy or phototoxicity in human subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
12%

While not typically 'dusted' in the sense of being included at ineffective concentrations, the use of Alcohol Denat. exceeding a 12% concentration in cosmetic applications is considered a red flag. The CIR Expert Panel identifies this threshold due to increased risk of drying and irritation, particularly when denatured with Quassin, Brucine, or Brucine Sulfate, where safety data for skin applications are deemed insufficient.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has determined Alcohol Denat., including SD Alcohol 40-B, to be safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations between 0.05% and 12%, provided it is denatured with specific additives such as t-Butyl Alcohol, Denatonium Benzoate, Diethyl Phthalate, or Methyl Alcohol. However, safety data are insufficient for its use when denatured with Quassin, Brucine, or Brucine Sulfate. Despite its general safety within these parameters, routine or high-concentration application can lead to skin dryness, irritation, compromised barrier function, and potentially exacerbate concerns like breakouts or redness, particularly for sensitive skin types.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given its fundamental mechanism of stripping natural skin oils and the associated medium irritancy risk, ALCOHOL DENAT. (SD Alcohol 40) is generally not recommended for a precision skincare approach, despite its functional benefits and safety at concentrations up to 12% with approved denaturants.

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