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SD ALCOHOL 36.

Avoid / ASTRINGENT, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

SD Alcohol 36 is a specific form of denatured ethyl alcohol, primarily functioning as a solvent to enhance ingredient dissolution and penetration. It provides rapid drying effects, astringent action, and exhibits antimicrobial properties, often utilized in formulations targeting oil control.

Summary

solvent astringent antimicrobial/antibacterial viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

SD Alcohol 36 acts as an effective solvent, aiding in the dispersion of other ingredients and facilitating their absorption into the skin. It exerts an astringent effect by contracting skin tissues through its influence on keratin bonds, contributing to a quick-drying sensation and oil reduction. Its antimicrobial capabilities are attributed to protein denaturation. However, it also functions as a penetration enhancer by solubilizing and removing lipid barrier material from the stratum corneum, potentially diminishing the skin's natural barrier function and increasing permeability.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A 55.65% SD Alcohol 40-B formulation showed minimal irritation in rabbit irritation tests.
  2. 02 A 12% SD Alcohol 40-B spray formulation was found non-irritating in rabbit vaginal mucosal irritation tests.
  3. 03 A 29% SD Alcohol 40-B gel did not induce photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic response in human subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
12%
Red flag below
12%

While the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed SD Alcohol 36 safe for cosmetic use up to 12% concentration, this maximum level often acts as a critical 'dusting threshold'. Concentrations at or above 12% significantly heighten the risk of skin barrier disruption, excessive dehydration, and irritation, leading many precision skincare brands to avoid its inclusion for optimal skin health.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Ethanol is soluble in both water and alcohol and generally stable across a wide pH range. However, lower concentrations of ethanol may contribute to a more alkaline product pH. Overall formulation stability relies on the interaction with other ingredients.

Conflicts

  • High concentrations lead to skin drying, irritation, and erosion, compromising the skin barrier.
  • Can strip natural oils, resulting in dehydration, heightened sensitivity, and redness, potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
  • Disruption of the skin barrier may increase susceptibility to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.
  • Long-term or excessive use may contribute to premature aging through dehydration and loss of skin suppleness.
  • Denaturants such as Quassin, Brucine, and Brucine Sulfate lack sufficient safety data for cosmetic applications and should be avoided.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

SD Alcohol 36 is ethyl alcohol denatured with ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The CIR Expert Panel determined that various Alcohol Denat. formulations, including SD Alcohol 36 (with approved denaturants), are safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations between 0.05% and 12%. The FDA classifies 'alcohol' (ethanol) as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for direct food substances. However, certain denaturants (e.g., Quassin, Brucine) lack sufficient safety data. The SCCS has not specifically reviewed SD Alcohol 36.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional benefits as a solvent and astringent for oily and normal skin types, SD Alcohol 36 carries a high irritancy risk and significantly disrupts the skin barrier at concentrations above 12%, leading to dehydration and increased sensitivity, making it unsuitable for precision skincare.

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