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SD ALCOHOL 37.

Questionable / ASTRINGENT, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

SD Alcohol 37 is a specific form of denatured alcohol, consisting of ethyl alcohol modified with eucalyptol, thymol, and menthol. It serves multiple roles in skincare formulations, primarily as a solvent and quick-drying agent, while also possessing temporary astringent and antimicrobial properties.

Summary

Solvent Astringent Antimicrobial Penetration enhancer Viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

SD Alcohol 37 functions as an effective solvent, dissolving other ingredients and contributing to a lighter product texture and faster absorption. It acts as an astringent by affecting keratin proteins, which can temporarily tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores. Its antimicrobial action is attributed to protein denaturation. As a penetration enhancer, its primary component, ethanol, can extract lipids and proteins from the skin, thereby facilitating the absorption of other cosmetic ingredients. However, at concentrations ranging from 15% to 96%, ethanol has been shown to thin the stratum corneum and disrupt the skin's lipid barrier, potentially leading to dryness, irritation, and compromised skin integrity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Minimal irritation observed in rabbits for SD Alcohol 40-B, a related denatured alcohol.
  2. 02 A hair care product containing SD Alcohol 40 was determined to be a non-primary irritant and non-primary sensitizer.
  3. 03 No signs of photoallergy or phototoxicity in human subjects when SD Alcohol 40 or 40-B was used in sunscreen formulations.
  4. 04 Ethanol at these concentrations can cause thinning of the stratum corneum and disrupt the skin barrier by washing out intercellular lipids.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The provided research data does not contain information regarding this ingredient being commonly 'dusted' in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

No specific optimal pH range for the stability of SD Alcohol 37 itself was identified. Astringent effects are noted to be more pronounced when the skin is slightly acidic or cool, suggesting an interaction with the skin's natural pH.

Conflicts

  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid) due to potential reactivity.
  • Fragrance, retinol, or vitamin C, as co-formulation can increase the likelihood of skin irritation.
  • Methanol, as this mixture poses significant safety risks due to potential skin absorption.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
74.5%
Sensitization risk Low

SD Alcohol 37 is ethyl alcohol denatured with eucalyptol, thymol, and menthol. The FDA generally considers denatured alcohol safe for cosmetic use at typical levels, though it warns against ingestion. The SCCS has reviewed acetaldehyde (an ethanol metabolite) and requested further comprehensive safety assessments, considering all exposure sources.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a solvent and for providing a quick-drying feel, particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, SD Alcohol 37 carries a high risk of irritation and potential for disrupting the skin's protective barrier, rendering it generally unsuitable for dry, sensitive, or normal skin types.

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