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Moumoujus

SD ALCOHOL 38-B.

Valuable / ASTRINGENT, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

SD Alcohol 38-B is a denatured form of ethyl alcohol, primarily functioning as a solvent and astringent in cosmetic formulations. It efficiently dissolves other ingredients, tightens the skin, and contributes to a smooth, matte finish by rapidly absorbing excess oil. Additionally, it serves as a penetration enhancer for other active components.

Summary

Solvent Astringent Viscosity Controlling Drying Agent Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as a highly effective solvent, ensuring the homogenous distribution of various substances in cosmetic formulations. On the skin, it exhibits astringent properties, temporarily contracting and firming the epidermal layer. It also functions as a viscosity controlling agent, adjusting the texture of products. SD Alcohol 38-B is known to be a drying agent, rapidly neutralizing skin oils to provide an immediate matte effect, and can enhance the topical absorption of other active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 40–80%
Optimal

80%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies demonstrated bacteriostatic ability against pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in alcohol-based hand sanitizers at concentrations ranging from 40% to 80%. At an 80% concentration, bactericidal activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  2. 02 In human subjects, formulations containing 12% SD Alcohol 40-B (a similar variant) in a spray and 29% SD Alcohol 40-B in a gel were found to be non-irritating and did not induce photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic responses. A vaginal mucosal irritation test in rabbits also confirmed its nonirritating nature at 12%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Composed primarily of ethanol, SD Alcohol 38-B is generally stable. It presents as a colorless to pale yellow clear liquid with an assay consistently between 95.00% and 100.00%.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Strong inorganic acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel determined that the safety of Alcohol Denat. and its variants, including SD Alcohol 38-B, is contingent on the safety of the specific denaturants utilized. SD Alcohol 38-B is denatured with essential oils such as anethol, anise oil, or lavender oil, many of which have been affirmed safe by CIR with qualifications. The FDA regards denatured alcohol as generally safe for topical application in household products, provided it is not ingested. Studies at concentrations up to 29% indicate a low risk of dermal sensitization or phototoxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

SD Alcohol 38-B is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, particularly beneficial for oily skin due to its astringent and oil-neutralizing properties, and its ability to enhance the delivery of other active ingredients, provided careful consideration is given to its denaturants and overall formulation for sensitive skin types.

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