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SD ALCOHOL 38-D.

Questionable / ASTRINGENT, SOLVENT, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

SD Alcohol 38-D is a specially denatured alcohol that functions primarily as a solvent, aiding in the dissolution and absorption of other ingredients. While it can enhance product aesthetics and provide a matte finish, it carries a significant risk of skin dehydration and barrier compromise.

Summary

solvent penetration enhancer astringent antimicrobial viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

This denatured alcohol serves as an effective solvent, dissolving ingredients insoluble in water or oil. It acts as a penetration enhancer, potentially by extracting lipids and proteins, thereby increasing the absorption of other compounds. SD Alcohol 38-D also provides an astringent and refreshing sensation, offers antimicrobial properties, and contributes to fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formulas with a drying, matte finish. However, its action can deplete the skin's natural oils, leading to dehydration and a weakened skin barrier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies on a related variant, SD Alcohol 40-B, demonstrated that formulations containing 12% and 29% did not induce photoallergy, dermal sensitization, or phototoxic responses in human subjects. Additionally, a 12% SD Alcohol 40-B spray was non-irritating to vaginal mucosa in rabbits, and a 55.65% concentration caused minimal irritation in rabbit skin tests when denatured with Denatonium Benzoate. These findings primarily address safety rather than specific efficacy for SD Alcohol 38-D.
  2. 02 No specific clinical studies demonstrating efficacy for SD Alcohol 38-D's purported benefits (e.g., oil control, astringency) were identified in the provided data.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

SD Alcohol 38-D is a liquid and does not typically present dusting issues in formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Ethanol, the base for denatured alcohol, is a stable, colorless liquid with a freezing point of -114 °C and a boiling point of 78.3 °C.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong inorganic acids

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not specifically reviewed SD Alcohol 38-D with its denaturants (reported to include menthol and formaldehyde solution). While the CIR Panel has found 'Alcohol Denat.' generally safe when denatured with specific agents (e.g., t-Butyl Alcohol, Denatonium Benzoate for SD Alcohol 40-B), the safety of 38-D's particular denaturants is not explicitly confirmed by these general reviews. The FDA recognizes 'SD Alcohol' as an abbreviation for specially denatured alcohol, with numerical designations indicating the denaturing process.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While SD Alcohol 38-D offers functional benefits like solvent properties and a fast-drying feel, its high irritancy potential and risk of compromising the skin barrier make it a questionable ingredient for precision skincare.

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