Denatured Alcohol

INCI name: Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has been treated with a denaturant to make it undrinkable.

In cosmetics, it is used for:

• Fast drying
• Enhanced penetration
• A lightweight, non-greasy feel
• Solubilizing perfumes

It evaporates quickly and leaves a clean, refreshing finish.

🔹 Why Formulators Use Denatured Alcohol

1. Fast-Drying, Lightweight Sensory

Great for:

• Toners
• Serums
• Gel moisturizers
• Hair styling sprays
• Makeup settings sprays
• It gives products a non-sticky, clean, matte feel.

2. Enhances Penetration

Helps carry:

• Actives
• Botanical extracts
• Essential oils
• Vitamins
• Allows faster absorption into the skin.

3. Powerful Solvent

Dissolves and stabilizes:

• Resins
• Polymers
• Some sunscreens
• Some preservatives
• Fragrance compounds

Used in:

• Perfumes
• Reed diffusers
• Astringents
• Aerosols
• Hand sanitizers

4. Antimicrobial Activity

At 60–80% it works as a disinfectant.

Useful for:

• Hand sanitizers
• Acne toners (in small amounts)

🔹 Formulation Considerations

✔ Evaporation

• Evaporates quickly → cooling effect
• Helps products dry fast
• Can increase formula instability if used too high without film formers

✔ Skin Sensitivity

High levels may:

• Dry the skin
• Irritate sensitive skin
• Disrupt skin barrier
• Use with humectants and soothing agents if >10%.
• Typical Safe Use Levels
• Toners: 1–10%
• Serums: 0–5%
• Makeup setting sprays: 10–30%
• Perfumes: 70–95%
• Hand sanitizers: 60–80%

🔹 Compatibility

Works well with:

• Polymers like PVP, VP/VA
• Gelling agents (carbomer, aminomethyl propanol, HEC)
• Humectants (glycerin, propanediol)
• Fragrances
• Preservatives
• Essences & botanicals

Avoid:

• Very high levels with strong acids (irritation risk)
• High levels in products for sensitive skin

Safety

• Cosmetic-grade denatured alcohol is safe for topical use
• Does not accumulate in skin
• Not carcinogenic
• Does not clog pores
• But overuse can dry or irritate skin, therefore always balance with humectants.