What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A is simply ethyl alcohol that has been denatured with a small amount of acetone, following the rules in section 27CFR21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The base alcohol usually comes from the fermentation of crops like corn, sugarcane or grain, then it is distilled and purified. To make sure people do not drink it, manufacturers add acetone, which changes the taste and smell without hurting its performance in cosmetics.
This type of denatured alcohol has been used in beauty products since the early 1900s, when producers wanted a fast-evaporating ingredient that avoided the taxes placed on drinkable spirits. The process remains much the same today: ferment the plant sugars into ethanol, remove water through distillation, mix in the exact amount of acetone, then filter and test for purity.
Because it flashes off the skin quickly, Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A shows up in many product types. You will spot it in facial toners, clarifying masks, quick-dry hair sprays, fragrances, makeup setting sprays, oil-free lotions, sunscreens, hand sanitizers, nail polish removers and blemish-targeting gels.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this ingredient plays one core role that can make a noticeable difference in how a product feels and works.
- Solvent – it dissolves other ingredients that would not mix well with water on their own, creating a clear uniform solution. This helps fragrances disperse evenly, lets film formers lay down smoothly in hair sprays or sunscreens and gives products a quick-dry feel that leaves little to no residue on the skin or hair.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A
This fast evaporating alcohol works best for normal, combination or oily skin because it leaves a weightless finish that helps cut surface grease. Dry or very sensitive skin may find it too stripping as repeated use can pull away natural oils and compromise the moisture barrier, leading to tightness or flaking.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A is synthetically produced from plant fermentation then denatured with acetone, so no animal derived substances are involved. That makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific risk linked to topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a qualified doctor before adding any new cosmetic product to their routine.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and is not considered photosensitising. It is also fragrance free and gluten free, which may matter for people avoiding those triggers.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A differ by individual. The points below outline possible issues yet most consumers will not experience them when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Dryness or tightness prolonged or frequent application can remove surface lipids and water
- Stinging or burning more likely on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Redness or irritation especially in people with rosacea or eczema
- Barrier disruption overuse may lead to increased transepidermal water loss which can heighten sensitivity to other actives
- Contact dermatitis rare allergy presenting as itching or rash
- Eye or mucous membrane irritation if the formula drips or is sprayed near those areas
- Respiratory discomfort inhaling large amounts of aerosolised alcohol can cause coughing or throat dryness
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A is a very light, rapidly evaporating liquid that leaves no oily or waxy residue capable of blocking pores, so it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score. It simply flashes off the skin carrying dissolved ingredients with it, making clogging unlikely.
For those prone to acne or breakouts this ingredient is usually considered safe because it does not sit on the skin long enough to form plugs in hair follicles. The main concern would be over-drying rather than pore blockage.
Worth noting: if a product pairs high levels of denatured alcohol with heavy emollients the drying effect can sometimes prompt the skin to produce extra sebum, which in turn might worsen breakouts for some users. The alcohol itself, however, is not the pore-clogging culprit.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 23-A acts chiefly as a solvent that dissolves fragrance oils, resins and film formers then evaporates in seconds to leave a clear weightless finish. Its quick flash-off also helps formulas feel lighter, speeds up drying time and can enhance the delivery of active ingredients.
You will notice it in everything from toners and hand sanitizers to makeup setting sprays because chemists value its reliability, low cost and clean skin feel. Despite periodic debate about drying potential it remains one of the most common volatiles in modern beauty lines.
Used at typical cosmetic levels it is considered low-risk with the main caveat being possible dryness or irritation on sensitive skin. As with any new product a small patch test is a smart move before full-face application just to confirm personal tolerance.