What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 is a form of ethyl alcohol that has been denatured, meaning it has additives that make it unfit for drinking. In this case the denaturants are ammonium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide, in line with regulations outlined in 27 CFR 21. Ethyl alcohol itself is typically derived from the fermentation of plant sugars found in crops like corn, sugarcane or grains. Once produced the pure alcohol is blended with small amounts of the alkaline agents mentioned above to create SD Alcohol 36, preventing misuse as a beverage while preserving its usefulness in cosmetic formulas.
Denatured alcohol found its way into beauty products in the early twentieth century when brands looked for effective yet affordable ways to dissolve active ingredients and speed up drying times. Because the denaturing process does not change alcohol’s quick-evaporating nature, SD Alcohol 36 became a staple in everything from classic hair tonics to modern light-weight serums.
Today you are most likely to see Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 in products where a fast-drying, weightless feel is appreciated. These include facial toners, setting sprays, oil-free moisturizers, gel cleansers, spot treatments for blemish-prone skin, some peel-off masks and even certain hair styling sprays. Its ability to keep formulas clear and stable while evaporating rapidly makes it especially valuable in products designed for oily or combination skin types.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and haircare formulas Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 serves one main purpose:
Solvent: It dissolves a variety of ingredients that might not otherwise blend well, such as botanical extracts, fragrance oils and certain actives. By keeping these components evenly distributed it ensures the product delivers consistent performance with every use. Its quick evaporation also helps the finished product feel light on the skin and cuts down on drying time, a feature welcomed in mists, lotions and makeup primers.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36
Because it evaporates quickly and leaves little residue, Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 tends to suit oily, combination and normal skin that appreciates a lightweight feel. Very dry or easily irritated skin may find repeated exposure too stripping since alcohol can pull water from the surface and compromise the protective barrier if overused. Those with active eczema, compromised skin or severe sensitivity should be cautious for this reason.
The ingredient itself is synthetic and sourced from plant-derived ethanol then denatured with inorganic bases, so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No research shows that topical use of SD Alcohol 36 poses a specific risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women when present in standard cosmetic concentrations. Still, this is not medical advice; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss all skincare products with a healthcare provider to be safe.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 does not make skin more reactive to sunlight so it is not regarded as photosensitising. It also does not interfere with common cosmetic actives such as retinoids, vitamin C or chemical exfoliants, but its rapid evaporation can increase the penetration of other ingredients placed on the skin at the same time which may amplify their effects.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual reactions to topical Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 vary. The points below outline possible but not expected effects when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Dryness – excessive evaporation can draw water from the surface leading to tight or flaky skin
- Stinging or burning – more noticeable on broken, freshly exfoliated or reactive skin
- Redness and irritation – may occur in sensitive individuals especially with frequent use
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergic or irritant dermatitis can develop in those highly reactive to alcohol or the denaturants
- Barrier disruption – overuse can thin the lipid layer making skin more prone to moisture loss and irritation from other actives
- Exacerbation of inflammatory conditions – rosacea, psoriasis or eczema may flare if the ingredient is applied repeatedly at high concentration
If any uncomfortable reaction develops stop use immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 is a volatile liquid that evaporates almost as soon as it touches skin, leaving no oily or waxy residue that could block pores. Because it does not linger on the surface or mix with sebum in a way that forms plugs, it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin since it is very unlikely to contribute to clogged pores.
One point to remember: if used in formulas that also contain heavier oils or silicones, its quick evaporation can pull those ingredients deeper into pores which might indirectly influence breakouts. The overall formulation matters as much as the alcohol itself.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 36 works mainly as a solvent that dissolves actives, fragrances and botanical extracts so they stay evenly spread throughout a cosmetic formula. Its rapid evaporation lightens the texture of sprays, gels and lotions and speeds up dry-down after application.
Thanks to these qualities the ingredient remains common in toners, setting sprays and lightweight serums, especially those aimed at oily or combination skin that appreciate a non-greasy finish. While some brands steer away from high alcohol content to avoid potential dryness, many still rely on SD Alcohol 36 when a quick-drying feel is essential.
Overall it is considered safe for topical use at typical cosmetic levels, though overuse on very dry or sensitive skin may cause irritation. As with any new product perform a simple patch test before full application to make sure your skin tolerates the complete formula.