What Is Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B?
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B is essentially ethanol that has been rendered undrinkable by adding small amounts of fragrance-grade essential oils such as anise, lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus, as regulated under 27 CFR 21. The core molecule is ethyl alcohol, a simple two-carbon alcohol produced by fermenting plant sugars, most often from corn, sugarcane or grain. The added oils slightly alter the scent and flavor so people will not consume it, yet they do not change its performance on the skin.
Denatured alcohol first gained popularity in the early 1900s when governments wanted to tax beverage alcohol but still allow industry to use ethanol in products. By spiking ethanol with non-toxic but unpalatable agents, manufacturers could buy it tax-free and blend it into perfumes and lotions. Over time specific “SD” (specially denatured) formulas like 38-B were created to standardize which essential oils and at what ratios could be used, ensuring consistency for cosmetic chemists worldwide.
Production starts with fermenting a natural sugar source, distilling it to high-purity ethanol, then dosing in one or more of the approved essential oils. The final mixture is filtered and tested to confirm the correct denaturant level. Because the essential oils are aromatic, SD Alcohol 38-B often carries a faint herbal or spicy note that can complement a product’s fragrance profile.
You will most often see Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B in fine fragrances, facial toners, setting sprays, quick-drying hair stylers, spot treatments for blemish-prone skin and lightweight serums where a fast-evaporating feel is desired. It is also common in aftershaves and body mists where a refreshing skin sensation is part of the experience.
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical formulas this ingredient serves one main purpose that drives several performance advantages.
Solvent: Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B dissolves both water-soluble and many oil-soluble ingredients, allowing perfumers and chemists to create clear, stable solutions. By carrying active ingredients into a lightweight base it helps products feel less greasy and dry down quickly, which is especially valuable in sprays, toners and gel serums.
Who Can Use Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B
Normal, combination and oily skin usually have no trouble with products that contain Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B because the ingredient flashes off quickly and leaves little residue. Dry or sensitive skin may find repeated use a bit stripping since alcohol can pull water from the surface and weaken the skin barrier over time. If your skin already feels tight or easily turns red you may prefer formulas that keep the alcohol level low or skip it altogether.
The alcohol itself comes from plant fermentation and the denaturing agents are natural essential oils so the ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived materials are used during production.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally considered safe to use cosmetics that include Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B because only minute amounts remain on the skin and the body rapidly breaks down ethanol. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified doctor to be sure it fits their personal health needs.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity so there is no special need to avoid sun exposure beyond the usual daily SPF recommendation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Dryness – frequent use can pull moisture from the skin surface leading to a tight or flaky feel
- Stinging or burning – freshly exfoliated or broken skin may feel a brief sting upon contact with alcohol
- Redness or irritation – people with a compromised barrier or certain skin disorders can experience mild inflammation
- Sensitization to essential oils – the trace denaturing oils could trigger a reaction in those allergic to specific plant extracts
- Eye discomfort – misting products that overspray into the eyes may cause watering or temporary irritation
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B flashes off the skin almost as soon as it is applied, leaving no oily or waxy residue that could block pores. Because it is a light, volatile liquid rather than a fatty substance, it does not have the physical properties that typically contribute to comedones.
Overall this ingredient is considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, though very dry skin types might find its quick evaporation slightly dehydrating.
One extra note: if a formula pairs high amounts of denatured alcohol with heavy occlusive agents, the overall product could still clog pores even though the alcohol itself does not.
Summary
Alcohol Denat. Sd Alcohol 38-B acts primarily as a solvent that dissolves fragrance oils, botanical extracts and actives so chemists can create clear, fast-drying solutions. Its volatility lets it evaporate rapidly which provides a cooling, weightless feel while also helping other ingredients spread evenly before it disappears.
Thanks to those traits it shows up everywhere from fine perfumes and facial mists to quick-set hair products. Its popularity stays strong because it delivers performance at a low cost and has decades of safe use data backing it.
When used within normal cosmetic levels this ingredient is considered low risk; most concerns revolve around possible dryness for sensitive complexions rather than serious health issues. As with any new skincare product, doing a small patch test first is a smart habit to catch any unlikely irritation early.